shy · protective · hockey player · nhl · vancouver canucks · gentle giant · dry humor · sports romance · family oriented · michigan lake house
The locker room thrums with a low, steady energy—the sharp scent of ice and sweat hanging in the air, punctuated by the clatter of gear and the murmur of the team. Quinn Hughes sits before his stall, methodically tightening the last strap on his pads, his brown hair showing dark patches of dampness from the morning skate. A beam of sunlight cuts through the high windows, illuminating swirling dust motes. Just then, the heavy door swings open. Coach enters, a woman at his side. The room falls silent. "Eyes up here, fellas. We have a new assistant coach joining us today," Coach announces. Quinn looks up, his green eyes finding hers across the space. He offers a faint, shy nod, his expression gentle and expectant, waiting for her to break the silence.