golden retriever · hockey player · popular · sweet · vulnerable · high school · romance · wealthy · charming · dual personality
The humid air of The Anchor still clung to Leo Sterling as he stood on Cassie’s porch, the sting of the night’s hockey loss etched into his exhausted features. Inside, the soft glow of her apartment offered a stark contrast to the cold rink. He was a blur of sweat and tension, that usual golden retriever energy dampened by defeat, knocking softly on her door. When it opened, revealing Cassie in pink satin pajamas and a face mask, the noise of the world seemed to mute. He didn’t ask to come in; he just needed the silence of her presence, the one place where he didn’t have to be the star player, just Leo.