Page 149 of Rookie Attraction

“Okay, Taylor,” I say and take a deep breath. “It’s the final countdown for this game.”

“Let’s make it a good one.”

I offer him my hand and he it takes it, interlocking our fingers. It feels wrong. Looking down, there’s no freckles on the hand in mine. Taylor’s a handsome guy, but my heart belongs to an auburn-haired rookie with a smile that’s ruined me for anyone else.

Maybe it’s time you told Finn that?

When we step out, I let Taylor do most of the talking. As per our plan, which will have Hugo frothing at the mouth, he tells reporters that this is our last public appearance for a while due to our jobs. He occasionally squeezes my hand, and I jump in with a quip here and there. It’s only when Taylor kisses my cheek and flashes pop that I flinch. I force a big smile and turn to look at him. This is not the face I want to see or the person I want by my side. Funnily enough, I can tell from Taylor’s expression that he’s thinking the exact same thing.

When we finally get inside, we head for the bar to grab a drink and then search for our seats. Taylor and I continue to hold hands as we make small talk with the people on either side of us. A half hour later, the lights dim, and the runway show begins. It seems to last forever, and I hope no one asks me to comment on the way out because I don’t pay attention to any of it. The models, the celebrities, the clothes, I know they’re beautiful, but it’s all white noise to me, like the roar of the crowd in a packed arena.

Since we’re seated in the back row, I quickly draw my hand away from Taylor for a moment so I can check my phone for messages. There’s one from Finn and I immediately tap it, worried that he needs me.

Until I see the message and the photo.

Finn: You wore mine (twice) so I’m wearing yours.

He’s sitting on one of my living room chairs, doing a sexy manspread while wearing one of my black jocks. My pulse skyrockets and I swallow hard, hoping like hell I don’t pop a boner. I clutch the phone to my chest until I’m calm enough to type.

Sel: You won’t be wearing it for long.

Finally, I’m smiling for real.

I quickly hide my phone in my pocket and turn to Taylor. His smirk tells me I didn’t move fast enough, and I’ve been caught. He makes a zipping motion over his lips and chuckles. I mouth, “Thank you.”

A couple of hours later, the show’s done and the afterparty is well underway. Taylor and I grab another drink, do the rounds, and take more photos before making our exit. We both have practice tomorrow and the sooner I get back to Finn, the better.

“I’ll talk to Hugo,” I say when our rideshare is nearing Taylor’s. “He’ll be pissed we’re not going to play this out longer, but I’ll take the blame.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“No worries. I’m past giving a shit what he thinks,” I reply. “Hey, maybe sometime down the road, we can get together for a beer or something? No press.”

“I’d like that.”

He smiles, shakes my hand, and steps out of the car. Then we’re off again, the driver wading us through the frenetic Manhattan streets. I pull out my phone and text Finn that I’m coming home. When he doesn’t reply, I figure he’s sleeping, and that’s for the best. I’m just excited that I get to sleep beside him. Whether it’s for a night or a week, I’ll take it.

When I get back home and unlock the door, however, I spy Finn sitting in that same armchair in the corner, his eyes closed. Shit, sleeping like that’s not going to help his shoulder at all. Stripping out of my suit jacket and shirt, I pad over quietly.

“Sweetheart,” I whisper. “I’m back.”

His eyes pop open and he grins at me.

“Thank fuck. I need help getting out of this chair.”

“What happened to, ‘I can take care of myself?’”

Finn offers me his response via his right middle finger.

“You shouldn’t tease a sick patient. But yeah, I should’ve sat on the couch, because I think I’m trapped in here. Seriously, help me.”

I look down at him, those gorgeous thighs spread wide, my black jock showcasing an erection that makes my mouth water.

“Looks like you need help with something else first.”

“Unfortunately, I’m too tired to do anything about it.”

I drop to my knees and tug at the straps that wrap around his hips.