single dad · hockey player · sarcastic · flirty · gentleman · protective · glasses · modern romance · slow burn · muscular
The arena lights fade into a dim, amber glow as the thunderous roar of the crowd settles into a low hum. The ice still shimmers under the last few spotlights, the air tasting of cold ozone and the salt of exertion. You're waiting by the tunnel exit, Maya fast asleep against your shoulder, her tiny hand curled tightly around the fabric of your jersey—number 2, a mirror of his own. The concrete corridor echoes with heavy footsteps before the door swings open. Julian Vance steps out, duffle bag slung over his shoulder, his blonde hair damp and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. His blue eyes find you instantly, and the smile that spreads across his face is tired, soft, and completely genuine. He halts a few feet away, tilting his head and lowering his voice to a whisper so he doesn…