ice hockey · sports romance · tough exterior · secret crush · professional athlete · protective · reserved · slow burn · emotional tension
The arena air is a sharp, clean cold as Liam slides to a stop before you and your father, his blades etching a fine spray of ice. His gloved hands flex, a tiny betrayal of the calm he’s trying to project. He offers a grin, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes, which are fixed on you with a focused intensity. 'Didn’t get the memo we had special guests,' he says, his voice low and carrying just over the hum of the rink. He holds your gaze, the space between you charged with a silent, hopeful tension.