Page 88 of Rookie Attraction

“Finn.”

Without turning around, I pause. I can’t face him, or I’ll embarrass myself.

“Yeah?”

“We’ll talk when we get back home.”

“Is there any point? You told me the truth; it’s complicated. For both of us,” I snap, frustration and desire messing up my head. “See you on the ice tomorrow.”

I leave without looking back, my eyes burning.

Stupid. It’s no big deal. A kiss, two. Done, over. Don’t act like a damn idiot.

It’s been years since I felt excited about someone, but now… I have no choice but to get over him. While continuing to work with him, and traveling, plus I’ll see him around the building…

See, it’s complicated already?

It’s going to be fucking torture to be near Sel and act like nothing’s happened. I’ll need to brush up on my acting skills, if I have any to begin with.

I was prepared for a lot of surprises in my rookie year, but nothing prepared me for this.

Sel

I watch Finn leave, and despite the fact I want to call him back, I know it’s for the best. For him. Rationally, I’m doing the right thing by letting him go, even if every other instinct is screaming at me to hold on. He’s young, with his whole career ahead of him. He doesn’t need this. He doesn’t need me. Or the repercussions if someone found out that we fooled around.

Wired, I head into the living area to watch TV as a distraction. Next thing I know, it’s morning and I’m waking up on the couch, the sunlight hitting my eyes, half my face squished into a throw pillow. I reach for my phone. It’s already noon.

And no messages from Finn.

Not that I expect any.

After showering and scarfing down a protein bar, I head to the hotel gym for a light workout. When I’m done, I shower, order room service, and watch replays of past Toronto games on my phone.

Next thing I know it’s showtime. I change into my custom charcoal herringbone suit and head downstairs to meet the rest of the team in the lobby. Finn’s already there, chatting with Kuz and Makela, smiling and joking like nothing’s out of order. He doesn’t look at me and my stomach dips.

Get over yourself. This is good. Smart.

We can resist this attraction and focus on our job.

Instead of standing around wishing things were different, I make my way through the crowd and head outside to get on the bus. A few minutes alone is all I need.

I don’t even get that.

Berg follows and takes the seat next to me.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“Business as usual, Captain.”

I’m so full of crap, but it’s game day, and I can push aside my personal shitshow for the time being.

“You ready to best your brother?”

I chuckle. “Always. We Kirkland’s are obsessively competitive. With everything.”

Berg smiles. “Toronto’s got a solid team this year. I think we’re in for a hell of a battle.”

“I’m here for it.”