Page 18 of Rookie Attraction

“One more incident and you can leave for the day. We have very little time before the season starts and there’s no room for slacking off,” Range snaps and points down the ice. “Tullmore, Kuznetsov, get over here!”

“Yes, Coach,” they reply in unison and join our group.

“Kirkland and Baran, you’re up with Tull and Kuz. Don’t disappoint me,” Range commands.

Finn and I manage to salvage some of our pride, because practicing with Tullmore and Kuznetsov is a whole different game. Things click, I’m back into my groove, and I’m having fun. Finally. I feel it, and judging by the grin on Finn’s face, he does too.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Range states. “Good work, guys.”

Silence falls over the rink as Coach skates off to the boards, followed by Brady and St. Clare. Finn sidles up to me and offers a water bottle, which I gratefully accept.

“Thanks.”

“What the fuck is going on with them?” Finn whispers.

“I don’t know. It’s a rough patch,” I say and then take a big gulp of water. “It’ll pass.”

“It better,” Finn snaps. “Brady and St. Clare acted like idiots. They’re jealous because you’re a way better d-man.”

“I don’t think jealousy’s the issue.”

Not after Brady’s earlier comment about me causing drama.

“Whatever it is, they need to get over it,” he continues. “I’m lucky to play with you. We’re all lucky you’re on this team. They could learn a lot from you.”

Berg drifts by and taps my shoulder.

“Finn’s right. Don’t let what happened get to you. I’ll talk to Brady and St. Clare.”

Fuck, I don’t know if that’ll help the situation, but I’m not looking forward to this tension bleeding into an actual game. Maybe I should invite all the guys out for dinner or something? Would that help? Then again, what if they say no? Fuck, I’ve never been so indecisive in my life. I save the dinner idea for another time. Rejection’s the last thing I need right now.

After washing up and changing back into my Rush sweats, I make my way out of the rink and down into the underground parking lot. With every step, I feel myself return to calm. Only, when I step up to my silver Audi, my baby, and reach into my pocket, I can’t find my car fob. Crap, where did I put it? Panic sets in. What the fuck is next?

“Sel!”

It’s Finn and he’s jogging toward me.

“I’ve been chasing after you since the elevator,” he calls out. “You dropped this in the locker room.”

He holds up my fob.

“Thanks. I was about to backtrack my steps.”

Finn steps up to me. “What are you up to?”

“Home and takeout. You?”

“Same… only… you think maybe we could have dinner together? I mean, after today’s practice I have a shit ton of questions. I thought maybe we could review defensive strategies. I’m already anxious for our first game next week.”

“That’s totally normal.”

I glance at his earnest face, and I know I’m fucked. If the rookie wants my help, I’m not going to turn him away. Finn places the fob in my hand and I quickly unlock the doors.

“We’ll study at mine,” I offer. “Hop in.”

“Awesome.”

Sliding inside, I settle into the plush seat, start the car, and wait for Finn to do the same.