Page 67 of Rookie Attraction

While Finn gives our teammates a visual recap—and hopefully no pics of me—I decide to step away and motion to the elevators.

“I’m gonna head up and rest before the game,” I offer. “See you guys later.”

A few steps in and I notice Brady standing nearby, typing on his phone. He either doesn’t see me or doesn’t want to acknowledge me. Either way, I don’t care. I slip past him and swipe my key card for the elevator. The ride is fast and before I know it, I’m stepping out on the eighth floor and walking down the carpeted hallway to my room. Once inside, I hit the head and then my bed. I had an amazing afternoon with Finn, and I want to savor it.

I lie down and close my eyes.

I’m at the market again with Finn, but this time, we’re on a date, holding hands and sneaking kisses.

In my imagination, I can safely play out this secret fantasy. Anything is possible. Real life, however, is a totally different game.

Finn

“So, you had fun with Kirkland?”

I glance at Sorensen and nod.

“The best. The market was awesome. Lunch was amazing.”

“You had lunch too?”

Sorensen makes a humming sound. Weird, but whatever.

“He’s got no pretense,” I continue. “It’s natural between us, you know? Sel puts up with all my chatter.”

I don’t know why I feel like I need to justify spending time with Sel.

“Sounds like you’re already besties.”

Besties? I wish it was only that.

“I guess,” I reply. “Why not? Lots of players have that kind of bond.”

Okay, maybe I have hero worship. I am, after all, working with one of my hockey idols. And maybe I have a small, tiny, itty-bitty personal crush on Sel. I’ve gotten to know him, and I really like being with him.

Like?

I’m underselling it. My feelings get more intense every time we’re together, but so what? I’m not gonna say or do anything about it. I value Sel too much to fuck this up.

Sure, that’s why you told him at lunch that you were hung up on someone and nearly gave yourself away.

But Sel’s already admitted he’s interested in someone. Whoever they are, I’m already feeling strange about it, but I vow to keep my mouth shut from here on out. There’s nothing more to say…

A sudden phone chime snaps me back to reality.

“It’s my reminder alert. I’m going up for my pre-game nap,” Berg announces. “I expect you guys to do the same. Rest, no phone, no distractions. We have a game to clinch.”

“Yes, Cap,” Sorensen and Makela reply in unison.

I nod in agreement. Fun time’s over; time to get back to business. Back to work. In our case, rest is part of work, and is required if we want to play our best. Captain stalks off with a determined stride, leaving me with Sorensen and Makela.

“I need to grab snacks before I head up.”

“We’ll go with,” Makela states. “Sweet or salty?”

“Sweet,” I reply as we head toward the lounge. “Always sweet. Red licorice and Reese’s peanut butter cups are my fave.”

The three of us walk, talk, and buy an armful of snacks before grabbing the elevator. Makela and Sorensen have rooms on the sixth floor, so when we reach it, I say goodbye and ride the rest of the way up to my floor.