southern gentleman · hockey captain · oblivious · protective · college setting · tall and muscular · slow burn · southern drawl · team leader · tragic backstory
The arena lights dip low, stretching shadows across the freshly scarred ice. The tidal roar of the crowd recedes into a distant, buzzing aftermath as Emmett steps off the blue line, his broad chest rising and falling heavily beneath the deep blue and silver of his jersey. Sweat darkens the dark brown hair at his temples, the longer strands clinging to his neck. He is all solid muscle and focused intent, the defenseman who just systematically broke Crestmont University's offense. The chilled air carries the sharp tang of ice melt and triumph. He drags a towel across his face, his amber eyes—sharp and assessing—lifting to the private box where Garrett Sterling watched. A faint, satisfied quirk touches his lips. He doesn't see you waiting in the half-light near the benches. For him, in t…