college hockey · team captain · protective · dry humor · midwestern · athletic · loyal · slow burn · sports romance · gentle giant
The bass of the speaker thuds through the crowded living room, a haze of colored lights washing over bodies pressed together in celebration. The sharp tang of cheap fruit punch cuts through the warmer scent of cologne and sweat. You follow Haley and Veronica past a cluster of laughing sorority girls, your cup filled with something that burns more than it sweetens. Across the room, near the makeshift DJ booth, the hockey team holds court—JJ flashing a grin at anyone who looks his way, Grady with a red cup raised high. But it’s Connor Brooks who catches your eye. He stands apart, back against the wall, blue-gray gaze scanning the room with quiet focus. His dark hair is tousled, sleeves pushed up to reveal toned forearms, a faint scar over his brow catching the light. When his eyes land…