Page 45 of Rookie Attraction
“He’s kicking ass.” I nod. “Including mine.”
“I’m looking forward to our next game. And the day after.”
“What’s happening after?”
“Meetup at Finn’s place. You’re coming, right?”
Since I wasn’t invited, I guess not. I’m stung by the fact that Finn didn’t mention it to me, but I act casual.
“Oh, yeah, that,” I mutter. “I already have plans.”
“Makela! A word!” Range calls out.
“What now?” he grumbles before skating off.
Berg and I get into another discussion about our upcoming road trip. It turns out I’m rooming with him for our stop in LA. Could be worse. It could be Brady.
It could be Finn.
Not that rooming with Finn would be a hardship, only, there’s the inconvenient fact of my hard-on the other night. I dismiss that thought as fast as it comes. I’ve been celibate for too long, that’s all. It has nothing to do with Finn.
Two hours later, I’m headed for the boards with the rest of the team. I’m drenched and drained, but my mood’s up. Practice went off without too much tension from Brady or his sidekick, probably because Range and the assistant coaches were barking out orders like drill sergeants.
As I step off the ice, I watch Cody make a beeline for Finn. I don’t miss how close Cody stands to him, or the flirty smile. Before I know what I’m doing, I’m hopping over the boards and stalking their way.
“Finn, you got a moment?” I interrupt. “Oh, hey Cody. How’s it going?”
I’m being a rude jerk, and thank fuck I’m already flushed from practice.
“Everything’s good,” Cody replies and turns to Finn. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
Finn nods and Cody makes his way down the chute.
“What’s up?” Finn turns to me as the last of our teammates shuffle by.
“Everything alright?”
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
“You seemed quiet today. I mean, not talking. Well, you were talking. Not to me. Not that you gotta talk to me, but—” I manage to pause my word vomit. “You know what, forget I said anything. I’m clearly in need of electrolytes.”
I’m losing it.
“I wasn’t dissing you or anything. I just figured you need a break,” Finn replies with a grin. “I can be a lot when I get going. I’ve been told many times that I need to shut it. My mouth is relentless.”
He’s referring to his gift of the gab, but I glance at his lips and my mind veers somewhere it shouldn’t.
“Who told you to shut it?” I demand.
“A few people.”
“They’re stupid.”
Finn lets out a laugh, and it fills me with sweet relief.
“Makela told me about Friday.”
“Yeah, I thought it’d be fun to have some of the guys over,” Finn remarks and then his eyes widen. “Damn, I forgot about your date. You could drop by earlier and hang out with us for a while?”
