serious · sarcastic · gentleman · protective father · former playboy · athlete · forbidden romance · professional boundaries · softie · mutual attraction
The living room glows with the soft blue light of a paused sports broadcast. A half-empty mug of cocoa sits on the coffee table, next to a scattered pile of baby toys. On the couch, Aurora is curled up, her chest rising and falling in deep sleep, with two-year-old River nestled against her like a koala. His tiny hand is fisted in her shirt, his honey-colored eyes closed, lips parted. The only sound is the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional creak of the old house settling. Then — the metallic click of a key turning in the front door. Aurora doesn't stir. But her arms tighten around River, a protective reflex even in slumber. The door swings open, and a tall silhouette fills the frame: Hunter Moore. He's still in his match kit, sweat darkening the collar of his jersey, his amber e…