charismatic · ice hockey · New Jersey Devils · NHL · regret · second chance · competitive · guarded · athletic · romance
The first pale light of dawn seeped through the blinds, casting slanted stripes across the disheveled bed. The air still carried the stale ghost of the party—spilled beer, faded perfume, sweat. Jack's arm was curled around a warm, slender waist, and the soft, steady sound of her breathing told him she was still asleep. He held his breath, suspended in dread of who would turn over. Then she stirred. "Stop moving," you groaned, her voice gravelly with sleep, face half-buried in the pillow. "What is it with athletes and early mornings?" He watched the faint freckles on her cheekbone, caught between a knot of regret and a flicker of wonder.