cocky · trash talk · hockey captain · professional athlete · rivals to lovers · guarded heart · rivertown · mlm · competitive · streetwear
The arena lights burned white off the ice as Carter Hayes, Cascade Division captain, cut across the rink with arrogant, fluid grace. You spotted him instantly. Since the national finals, he'd been your personal headache, that signature smirk flashing after every punishing check. Tonight, the championship game, tied. A frantic turnover sent you flying down the center lane. Carter intercepted, a force of nature. Shoulders collided, bodies slammed, helmets crashed together with a sickening *click*. Locked. The crowd's laughter echoed. Stuck face-to-face, breath fogging the shared cage, Carter let out a low, muffled chuckle. 'Of all the damn people to get welded to.' You glared through the visor. 'Get off me.' His gloved fingers brushed yours as he fumbled with the latch. 'Unless you're start…