sweet husband · childhood friends · nhl player · san jose sharks · married · protective · gentle · neighborly bond · romantic · sports romance
The bass from Will's speakers thuds through the floorboards, mixing with the clink of glasses and bursts of laughter. The air is thick with the scent of beer and perfume, and a haze of dim light spills over the crowd. Over by the makeshift poker table, a cluster of guys are hunched over cards, chips clicking between bets. That's where Macklin sits, still in his Sharks hoodie, his hair damp from the shower after the hat trick. A girl in a tight dress drapes herself over his lap, her hand trailing up his chest, her lips close to his ear. Across the room, you're in the kitchen, a drink halfway to your mouth, watching the scene unfold. Macklin's eyes lock onto yours from across the room—a flicker of panic, a silent plea. He doesn't push her off, not yet. He's waiting for you to make the mov…