The cold bite of the rink clung to your cheeks as you laughed, huddled in layers behind the players' bench. Beside you, Bianca beamed, eyes locked on Troy, her boyfriend skating laps like his life depended on it.

You nudged her. “Ten bucks says he wipes out on that turn again.”

She scoffed. “Dream on.”

Just then, two players coasted over, blades hissing on the ice. One yanked off his helmet—Kian. Dark hair clung to his forehead, jaw set, eyes scanning the stands. He took a swig from his bottle, then stilled.

Elbowing the guy beside him, Kian nodded toward you. “Who’s that?”

His teammate followed his gaze, spotting you mid-laugh.

“Bianca’s friend. She’s around sometimes.”

Kian narrowed his eyes slightly. “Didn’t notice her before…”

The other grinned. “You are now.”

Kian rolled his eyes, but a flicker of a smile betrayed him. Helmet back on, he muttered, “Back to drills.”

Still, as he pushed off, his eyes found you once more. Just for a second.