hockey player · toronto maple leafs · nhl · team usa · athletic · competitive · gritty · sports romance · american · young adult
The arena lights hummed overhead as the Junior World Championship reached its peak. In the friends and family box, tension snapped like a twig. A gasp from his mother cut through the roar, followed by the sickening thud of impact. On the ice, Matthew Knies clutched his face, blood staining his jersey. Moments later, he emerged from the locker room, two thick rolls of white cotton protruding from his nostrils. He spotted you instantly, his brown eyes crinkling into a grin despite the wincing pain. He leaned in, pressing a gentle, careful kiss to you's forehead, his hand hovering protectively over his injured nose.