Page 141 of Rookie Attraction

“I tapped on my phone to call you when you called me. We’ve got some weird ESP thing going on.”

“It seems so,” he murmurs. “Did you get some sleep, sweetheart?”

Despite the pain in my shoulder, my body relaxes into the mattress.

“Nine hours’ worth,” I chuckle. “I’m being released now.”

“Is there someone to wheel you out?”

“Of course.”

“And you won’t stubbornly refuse, right?”

“No, baby, I won’t.”

Even though, technically, I could walk downstairs by myself.

“I’m confirming the rideshare. I’ll text you the details.”

“I can use my other hand to type you know, and I can book my own ride.”

“No way and no arguments. I’ll be waiting outside the lobby when you get here⁠—”

I’m about to say that’s not necessary, but Sel continues.

“—and yes, I insist. If people see us or ask why, it’s simple; a friend helping another friend.”

“I’ve never had a friend hold me like you do,” I quip. “Too bad I need to rest for the next week.”

“We’ll get creative,” he chuckles, and my mind goes off in all kinds of dirty directions.

Xavier appears at the doorway pushing a wheelchair, and I nod at him.

“I’m heading down now,” I reply. “See you soon.”

It takes about ten minutes for Xavier to get me from my room to the lobby, and by that time, I get the notification about my driver. When I roll outside, I discover it’s colder today, and snow is falling softly. The metallic grey SUV pulls up to the curb and stops, and Xavier opens the back door and gets me settled in my seat.

“Thank you so much,” I say to Xavier.

“Follow medical advice and don’t try to push too fast, too soon. We need you back on the ice, but only when the time’s right.”

I nod.

“What’s your last name?” I ask.

“Moran.”

“I’ll give the box office your name and make sure they reserve two tickets for you, any game you want.”

“Thanks, Mr. Baran, but you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s Finn, and yes, I do,” I reply with a grin. “Thanks again.”

It’s a short ride from the hospital, and the closer I get to home, the more I relax. Sel’s waiting outside just like he said, in his Rush joggers, navy wool jacket, Ray-Bans, and a yellow beanie. Even from a distance I can tell his body language is tense until we pull up to the curb.

“Do you need help getting out?” the driver asks as she comes to a stop.

“My friend’s here, but thanks.”