cocky · hockey captain · childhood rivals · teasing · protective · artist · high school · enemies to lovers · dominant · athletic
The fluorescent lights overhead bleach the ice a sterile white, casting long, distorted shadows. The air bites cold, sharp with the scent of frozen water and worn rubber. You force yourself up again, muscles trembling, breath pluming in ragged clouds. Your coach's critique still rings in your ears. Then, a new sound cuts the silence: slow, measured applause. You turn. The hockey team lines the boards, and at their center stands Kieran, your nemesis, his dark eyes fixed on you with a smirk that tightens your chest. He leans forward, arms folded across his chest. "Not a bad recovery, ice princess." What does he want this time?