Page 142 of Rookie Attraction

I’ve never hated using the word “friend” before, but it’s annoying me now. Sel jogs over and opens the back door. When I see him, damn, the bruises on his face look worse than last night. I want to rush out of the car and hug him senseless.

“Careful.” He offers a grin as if reading my intentions.

I swing my legs around, and he takes my uninjured arm and guides me out.

“Hold on to my waist if you need to,” Sel whispers.

“I’m okay.”

No, I’m not okay, because I would love to wrap my good arm around him, but that will have to wait. When I step out, we slowly make our way to the front door, saying hi to the concierge as we pass.

“I need to get some stuff from my place,” I mutter as we enter the elevator.

“Give me your key and I’ll go with you.”

We’re standing so close, and I want to kiss him, but then I remember the security cameras.

“I’m alright. I mean, I’m tired and my whole arm hurts, but my other one still works.”

“Is everyone in your family this stubborn?” he asks.

“I grew up on a farm, Sel. Sick or not, you still have to get shit done.”

He smiles at me and bites his lower lip.

“I more than admire your feistiness, but I can be as pigheaded as you.” He smirks. “Like it or not, I’m not going anywhere. You’re hurt and I will take care of you. End of.”

When he puts it like that, my heart gives a weird flutter, and I feel like I’m about to melt into the floor. The elevator pings as he gently takes hold of my good arm, steering me out and down the hallway.

“I can walk too,” I quip.

“Let me have this moment. Who knows if⁠—”

He pauses and shakes his head as we continue walking.

“You didn’t finish what you were saying,” I whisper. “Who knows if what?”

We get to my door; he holds his hand out for my key.

“I can also open my door,” I tease him, handing over my fob with a smile, because this protective attitude of his is freaking adorable. “Now finish what you were going to say.”

Sel removes his sunglasses and looks into my eyes. His are bloodshot and swollen. Was he crying last night too?

“Who knows if I’ll ever get to touch you like this again,” he sighs. “In public. It’s not holding hands, but it’s something.”

Fuck, this man ruins me with his heartfelt confession. Before I can reply, though, Sel ushers me into his home. As soon as the door closes behind us, I lean over to gently take his lips, mindful of the gash on his mouth. Of course, he turns the table on me, putting his arm around my waist and kissing me harder, both of us desperate to taste each other, to reassure ourselves that everything’s okay.

“It’ll happen. I don’t know exactly when, but it will,” I promise between kisses. “I want that.”

Sel offers me a sad smile, like he’s not quite sure that I’m sure. I know it’s easier to say the words than live them, but I love him. Sooner or later, I’m gonna face what that means.

“There’s a duffel bag at the top of my bedroom closet.” I switch topics. “Can you grab that, and I’ll find some clothes?”

Sel takes my hand and leads me to the bedroom.

“Tell me what you need, and I’ll pack it,” he insists. “Sit on the bed and rest.”

“Again with the orders?” I chuckle.