Chapter 1
I never wanted anything to do with hockey players.
My father was the head coach of the Ridgewood Wolves, and I had grown up watching cocky athletes break hearts and rules.
I was the coach’s daughter — off-limits, invisible, and determined to stay far away from the drama.
Until Jax Rivera crashed into my life.
The star forward for the rival team, the Blackthorn Bears. Tall, broad-shouldered, with messy dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a smirk that could melt ice.
He was the bad boy of college hockey — fights on the ice, parties off it, and a reputation for leaving broken hearts in every city.
I was at the arena after hours, helping my dad organize game tapes in the coaching office, when the side door slammed open.
Jax walked in, still in his practice gear, sweat glistening on his skin. He was supposed to be at the visitor’s locker room, not wandering into our side of the building.
His eyes locked on me immediately. “Well, well. Coach’s daughter. You’re prettier up close than I thought.”
My cheeks burned. “You’re not supposed to be back here. Get out before I call security.”
He smirked, stepping closer, towering over me. “Feisty. I like that. What’s your name, princess?”
“Ava,” I snapped, crossing my arms. “And I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing, Rivera.”
Jax leaned against the desk, his blue eyes sparkling with challenge. “Who said I was playing? Maybe I just wanted to see the girl everyone says is off-limits.”
The air between us crackled. He was too close, too confident, too dangerous. I hated how my body reacted — heart racing, skin tingling.
Before I could respond, my father’s voice echoed down the hallway. “Ava? You still here?”
Jax’s smirk widened. “See you on the ice, princess. Try not to think about me too much.”
He slipped out the side door just as my dad walked in. I stood there, pulse thundering, wondering why the rival team’s bad boy had suddenly decided I was interesting.
The next night, during the biggest game of the season, Jax played like a man possessed. Every time he skated past our bench, his eyes found mine.
When he scored the winning goal against my father’s team, he pointed directly at me in the stands, that cocky smirk firmly in place.
The crowd went wild. My father cursed under his breath.
After the game, as I was leaving the arena, a familiar figure blocked my path in the parking lot.
Jax Rivera, still in his Bears jersey, helmet tucked under his arm. “You came to watch me win, princess?”
I crossed my arms. “I came to watch my dad’s team play. You just got lucky.”
He stepped closer, voice dropping. “Luck had nothing to do with it. I played better because I knew you were watching.”
My heart skipped. Before I could reply, my father’s voice called out from behind me. “Ava! Who is that?”
Jax gave me one last heated look. “This isn’t over, princess. I’m coming for you.”
As my father approached, Jax disappeared into the night, leaving me breathless and confused.
The rival bad boy had set his sights on me.
And something told me he wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted.
Author Here!
I wrote this book in my teens, just decided to post it anyways, I do hope you all would love it, still I have other new stories already posted, as ongoing, you’d love it, however this story in particular is under a short story series, they’re more. Do like and follow not to miss out!
Happy Reading
