Page 69 of Rookie Attraction

“Yeah, of course.”

“Well, I’ve started to develop romantic feelings for someone I’m friends with. For someone completely out of my league. And it’s not only that. This person… it’s a guy.”

The line goes quiet as my heart pounds heavily. I can’t believe I said the words out loud.

“Silas?”

“I’m still here,” he finally replies. “That’s, um, major. I’m stunned, but also, not. Who is it? Tell me about him.”

“I can’t. I shouldn’t. For so many reasons.”

“You mentioned they’re a friend. An old one or a guy you met in New York?”

“Well, um, both. It’s kinda new. Sort of.”

“I don’t know what that means.” Silas pauses. “Wait, it’s not another player, is it? Someone on the team?”

I make a strangled noise in my throat and slap my free hand over my eyes.

“It’s nothing but infatuation, I swear. I’m sure in a couple of weeks, I’ll be over it. Forget I said anything. Please.”

“Finn, I know you. You wouldn’t be angsting about this if it didn’t mean something. And I’m not one to talk about crossing lines, I married my college coach for fuck’s sake, but this is the NHL. You’ve hit the big league, and you don’t want to mess that up.”

“I know. Trust me, I know,” I sigh.

“Holy shit!” Silas exclaims.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“It’s Sel, isn’t it? You’ve been texting me about him since training. It’s him.”

“Si,” I warn.

“You’ve been starstruck since you met him.”

“I was not.”

“I beg to differ, my friend. I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Yes,” I confess. “But I’m not starstruck anymore. I’ve gotten to know him. Anyway, don’t say anything. Not even to your husband. Especially not to Damien given his friendship with Sel. Jesus, promise me.”

“I won’t, but what about Sel?”

“What about him?”

“Is it mutual? Is he into you or⁠—”

“No way.” I pause, remembering Sel’s comment about being hung up on someone. “Not possible.”

I dismiss the idea even if my heart wants to believe there might be a chance. Then again, I think about the way Sel looked at me today, and over the weeks we’ve been playing. There’s a palpable synergy between us, sparking every time we’re together. Does he feel it like I do? Or, is it all in my head?

Is it all about hockey?

“He’s hung up on someone else,” I admit.

“Who?”

“He wouldn’t say. Anyway, come on, why would he be into me? He’s got it all; he’s smart and gorgeous and confident, and I’m⁠—”