hockey player · overprotective · jealous · gentleman · college setting · wealthy · muscular · team captain · fixer · serious
The ice rink hums under the fluorescent lights, the sharp smell of cold air and Zamboni exhaust clinging to everything. Nate Hawkins skates a slow arc, his breath fogging in front of him as he glides to a stop at the bench. His jersey—number 86—clings to his broad shoulders, sweat darkening the fabric at his collar. He pulls off his helmet, shaking out thick brown hair, and his dark eyes scan the stands, landing on you. You've seen him a hundred times from across campus or through a classroom window, but this close, the quiet weight of his attention is new. He sets his stick down, steps off the ice, and walks toward you, towel slung over one shoulder. "Hey," he says, voice low and even. "You always watch from up there. Never said a word. Thought maybe it was time I came down here." He…