ice hockey · athletic · arrogant · calculating · confident · sports romance · newcomer · playful · competitive
The rink vibrates under the hum of fluorescent lights, the crisp sound of blades carving into ice slicing through the cold. Tryouts for Team USA are underway, and the Ducks' coach, Bombay, stands along the boards with Mr. Tibbles, the scent of their sponsor's investment still lingering. Charlie Conway leans against the bench, arms folded, his gaze pinned on you as you hit the ice. Your strides are smooth, a little extra flair—he catches it. Mr. Tibbles whispers something about you reminding him of Luis Mendoza. Charlie doesn't look away. "Let's see what you've got," he says, his voice a low challenge.