Page 41 of Rookie Attraction

“Finn.”

“Are you at home?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Why’s he there?”

The sharpness of his tone has my temper sparking.

“Because we’re reviewing yesterday’s game together,” I snap. “That’s what teammates do.”

“How long’s he been there? Did anyone see him enter your condo?”

His condescending tone about the fake date was annoying, but this interrogation tips me right over the edge.

“What the hell, Hugo? Finn and I are teammates. Friends.”

Friends? Yeah, sure. I think shooting the shit followed by a trash-talking pillow fight qualifies.

“So what if someone sees him at my place or me at his?” I continue. “Jesus, paranoid much? Just because I’m bi doesn’t mean I fuck everything that moves. And FYI, I’m not so important that some pap is following me around inside my building.”

“But other players live there and⁠—”

“If there’s nothing else, fuck off.”

I’ve never spoken to a colleague like that, but Hugo crossed a line. I hang up before he can offer a response, but of course, he calls back. I put the ringer on silent. A cooldown is required before I talk to him again. Just before I shove the phone in my pocket, I notice his text message, but I don’t read it. Later. And it better be about the club for tonight and nothing about Finn or I will lose my shit. Unfortunately, Hugo’s call has me doubting myself. I thought the heaviness that plagued me for weeks was starting to lift, but now it’s settling into me again with a vengeance.

Does Hugo have a point? Maybe it would best if Finn wasn’t around me. At least, not in my home. It’s too personal, right?

Listen to yourself. You’re overreacting, like Hugo.

Am I?

I head back to the living room to find Finn spread out on the couch closest to the TV, clutching tight to one of the pillows. He looks like he belongs here, and it feels like we’re old friends, not new. His hazel eyes meet mine and I swallow hard.

Tell him to leave.

I can’t do it.

“How’s Hugo?”

I gnash my teeth.

“Don’t ask.”

Plunking down onto one of the chairs, I sulk until Finn throws his pillow at me.

“Hey!”

“I’ll give you a freebie.”

“What?” I startle.

“You look like you need to vent, so you get one free whack with the pillow.” He winks at me. “Better make it a good one, Kirkland.”

Despite my roller-coaster mood, I can’t help but smile, completely charmed by this man. What’s more shocking is that my cock isn’t immune to that wink either.

Shit, no. Don’t even go there. You’re imagining things.