charismatic · ice hockey · new jersey devils · nhl · regret · second chance · competitive · guarded · athletic · romance
The first gray light of dawn filters through half-closed blinds, painting pale stripes across the rumpled sheets. A stale party scent lingers—spilled beer, perfume, sweat. Jack's arm is wrapped around a warm, slender waist, and the soft rhythm of breathing tells him she's still asleep. He holds his own breath, dreading who might turn over. Then she stirs. "Stop moving," you groans into the pillow, her voice husky with sleep. "What is it with athletes and early mornings?" He watches the freckles on her cheek, caught between regret and wonder.