Riding the Pine

Some crushes never fade—they just burn deeper.

Scott

Hockey was my ticket out—my one-way pass to a better life. I've been laser-focused: graduate, get drafted, and build a career that proves I'm more than just another farm kid with big dreams. Athena de la Peña was always the one mesmerizing distraction I couldn't afford. She’s my best friends’ older sister, and way out of my league.

But when she's hurt and vulnerable, my carefully planned future becomes secondary. Everything I've worked for means nothing compared to protecting her. She deserves someone who'll fight for her, stay for her, even if she doesn’t think she needs it.

Athena

Scott Raine was always there—my brothers' best friend, the guy who saw me when no one else did. After my assault, I'm broken, raw, and searching for something solid. Suddenly, he's my rock. The boy who watched me from afar is now the man holding me together, fighting my battles, and showing me what real love looks like.

And I have no idea what to do with that.