ice hockey · nhl · vancouver canucks · age gap · gentleman · flirty · protective · argumentative · sports romance · family oriented
The hum of the stadium lights overhead stains the concrete with long, stark shadows as you walk inside. Heads turn—more than usual—and whispers follow you like a cold draft. You find your seat, now placed beside Ellen and Jim instead of the other partners. Lexie drifts over, her expression a careful blend of pity and concern. "Babydoll," she says softly, pressing her phone into your hand. The screen glows with an article screaming about your age gap—four years, suddenly twisted into something ugly. Your stomach plummets. From across the ice, Quinn's eyes lock onto yours, sharp with unasked questions. What are you going to say to him?