Page 63 of Rookie Attraction

Miki: Have you talked to Range about it?

Sel: He knows. He says he’s dealing with it.

Miki: If he doesn’t, circle back to me and we’ll discuss.

Sel: Any tips so I can act straight enough to keep the team and the fans comfortable? That’s sarcasm, BTW.

Miki: Not funny. Ignore those fuckers. You’ve worked too hard to let anyone derail your life.

Sel: That’s what Finn told me.

Miki: The rookie’s right. Listen to him. BTW, you two make great partners. I know a winning duo on the ice when I see it.

Sel: He’s amazing

Wow, I’m so eloquent.

Miki: Anything else going on?

I pause for a microsecond before I respond. No way can I tell Mik how I’m feeling about Finn. He’d have opinions. Lots of them. And there’s no point in stirring up trouble that doesn’t exist.

Sel: Nope

Miki: Alright. Go kick Seattle’s ass and call me soon.

Sel: Will do.

I shove my phone in my jacket pocket and release a deep sigh.

“It’s so tough to be popular,” Finn quips.

I nudge him with my elbow in retaliation. It’s not a hug, but it’s as close as I can get. His knee brushes mine, sparking another lusty daydream. If he manspreads any further, I might have to move over or risk embarrassing myself.

“Hilarious,” I reply. “That was Miki. And Taylor, about our next… appearance.”

“You want to talk about it?”

I turn my head to respond, but our car comes to a violent stop, and we lurch forward, even with our seat belts on. Without realizing, I put my left arm in front of Finn’s chest to protect him.

“Are you okay?” I ask, breathless.

“I’m fine, thanks,” he whispers. “Just get me away from this driver.”

I quickly yank my arm back and look around. There’s no accident like I feared, we’ve just arrived at the Market. Our driver offers a glare and motions for us to get moving. So welcoming. We step out of the car and I’m damn glad to be on solid ground.

I’m shaken up, only it’s not about the ride.

It’s about Finn.

“You still hungry?” he says with a glint in his eye.

He has no idea what a loaded question that is.

Chapter Thirteen

SELWIN

I stare at Finn’s pink lips before meeting his gaze.