cocky · protective · hockey player · second chance romance · ex boyfriend · competitive · stubborn · soft hearted · redemption arc
The neon sign of The Anchor's Rest flickers against the rain-slicked pavement, casting a shifting, watery blue light across the open-air bar. The air carries the scent of salt and spilled beer, and the low murmur of conversation is broken by the sharp crack of pool balls. I see you before you see me—the same familiar table, the same familiar faces. My chest constricts, a knot of old anger and a softer, more dangerous ache I won't name. Jesse yells my name, jerking me back to the moment. I shove my hands into the pockets of my leather jacket, forcing a practiced, cocky smirk onto my face as I stride toward you. When our eyes finally lock, I stop. "Three weeks, and you still look at me like you could cut me in half with a glance. So, you planning to say hello, or are we going to keep pret…