Page 156 of Rookie Attraction

“I’ve got my ice packs, the pain med is kicking in, and I’ve got a full fridge. I’m good.” I smile against his lips. “I’m going to call my family first and then Silas. Didn’t really get a chance last night to give them a full timeline of what happened.”

“Are you okay if I tell the guys that you’re staying here? Sorensen knows, so I figure if I’m up front about it, they won’t think twice.”

“Up front?”

“Yeah, I mean, about you staying here, not the real reason why.”

“You won’t fool Berg.”

“No, but until you’re ready, that’s the way we play it.”

“I like playing hockey, Sel, not my teammates.”

“I know that, Finn,” Sel sighs. “But only you can decide when, or if⁠—”

“When,” I state firmly, even though I wonder how long it’s going to take me.

“—the time is right.”

I nod, then glance at my phone.

“You better get moving, Wolfie. You don’t want to be late.”

“I’m going to grab dinner on the way home. Any preferences?”

“Nope. Do you want me to order in?”

“I’ve got it.” Sel cups my face and offers his lips one last time. “Be good, boyfriend.”

The word makes me flush with pleasure, and I know for sure I’m a praise slut.

Once Sel’s gone, the silence takes some getting used to. Like last night, when I was here alone and he was out. I really hope this shoulder won’t take long to heal because being cooped up and quiet is not me. Speaking of talking, I grab my phone, tap my Dad’s number, and put it on speaker.

“Finn, I was just about to call. How’re you feeling today, son?”

“Sore, but not too bad with the pain pills.”

“Are you home or at the hospital?”

“I’m home. Well, actually, uh, there was a leak at my place, and I couldn’t stay there for a few days, so I’m rooming with a teammate. A friend. With Sel. Kirkland.”

It’s true, but not, and my secret burns like the worst kind of reflux. I take a sip of water to ease the constriction in my throat.

“Well, that’s awful kind of him to take you in.”

My mind goes to a very different place than the comment intends, but thankfully I manage to swallow the water.

“You didn’t catch a bug in that hospital, did you?” Dad asks.

“No, it’s dry mouth from the meds. How’s Mom?”

“Resting. She had more tests done recently, so she’s tired and achy but otherwise fine. She’s sleeping now. Maybe we can video call later so you can see her?”

“Definitely.”

“Any more details about your injury?”

“Same as what I gave you last night. I’ll be back playing in January.”