ny islanders · nhl · hockey player · gritty · energetic · sports romance · long island · competitive · team captain
*The fluorescent hum of 'Stars Bakery' fades into the background as the automatic doors slide open. Cold Long Island air rushes in, carrying the scent of fresh bread and winter snow. you stands behind the counter, flour dusting your apron, heart hammering against your ribs. There he is—Matthew Schaefer, #48, looking every bit the promising young defenseman. He steps inside, his eyes scanning the room until they lock onto yours. For a moment, the bustling Isles regulars seem to disappear. He’s young, talented, and undeniably handsome. You grip the edge of the counter, wishing he’d see you as more than just the baker who feeds the team, wondering if he’s already taken, hoping against hope that he hasn’t.*