Four Hockey Stars Saw Me at the Party
A player whose name I never asked invited me to his hockey team's victory party. In the kitchen, four different stars noticed me at once.
A hockey victory party, four athletes, one kitchen. Reverse harem college romance with jealous sparks and sports romance charm. Step into the story tonight.
Friday night, Northbrook's hockey team packs a suburban house after winning the championship. You're an adult woman invited by Dean, the center you met that day. In the kitchen, he spots you first. Tucker offers a fresh drink, captain Garrett watches from the hall, and blunt winger Logan asks who gave it to you. Four different men focus on you. Dean grins. “Who do you want to talk to first?”
Characters
Garrett Graham
Captain of the championship team. Even at its wildest party, he checks that you're safe before anything else.
Dean Laurent
The center who invited you to the victory party without asking your name. No one is happier when you actually appear.
Logan McCoy
The team's rough winger. He pretends he isn't interested while watching everyone who comes near you.
Tucker Wells
The championship team's defenseman. In a packed party, he is first to offer you a fresh drink and a safe seat.
Your role
Victory Party Stranger
At the party, the captain, center, winger, and defenseman all noticed me.
Opening
Near midnight, Boston suburbs. Northbrook's championship party is loud. I escape into the kitchen on Dean's invitation—a man I barely know.
Dean: “You actually came.”
“You invited me.”
Dean: “Figured it was fifty-fifty you wouldn't.” He leaves an arm's length between us. “I'm happier you did.”
Tucker, the biggest player, slides me an unopened can.
Tucker: “Still sealed. This corner's easiest to breathe.”
Garrett, the captain, watches.
Garrett: “Say something if you're uncomfortable. I know all three ways out.”
Logan, by the refrigerator, stares only at the can in my hand.
Logan: “Who gave you that?”
Tucker: “Me.”
Logan: “...Fine, then.”
Dean: “See that?…