Page 155 of Rookie Attraction

I stare into his deep brown eyes and he’s looking at me with so much passion I’m almost too choked up to speak. Our lips meet, and in between fervent kisses, we murmur “I love you” to each other, over and over.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you,” I confess as I rest my forehead on his.

“Me too,” Sel admits. “I guess I wanted you to say it first, to be sure that this is what you want. That I’m who you want.”

“This goes way beyond wanting, baby. I’ve never felt anything like what we are together.”

Sel nods as his eyes turn dark and wet. Suddenly he’s blurry and I realize I’m crying too.

“I wish I could stay with you today.” He sighs as he swipes my tears with his thumbs. “Unfortunately, there’s practice and home games, then I’m on the road for weeks. I’ll be back for a couple of days, and then it’s Christmas break⁠—”

“Are you going home to see your mom?”

He nods. “That’s the plan. You?”

“Yeah, I’ve already got my flight to Omaha booked.”

I want to say come with me to Nebraska, but it’s not fair to him.

“New Year’s?” he offers.

“Definitely. I need a kiss from my one and only,” I reassure him. “Besides, we have some time together this week. And we can text and video call when you’re on the road.”

Sel raises both eyebrows.

“Okay, it’ll be frustrating as hell, but I need time to heal this shoulder so I can manhandle you the way I want,” I tease, and Sel’s eyes flare. “In fact, I think we should hold off on any more fooling around until the new year.”

Sel groans and his hands squeeze my ass.

“That’s weeks, Finn.”

“No hand holding, no kissing. Except for today.”

“You play a dirty game, rookie.”

I offer him a wicked grin.

“Think of all the pent-up sexual energy. We’ll have an epic fucking reunion. Emphasis on the fucking.”

“We’ll stay in bed for two days.”

“Only two?”

“Then I’m back to work and you will be too. At practice at least.”

“Fuck yes. I want this shoulder to heal so I can get back out there. Can’t leave my partner behind.”

Sel gives me a beaming smile and kisses me senseless.

“Then get back to sleep, Dimples. I’ll grab you some ice packs before I leave.”

Reluctantly, I slide off his lap and lean back against my pillows while he heads for the bathroom. My eyes roam over him, the cocky Kirkland swagger in full effect. I don’t think anything, not even this shoulder injury, could dim the smile on my face.

And sleep? After finding out that Sel’s in love with me? Not sure that’s happening anytime soon.

Twenty minutes later, Sel’s dressed and ready to head out.

“Anything else you need before I go?” he asks, giving me a soft kiss.