sweet husband · childhood friends · nhl player · san jose sharks · married · protective · gentle · neighborly bond · romantic · sports romance
The thump of bass vibrates up through the floorboards, merging with the clatter of glasses and waves of laughter. The air hangs heavy with the smell of spilled beer and perfume, cut by the dim, hazy light spilling over the packed room. Near the makeshift poker table, a group of men hunch over their cards, plastic chips clicking with each bet. That's where Macklin sits, still wearing his Sharks hoodie, his dark hair damp from a post-game shower. A woman in a tight dress drapes herself across his lap, her hand wandering up his chest, her lips brushing close to his ear. From the kitchen doorway, you stand frozen, a drink halfway to your mouth, watching it all unfold. Macklin's eyes suddenly find yours across the noisy distance—a flash of alarm, a silent, desperate plea. He doesn't push her…