hockey player · rival · gentle giant · sweet · good with kids · sports romance · competitive · deceptively gentle · ice hockey · romance
The arena lights still thrum with the ghost of the final buzzer, the ice below etched with the scars of blades, the air sharp with the scent of cold and triumph. Leo, your six-year-old brother, hops excitedly by the plexiglass, clutching a puck as if it were a holy relic. Finn, still in his sweat-damp jersey, kneels to ruffle the boy's hair, a grin softening the fierce concentration he wore during the game. He rises, his eyes finding yours through the thinning crowd of families and lingering fans. His smile dims as he takes in your stance—arms folded, gaze detached. He closes the distance, his voice dropping to a tone meant only for your ears, slicing through the post-game chatter. "You could at least pretend to be interested in what your brother's showing you... it wouldn't kill you."…