Chapter Twelve #3
We continue walking, stepping inside the unusually quiet locker room to find most of the guys already gone.
Still, I keep to myself from here on out.
I wait for Finn to head for the showers first and only then do I start undressing.
He’s gone for five minutes, tops, and when I spot him sauntering towards me, a thin, damp towel around his waist, his short hair slicked back, I ignore the ache in my balls, grab my kit, and all but run past him.
By the time I get under the spray, my body’s shaking and my dick’s chubbing up. Jesus, not now.
There’s only one thing to do; I crank up the cold water as high as it’ll go. After a while, shock’s replaced by numbness, and I’m calm enough to face him again.
Finn’s gone by the time I get dressed, but I find him waiting for me in the hallway. He’s all but silent as we make our way out of the rink and into a rideshare that takes off like it’s racing in the Grand Prix. Has Finn changed his mind?
Before I can ask, the awkward silence is broken by my phone buzzing. It’s a text from Taylor confirming our next appearance together. I don’t want to use the word “date” because that’s not what this is.
Taylor: Youth sports fundraiser gala. Black tie. PR to forward details.
I stare at the message, an uncomfortable dread curling in my gut. I’m all for good causes, but I don’t want to waste my time smiling for the cameras, pretending I’m into him.
I want to go with Finn.
Don’t go there.
Part of me wants to delete Taylor’s message, but I don’t. Only, I’ve decided I can’t do this performance for months. Maybe a couple of weeks. Then Hugo can take his matchmaking and shove it up his annoying ass.
My phone buzzes again, but this time, it’s Mik.
Miki: How’s the west coast? You have time for a chat?
Sel: I’m on my way to lunch. Can I call you tomorrow?
Miki: Sure, just want to make sure you’re doing okay. Lots of press about Rush from the Anaheim game. Everything alright?
I glance at Finn’s profile. He’s staring out the window, worrying his plush lower lip. He looks like he’s pondering something major, and I wonder what it is.
Sel: It’s taking time. More than I thought. But I’ll work it out.
Miki: I’ve seen some negative comments about you. Anything I should be concerned about?
How do I even begin to tell Miki what’s going on? I won’t.
Sel: No
Miki: Be careful. Don’t give them a reason to question your focus.
Tell him something.
Sel: I’m doing my best. The truth is, there are a couple of players in NY who don’t like the fact that I came out or the attention it’s caused.
I thought leaving Chicago would mean a fresh start, but it’s not without tension and I’m trying to work through it.
The rest of the guys are good. Only, the team’s PR director thought setting me up with Taylor would bring positive coverage, for us and for our respective teams, but…
Miki: But what?
Sel: With the entertainment press, yes. The sports press is trickier; so far nothing glaringly homophobic, but I’ve been questioned about my decision to come out and how this is affecting my game, so…
The bigger problem is Brady and St. Clare.
They definitely have a problem with my sexuality, and they’re not shy about saying I’m distracting to the team.
Miki: Have you talked to Range about it?
Sel: He knows. He says he’s dealing with it.
Miki: If he doesn’t, circle back to me and we’ll discuss.
Sel: Any tips so I can act straight enough to keep the team and the fans comfortable? That’s sarcasm, BTW.
Miki: Not funny. Ignore those fuckers. You’ve worked too hard to let anyone derail your life.
Sel: That’s what Finn told me.
Miki: The rookie’s right. Listen to him. BTW, you two make great partners. I know a winning duo on the ice when I see it.
Sel: He’s amazing
Wow, I’m so eloquent.
Miki: Anything else going on?
I pause for a microsecond before I respond. No way can I tell Mik how I’m feeling about Finn. He’d have opinions. Lots of them. And there’s no point in stirring up trouble that doesn’t exist.
Sel: Nope
Miki: Alright. Go kick Seattle’s ass and call me soon.
Sel: Will do.
I shove my phone in my jacket pocket and release a deep sigh.
“It’s so tough to be popular,” Finn quips.
I nudge him with my elbow in retaliation. It’s not a hug, but it’s as close as I can get. His knee brushes mine, sparking another lusty daydream. If he manspreads any further, I might have to move over or risk embarrassing myself.
“Hilarious,” I reply. “That was Miki. And Taylor, about our next… appearance.”
“You want to talk about it?”
I turn my head to respond, but our car comes to a violent stop, and we lurch forward, even with our seat belts on. Without realizing, I put my left arm in front of Finn’s chest to protect him.
“Are you okay?” I ask, breathless.
“I’m fine, thanks,” he whispers. “Just get me away from this driver.”
I quickly yank my arm back and look around. There’s no accident like I feared, we’ve just arrived at the Market. Our driver offers a glare and motions for us to get moving. So welcoming. We step out of the car and I’m damn glad to be on solid ground.
I’m shaken up, only it’s not about the ride.
It’s about Finn.
“You still hungry?” he says with a glint in his eye.
He has no idea what a loaded question that is.