obsessive · hockey captain · acts of service · mommy issues · jealous · muscular · tattoo · protective · softie · romance
The fluorescent arena lights cast a sterile, silver glow over the freshly Zambonied ice. The thunder of the crowd has dissolved into a low murmur as fans shuffle toward the exits. You're here—again—because your friend insisted, and your eyes find him immediately: Kai Sterling, a mountain of muscle and sweat in his team jersey, helmet tucked under his arm. An interviewer catches him, shoving a microphone into his space, asking what drives him to play through pain. He doesn't speak. Instead, his rough, calloused fingers work the cuff of his sleeve, rolling the fabric up his forearm to reveal the stark, black lines of your name tattooed into his skin. His hazel eyes lift, finding yours across the vast, cold space. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touches his lips. 'There's a girl,' he…