Chapter Nine #2
When I step out onto the ice, Finn skates past and offers a nod, but he doesn’t say anything.
Then there’s no time for me to wonder about Finn’s mood, or mine, or what he’s thinking, because Range and our defensive coach, Lee, signal for us to get our asses moving.
We head straight into the warmup, and I recognize the determined look in Finn’s eyes when we pair up for drills.
The newbie’s all business today, and he works harder than anyone else.
I know the pressure a rookie faces, and the desire to prove you belong.
Finn has the drive and the talent, and he wants the next win badly.
“You and Baran are hitting it hard today,” Makela comments when we take a break.
“He’s kicking ass.” I nod. “Including mine.”
“I’m looking forward to our next game. And the day after.”
“What’s happening after?”
“Meetup at Finn’s place. You’re coming, right?”
Since I wasn’t invited, I guess not. I’m stung by the fact that Finn didn’t mention it to me, but I act casual.
“Oh, yeah, that,” I mutter. “I already have plans.”
“Makela! A word!” Range calls out.
“What now?” he grumbles before skating off.
Berg and I get into another discussion about our upcoming road trip. It turns out I’m rooming with him for our stop in LA. Could be worse. It could be Brady.
It could be Finn.
Not that rooming with Finn would be a hardship, only, there’s the inconvenient fact of my hard-on the other night. I dismiss that thought as fast as it comes. I’ve been celibate for too long, that’s all. It has nothing to do with Finn.
Two hours later, I’m headed for the boards with the rest of the team. I’m drenched and drained, but my mood’s up. Practice went off without too much tension from Brady or his sidekick, probably because Range and the assistant coaches were barking out orders like drill sergeants.
As I step off the ice, I watch Cody make a beeline for Finn. I don’t miss how close Cody stands to him, or the flirty smile. Before I know what I’m doing, I’m hopping over the boards and stalking their way.
“Finn, you got a moment?” I interrupt. “Oh, hey Cody. How’s it going?”
I’m being a rude jerk, and thank fuck I’m already flushed from practice.
“Everything’s good,” Cody replies and turns to Finn. “I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
Finn nods and Cody makes his way down the chute.
“What’s up?” Finn turns to me as the last of our teammates shuffle by.
“Everything alright?”
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
“You seemed quiet today. I mean, not talking. Well, you were talking. Not to me. Not that you gotta talk to me, but—” I manage to pause my word vomit. “You know what, forget I said anything. I’m clearly in need of electrolytes.”
I’m losing it.
“I wasn’t dissing you or anything. I just figured you need a break,” Finn replies with a grin. “I can be a lot when I get going. I’ve been told many times that I need to shut it. My mouth is relentless.”
He’s referring to his gift of the gab, but I glance at his lips and my mind veers somewhere it shouldn’t.
“Who told you to shut it?” I demand.
“A few people.”
“They’re stupid.”
Finn lets out a laugh, and it fills me with sweet relief.
“Makela told me about Friday.”
“Yeah, I thought it’d be fun to have some of the guys over,” Finn remarks and then his eyes widen. “Damn, I forgot about your date. You could drop by earlier and hang out with us for a while?”
I want to, I really do. I’d prefer to talk to Finn any day than go on this phony date. But it’s for the best. It’ll give him a chance to make friends with the other guys on the team and not have to deal with me and my problems.
“I’ve got, uh, stuff to do that afternoon,” I explain. “Next time?”
“Definitely.”
“Who are you rooming with on the road?”
“Kuznetsov. Apparently, he sets the world record for snoring. You?”
“Berg, but only for LA. We have our own rooms for the rest of the trip.”
Too bad I can’t share with Finn instead of Captain.
It’s yet another ridiculous train of thought that I push far, far, away.
“Lucky you. I mean, having a suite to yourself.”
“You’ll have that luxury someday,” I explain.
“Sure.”
“Yeah.”
I have no idea what to say next. Logic tells me I should head for the locker room, but my brain is on standby and I’m frozen, staring at Finn. Why am I so fucking awkward lately? I’ve lost all my game, even with normal conversation.
“Look, Finn—” I start.
My words dry up as I spot Hugo heading toward us. I know he’s aiming for me, and despite what turned out to be a productive practice, my nerves begin to rattle.
“Yes?” Finn replies.
“You worked your ass off today,” I insist. “We’re ready for next time.”
“I can’t wait.”
With a nod, Finn walks away, and just in time.
“Kirkland.” Hugo steps up to me. “Are you all set for Friday?”
“You’ve texted me with that question three times already. And I’ve already told you, three times, that I’m good.”
Hugo glares at me with narrowed eyes. With his sharp features and slicked back hair, he looks like an angry ferret.
“I’ve set you up with one of the sexiest athletes in the country. You should be thanking me.”
“Well, sorry, but I like to choose who I go out with, not be told.”
He ignores my snarky comment and crosses his arms.
“Good practice?”
“Best one yet. Things are starting to click.”
He raises one eyebrow. “Everything okay with Finn?”
“What is this, an inquisition?” I snap.
“All I’m saying is, give the rookie space, inside and outside of work, alright?”
“Anything else? Are you sure you don’t want to install a tracking device on my phone so you can monitor my conversations?”
“Don’t be dramatic.”
Thankfully, Hugo’s phone begins to ring.
“Best of luck,” he comments as he walks away.
I know he’s not talking about our next game.