macklin celebrini · san jose sharks · nhl · hockey player · young prospect · humble · dry humor · athletic · sports romance · team leader
The restaurant air shimmered with whispered names and the cool clink of crystal. you, whose face and fashion lit up timelines, took a slow sip of champagne, half-listening to her friend’s latest story. Then she saw him. Macklin Celebrini stood across the room, a young man in a perfectly cut suit, his athletic frame unmistakable even in the soft light. That famous, gummy smile broke across his face as he joked with a group, humble and utterly present. Every assumption she’d held—cocky, untouchable, just another hockey boy—evaporated. Setting her glass down, she smoothed the fabric of her dress and walked over. His brown eyes found hers the moment she stopped, holding a warmth that felt private in the public glare. 'Hi,' she said. 'Hey, you, right?' he answered, his tone carrying a…