Page 110 of Rookie Attraction

And when I hear a knocking sound?

The cool player that was me in the past—and I’m not talking about hockey—runs to the front door like a sprinter.

Finn

While I relaxed at Sorensen’s and had fun with the guys, the whole time I was thinking about Sel. Even when I took a break from gaming and texted my family. I should’ve gone back to my place after and texted Sel in the morning.

But I couldn’t. So I didn’t.

Standing outside Sel’s door, I tell myself to calm down, but it’s pointless. I’m sweating like mad, fidgeting with my clothes, and popping another breath mint. When I run a shaky hand over my jaw, I realize I’ve got quite the stubble happening. I hope Sel likes it. I hope he loves it. Fuck, I’m so gone for him, and I can’t tamp down my emotions.

I rap on the door and wait anxiously for Sel to open it. He greets me wearing a white tee and sweats again, and he’s so gorgeous that I’m without speech. Until I notice his chest moving in and out fast, like he’s out of breath.

“Did I interrupt something?” I ask hesitantly. “I could’ve come later… I mean, stopped by later.”

“No, I was just, uh, busy fixing something in the bathroom, yeah, and I wanted to be sure I didn’t miss you, so I ran for the door. Which isn’t far and considering how much I work out and all the hockey I play, I shouldn’t be out of breath. And you probably would’ve stayed and knocked again. Still, making you wait out here is rude and I—” He pauses, biting his lower lip, shaking his head. “I’ll shut up now.”

Holy shit, Sel’s rambling like me. Is it because of me? Is he nervous too? My heart gives that weird flutter that happens every time I’m around him.

He swallows hard and moves aside to let me in.

“I shouldn’t have had coffee this late at night,” he explains. “Come in.”

Stepping inside, I look around his place, but I don’t smell coffee or see any mugs out either. What I do see is a takeout bag on his kitchen island and an unopened bag of coffee beans.

“You want anything to eat or drink?” he asks, sauntering into the kitchen.

I can’t reply right away because I’m distracted by his ass cheeks flexing in those thin sweats. Fuck, I want to run my hands all over him. We’ve been apart for half a day and I’m so fucking greedy.

“Finn?” he repeats.

“Sorry, uh, I noticed the familiar bag on the counter.”

Sel turns, hands in his pockets, looking tense.

“I had errands to do this aft and I happened to walk by. They didn’t have many pastries left; I’ve got a couple of blueberry Danishes and one croissant.”

“I’ll split a Danish? I ate a lot this evening.”

Sel nods and presses his lips together. “I ran into Makela in the elevator. He took it upon himself to invite me, but like I told you, I had errands.”

“Next time?”

“Maybe.”

I don’t think I can trust my game face anymore. On the ice is one thing; I’m locked in my zone. Being with Sel off the ice, however… it’s getting harder to hide how I feel. Then again, Makela and Sorensen mentioned the strained words I exchanged with Sel at practice. We were working then, and I worried my expression might give us away.

“Anyway,” he continues as he opens the bag. “I had some business stuff to take care of, walked around, did some window shopping, and then Damien texted. Sorry, I texted him.”

“How is he?”

“Good,” Sel replies, as he opens a cupboard and grabs two plates. “You want coffee too?”

“No thanks. I don’t need it. After beating Makela at Call of Duty, I’m wired. I’ll probably be up most of the night.”

We have a day off tomorrow, so I can sacrifice actual sleep to sleep with Sel. If he wants that. Fuck, I better not be reading him wrong.

When he moves to stand in front of the island, I walk over and sidle up to him, bracing my forearms on the counter and nudging him with my shoulder. This man smells delicious. I want to eat him, not the damn Danish. He splits the pastry and offers it to me. Instead of taking it with my hand, I lean over and steal a bite of flaky goodness while he’s holding it. I also “accidentally” lick his finger, and the flash of heat in his eyes has me so turned on I almost forget to chew and swallow. Here comes my flirty side again. If this was me months ago, I’d never have believed it.