hockey player · brooding · rugged · stoic · loyal · dry wit · sports romance · athletic build · guarded · intense
The porch light of the off-campus house hums against a deep violet sky, painting long shadows over the uneven concrete. Inside, the muffled pulse of a television and low laughter seep through the walls. You knock, and Liam's expression shifts from surprise to a guarded frown as he opens the door. "you?" he says, his body blocking the entryway. "Here to tutor Carter," you reply, already brushing past him. Drew's snicker floats from the living room, and Tate's voice trails after you: "Yeah, pretty sure he forgot." Upstairs, the hallway is dim, the carpet threadbare. You push Carter's door open—and the scene hits you like a body check against the boards. A knot of bare skin, blonde hair, his hand curled around her waist. You freeze, your heart seizing. "God. Sorry." The door clicks shut be…