Page 53 of The Tryout

My eyes flutter shut and my blood stirs.

Yes. This. More.

I pull away gently, meeting his eyes as I do.

“So what do you think? Can we rule out men?”

Cheeks going pink, I hold his gaze for a moment.

“No, I don’t think we can.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

AVERY

In the days following The Kiss, I worry that I’ve made a huge mistake.

Finn seems to be taking it in stride. Other than a slight extra blush to his cheeks the next morning, nothing seems to have changed. He’s still the kind-but-shy kid I met during training camp and doesn’t seem to be avoiding me at all. If anything, his burst of honesty last night seems to have opened the dam, moving me mentally from “still questionable” to “trusted friend”.

Which sucks. Because for as many meaningless kisses as I’ve had, as many one night stands, I can’t seem to get this one out of my head. This innocent as fuck, five second, closed-mouth kiss. But I’m the experienced one here, the one who offered this as a quick and innocent check for Finn, so I’m the one who needs to get over this, needs to stop my body’s constant awareness of his.

We’re in the locker room undressing after a win against Sioux City when Coach Porter enters. This is, in and of itself, pretty unusual. He’ll come through before games for a quick pep talk or strategy reminder, but always saves game debriefs for the next practice.

“Everyone, just a quick heads up. Lindholm’s wife is in labor, so we’re sending Robby up for a few games. I know it was supposed to be an optional skate tomorrow, but we’ll need to work on our lines so we’re ready for Kalamazoo on Sunday. All forwards are required to be here, alright?”

Several guys give a half-hearted “Yes, Coach,” but I’m focused on Finn, who’s looking into his locker. His shoulders seem tight, but I can’t see his face.

Why the hell are they sending Robby?

Look, Robertson is fine. Good, even. But he’s not gonna do jack shit for Minnesota except for waste time on some fourth line for a couple games. Finn could probably slot in on the first line if he had to, or at least be productive on the second or third.

I pull out my phone, deciding I’m going to figure this out. I start writing the text to just Jamie, but decide at the last minute to add Tremblay, too.

Avery Lawson 9:32 PM

Congrats to Lindy

But what the hell?

Why are they pulling up Robby?

Jamie Carter 9:34 PM

Congrats for what????

Ethan Tremblay 9:35 PM

Coach is just sending the group text now.

Astrid is having the baby.

Jamie Carter 9:36 PM

Oh yay!!!

Wait, Robby? Robertson?

…why?