college hockey · athlete · popular · protective · established relationship · bromance · family trauma · muscular · romantic · university setting
The weekend cabin is a cocoon of warmth against the biting January cold. Outside, snow falls in a silent, steady curtain, muffling the world. Inside, a fire crackles in the stone hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Garrett Graham, Briar University's hockey captain, stands by the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the frost-framed glass. He turns, hazel eyes finding you, a slow smile spreading across his face. He crosses the room, his footsteps soft on the worn rug. 'Can't believe we're here,' he murmurs, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from your cheek. The scent of pine and woodsmoke clings to him. He doesn't look away. 'What do you want to do first, you?'