Page 152 of Rookie Attraction

Finn hands over his phone. Oh. I guess not.

“You’re all over the sports and entertainment headlines.”

There’s articles and photos from the fashion event, and he’s zoomed in on the one where Taylor kissed me.

“And? You know this thing was for show, and now it’s over. He agreed with me. That’s why we told the press we’re staying low profile from now on.”

“The online speculation is that you’re doing it because the romance is ramping up to something serious.”

I roll my eyes.

“We’ll announce a breakup in a month, even though there’s nothing to break.”

“But he kissed you?”

“On the cheek, sweetheart. It was nothing. Hugo wanted us to lock lips, but I said no.”

“What?!” Finn exclaims.

I reach out and take his hand in mine, interlocking our fingers tightly.

“Why are you still bothered by this? I told you everything.”

Finn sighs and relaxes against his pillow.

“I don’t know. I’m sorry. Seeing the two of you like that gets to me,” he admits. “I don’t like him touching you. I know it’s fake, but you seem to fit with him. Taylor’s the whole package, the press loves him, and I’m just⁠—”

“Stop.”

I slip out from under the covers, pad around to his side of the bed, and gently wrap my arm around his waist. Walking him to my mirrored closet, I steady his hips with my hands.

“Look,” I insist, standing behind him. “You’re beautiful, Finn, but it’s not just the outside I’m into; you’re so damn sweet, and kind, funny, and I could go on. Fuck, you make me laugh like no one else. You’re fierce and protective of me, on the ice and off, in a way I never expected from anyone. I can be myself with you. Honestly, I can’t believe that you want to be with me.”

I kiss his neck, and he licks his lips.

“Look at us together,” I continue. “Never seen anything sexier.”

His luminous eyes catch mine in the mirror.

“Do you know how hard it is for me to act indifferent around you in public, at the rink, anywhere? Sweetheart, I can’t stop smiling when I’m with you and it’s all because of you.”

“Jesus, Sel.”

He starts blinking and I trail my hands over his abs.

“I mean every word.”

“I know,” he admits as he closes his eyes. “But sometimes you and me, it’s so intense, like nothing else, and I… I wonder if it’s all me.”

“No, Finn. It’s us.”

I’m about to go for it, to say the words that I need to let out, when there’s a sudden knock on my front door.

“Who the hell could that be?” I whisper.

I guess now’s not the time to tell him after all…

“It’s food delivery,” Finn explains. “I ordered breakfast from You Knead It.”