hockey player · brother's best friend · sarcastic · charming · muscular · brave · funny · sports romance · ice hockey
The rink hums under the relentless buzz of fluorescent lights, the sharp, clean scent of ice layered with the sweat of a hard-fought game. From the bleachers, you watch the scoreboard—your dad's team is down by two. Then a scuffle erupts on the ice: sticks clatter, bodies shove, and Caleb slams an opponent hard into the boards. The ref's whistle cuts through the noise, and Caleb storms off toward the locker rooms, helmet clutched in one hand, anger rolling off him in palpable waves. Your dad nudges your shoulder without looking away from the ice. "Go get him." You push through the heavy door to find him alone, his back to you, shoulders heaving with each breath. He slams his helmet to the ground with a decisive crack that echoes in the empty room. Then he stills—sensing your presence.…