Page 128 of Rookie Attraction

I shove another piece of buttery sweet pancake in my mouth and savor it. But it’s the fried eggs that have me hooked.

“Cooking these in bacon fat is next level good.” I speak with a mouthful of food. “No wait, I’m wrong. It’s the best.”

“I should’ve asked how you like it. The eggs.” He blushes. “I prefer them cooked this way. I spoon a couple of tablespoons of hot grease over the yolk to set it, but not enough to cook it all the way through. Sunnyside, but better.”

“I don’t think I can eat them any other way from now on.”

Before I know it, we’ve finished our meals and sit back to relax. I place my arm around Finn’s shoulders, and he snuggles into me as we watch the city outside my windows, the day surprisingly bright and clear for November. I’ve never been content in silence, but with him, it’s different. Everything is different.

“I better sort the kitchen and head back to my place,” Finn states. “I need to get in a workout at the gym.”

“Me too. I need to burn off some nerves. Text me when you’re heading up and I’ll go after.” I pause and kiss the top of his head. “I want you to stay tonight, but with the game tomorrow⁠—”

“Not a good idea.”

“Neither of us will get much sleep.” I smile against his hair. “And leave the kitchen, I’ll do it.”

Finn shifts and looks at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Next time, how about the two of us do it in the kitchen?”

A vivid image of Finn bending me over the island and fucking me hard has an immediate effect on my cock. I could return the favor and suck him off or give him a rim job…

“I guess if we’re going to make a mess, might as well have fun.”

When I kiss him, I taste maple goodness and rich coffee.

“Don’t start that,” he warns.

“But we’ll finish it another night?”

“Damn right.”

I let go of Finn and he pads to the bedroom.

Biting back the urge to follow, I get busy picking up the empty plates and cups. I load up the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, and put the pans in the sink.

When Finn saunters out, fully clothed, he’s still the biggest temptation, and I don’t want him to leave. He gives me a heated once-over that tells me he feels the same. Much as I want that, I shove my lust aside. This game tomorrow is going to be the most difficult of my career, and I need time to mentally prepare myself. Not that it feels like a game. There’s a reason I wanted to come out, and I realize now that it wasn’t all about me. Representation matters more than ever, or hockey will never change. It’s scary to be the one in the spotlight, but I’m strong enough to handle it.

I hope.

“You can do this,” Finn states, like he can read my mind. “You’re stronger than all of them.”

I nod, too choked up to reply.

Finn heads down the hallway and I follow him, one hand on his waist. Turning around, we share one more kiss and a promise to text later. Opening the door, I look out, and when I don’t see anyone around, he makes his exit. I’ve got the crazy desire to watch him walk away, but I hear my phone ringing and quickly shut the door.

Please don’t let it be Hugo.

When I finally head into my bedroom and glance at my phone, I breathe an enormous sigh of relief.

Incoming call: Damien

“Hey bud,” I answer and sit my tender ass on the bed. “What’s up?”

“Wanted to call to see how you’re doing and if you need to talk before your upcoming game.”

I grip my neck.