Page 190 of Rookie Attraction

Finn: Miss you, love you too

I take a deep breath and tap on Hugo’s number. He answers on the third ring.

“How was your flight, Sel?”

“You should know,” I snark. “By the way, thanks for the heads up on the welcoming committee. What the fuck, Hugo?”

“I work hard to turn negative press into positive coverage. You can handle it. Besides, there’s been so much media about the team this week—you in particular—that I wanted to keep the momentum going. ”

“Don’t do the same thing to Finn.”

“Are you telling me how to do my job?”

“In this case, yes. He had an injury, his mom was in the hospital, and now he’s—” My voice catches. “He’s dealing with a lot. Do not ambush him, do you understand?”

“I don’t like your tone.”

“I don’t like your tactics.”

I hang up and silence my notifications. I don’t care if Hugo complains to Range or management. If Hugo pulls this shit on Finn, he’ll be the one looking for a trade.

There’s another surprise waiting for me at the condo.

“Holy shit!”

I drop my bags and reach for my phone.

“Are you still at the airport or stuck in traffic?” Finn answers on the first ring.

“I’m back at my place,” I explain. “When you said Christmas tree, Finn, I wasn’t expecting⁠—”

“A six-foot behemoth that looks like the real thing? I had the store decorate it. You like?”

“Like?” I walk into the living area and all I can see is this big, beautiful tree. “Finn, it’s incredible! There’s a silver puck at the top!”

He chuckles.

“Did you notice the lights?”

I step closer and start to laugh.

“You didn’t?”

“I did.”

I can’t help the grin on my face.

“They’re shaped like skates. How did you find them?”

“It’s a secret.”

“This is too much.”

“Baby, I wanted our first Christmas, even if it is late, to be special.”

My chest aches. I wish he was here with me and not thousands of miles away.

“It’s the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received,” I admit. “Other than you.”