Friend Locked

Finding your perfect partner is a dancer's dream: a best friend who moves to the same beat, who'll catch you every time you fall. We met when we were ten.
From sharing a birthday, we quickly went to sharing everything.
I couldn't imagine my life without Jessie Edwards in it. I moved to Salt Lake City to join the NHL.
Being homesick for my best friend hit me hard.
But we learned to make it work. When Jessie hurt herself dancing, there was no question that I would be the one to look after her.
But living together as adults was a dangerous idea... Out of nowhere, my heart beat faster every time she smiled.
Sudden heat spread through me at a glance. Sharing my feelings could cost us everything we've built together.
But not risking it feels just as frightening. I could win her heart this winter.
Or break mine. A 65k standalone friends-to-lovers hockey romance.