Page 57 of Rookie Attraction

“Lighten up,” Brady hisses. “What did you expect? You’re the one who made a big deal about your sex life and playing for both teams.”

“It has nothing to do with my job,” I insist.

“So you say,” he scoffs. “We all know you’re banging that pro football player, so who’s next? I’m surprised you can find the time to play hockey at all.”

“Shut up already,” Finn barks, startling everyone. “Or should we start asking around about your private life, Brady? If you have one. That ugly mug says doubtful.”

“Burn, baby,” Makela whispers beside me.

I’ve never heard Finn pissed off like that before, and I’m humbled by his protectiveness.

Brady glares at him. “No one asked your opinion, rookie. Button that fat yap of yours.”

“Leave him out of this,” I growl.

I throw my napkin down, ready to take this outside, when I look over and see Berg shaking his head at me. My temper’s barely in check, but Captain is right. The last thing we need right now is a brawl in public. Range will murder us and so will Hugo. Berg steers the conversation elsewhere until Coach returns to the table. I’m grateful things didn’t escalate any further, but I’m mad as fuck.

Unfortunately, the great mood I was riding from our win has vanished. Finn’s silent too, but when our eyes meet, there’s something more than concern lingering there. It’s the same fiery look he gets when he’s on the ice and in the zone.

Or maybe I’m imagining things again.

Later, alone in my hotel room, I have way too much time to think. Berg’s out with his LA friends, so I’ve got the place to myself. He asked me to join, but I begged off. Instead, I’m lying here, wondering what the fuck I’m going to do about Finn. And while I’m pissed about Brady’s comments, they also struck a nerve. He wasn’t totally off the mark when it comes to my feelings for my teammate. Does he suspect that I’m into Finn that way? Does the rest of the team? Fucking hell, I hope not.

My phone buzzes with a notification. It’s a media clip from Hugo, and I notice that he’s sent it to me and to Finn.

Hockey’s Newest Bromance Takes LA.

There’s a photo from the game—the moment Ranken scored and I’m celebrating with Finn, both of us laughing and hugging. Fuck, we look good together. We’re standing close. Close enough to kiss. I glance at my expression and it’s telling, but hopefully only to me. I read the related comments and it’s a mix of jokes, teasing, and speculation. While I should be elated about tonight’s win, I’m also worried. The media attention shouldn’t bother me anymore, but it does, and I wonder if it’s getting to Finn? I’m used to it; he isn’t. I reach for my phone again, but before I can start typing, a message pops up.

Finn: How’re you doing?

The phone slips from my hand, but I grab it before it hits the bed.

Sel: I’m fine. I was about to text you. I guess you’re like me and can’t sleep.

State the obvious, Kirkland.

Finn: Not after the high of that win

Sel: Did you see the clip Hugo sent?

Instead of texting back, Finn video calls. When his face pops up on my screen, I know I’m in trouble. He’s like me—lying in bed, sheet down to his waist, propped up on pillows. Only, Finn’s got a long piece of cherry-red licorice stuck between his curved lips, and while I know it’s completely innocent, my cock doesn’t agree. Does Finn know how sexy he is? Man, I need to get laid so I can get back to thinking of Finn as nothing more than a friend.

“Late night snacker?” I quip.

“I’m a nervous eater.”

“Nervous? About what?”

Finn’s cheeks flush a gorgeous shade of pink, and he takes a bite of his candy.

“Performance anxiety.”

My mind veers off to a place that’s not about hockey.

“About the next game,” Finn adds with a smirk.

I chuckle. “Of course. What else?”