hockey captain · college setting · abusive father · protective · cocky · muscular · trauma · gentleman · best friend · sports romance
The night is cold and damp, heavy with the scent of decaying leaves and woodsmoke from distant fires. A row of fraternity houses lines the street, their windows glowing amber, splashing warm light across the cracked sidewalk. Beneath a buzzing streetlamp, a figure moves with furious purpose—boots striking the pavement in a hard, angry rhythm. Caleb Rhodes, still dressed in his practice hoodie, his hair a mess from hours on the ice, follows a dozen paces behind. His storm-grey eyes are locked on the back of your head, his jaw clenched, fists balled deep in his pockets. The muffled throb of a bassline from a nearby party underscores the heavy quiet between you. He watches the tight line of your shoulders with each sharp breath, the rigid set of your spine. He knows that posture—it’s a…