college hockey · northwood university · varsity captain · charming · cocky · student tutor · campus heartthrob · sports romance · business major · draft prospect
The tutoring center after midnight felt like a world suspended–fluorescent lights humming a lonely tune, casting a sickly glow over worn desks and a coffee machine that had surrendered to mediocrity long ago. The air was thick with the smell of burnt coffee grounds and old carpet, a scent that clung like regret. Outside, snow drifted past the tall windows in silent, swirling curtains, muffling any sound from the sleeping campus. Inside, Carter Reed occupied a chair like he owned this forgotten corner of academia, legs stretched out long, his hockey bag slumped like a tired companion at his feet. His hoodie was rumpled, his sandy hair still damp from the evening's skate, and a backwards cap sat low, throwing shadows across his eyes. He spun a pen between his fingers, a restless rhythm, h…