Chapter Twenty-Five
FINN
THE NEXT DAY
I don’t know how late it was, but I finally managed to crash out after I talked to my dad.
Nine hours of sleep later, and I’m still exhausted.
I eat breakfast, take my pain pill, and get final instructions from my doctor.
They share my information with the Rush medical team so we can create a plan for the next month and confirm my evaluation after that.
Once that’s done, I’m discharged and more than ready to head home.
To Sel’s.
I power up my phone, and it buzzes so many times it sounds like it’s possessed by bees. As soon as I get settled in, I’ll call everyone back.
Searching through my contact list, I tap on Sel’s name at the exact same time he calls me.
“Freaky,” I answer.
He starts laughing. “What?”
“I tapped on my phone to call you when you called me. We’ve got some weird ESP thing going on.”
“It seems so,” he murmurs. “Did you get some sleep, sweetheart?”
Despite the pain in my shoulder, my body relaxes into the mattress.
“Nine hours’ worth,” I chuckle. “I’m being released now.”
“Is there someone to wheel you out?”
“Of course.”
“And you won’t stubbornly refuse, right?”
“No, baby, I won’t.”
Even though, technically, I could walk downstairs by myself.
“I’m confirming the rideshare. I’ll text you the details.”
“I can use my other hand to type you know, and I can book my own ride.”
“No way and no arguments. I’ll be waiting outside the lobby when you get here—”
I’m about to say that’s not necessary, but Sel continues.
“—and yes, I insist. If people see us or ask why, it’s simple; a friend helping another friend.”
“I’ve never had a friend hold me like you do,” I quip. “Too bad I need to rest for the next week.”
“We’ll get creative,” he chuckles, and my mind goes off in all kinds of dirty directions.
Xavier appears at the doorway pushing a wheelchair, and I nod at him.
“I’m heading down now,” I reply. “See you soon.”
It takes about ten minutes for Xavier to get me from my room to the lobby, and by that time, I get the notification about my driver.
When I roll outside, I discover it’s colder today, and snow is falling softly.
The metallic grey SUV pulls up to the curb and stops, and Xavier opens the back door and gets me settled in my seat.
“Thank you so much,” I say to Xavier.
“Follow medical advice and don’t try to push too fast, too soon. We need you back on the ice, but only when the time’s right.”
I nod.
“What’s your last name?” I ask.
“Moran.”
“I’ll give the box office your name and make sure they reserve two tickets for you, any game you want.”
“Thanks, Mr. Baran, but you don’t have to do that.”
“It’s Finn, and yes, I do,” I reply with a grin. “Thanks again.”
It’s a short ride from the hospital, and the closer I get to home, the more I relax. Sel’s waiting outside just like he said, in his Rush joggers, navy wool jacket, Ray-Bans, and a yellow beanie. Even from a distance I can tell his body language is tense until we pull up to the curb.
“Do you need help getting out?” the driver asks as she comes to a stop.
“My friend’s here, but thanks.”
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.
“Or you could sit on that chair in the corner. That is, if you can find it under that mountain of clothes,” he snarks as he opens my closet.
“Fucking hilarious, Kirkland.”
“Your condo’s exactly like your stall.” He looks at me over his shoulder and offers a wicked grin. “Stuff everywhere, in no order. I thought you farm boys were organized.”
“I’m not on the farm now, so I can do what I want,” I reply with a wry smile and one middle finger. “Which means I can be as messy as hell. And given you’re the neat freak, maybe you should try farming instead of hockey for a living.”
He’s trying not to laugh but it comes out anyway.
“When you’re feeling better, Dimples, I’m gonna spank your sweet ass until it’s as red as your hair.”
“Bring on the healing.”
I tell Sel where to find the stuff I need—sweats, books, and my toiletry kit—and notice he grabs everything I ask for, except for my underwear. He pulls out one white jock, smiles, and stuffs it in the bag.
“Only one?” I ask.
“You can borrow mine.” He grins as he zips up the bag. “If you need them.”
I plunk down on the bed, lightheaded, because the idea of wearing his underwear is a major turn on.
“Oh, now you listen and sit down, just when we’re leaving?” He smirks as he walks toward me and offers his arm. “Come on, sweetheart. You need ice, food, and pain meds.”
“And rest.”
“My bed is your bed,” he replies with a nod. “I can sleep in the guest room if you’re more comfortable.”
“Uh, no way,” I say as I take his arm and stand up again. “I’ll heal faster if I have you nearby.”
“My body is your pillow, then.”
We check the living room before we go. Sel grabs a few more things for me, and then we head back to the elevator. When we hit the twelfth floor, however, the elevator stops and the doors open.
Sorensen is standing there.
Jesus Christ, of all times.
He steps inside and smiles.
“Finn,” he looks me over. “You’ve been released already! That’s awesome.”
“It is. Can’t stand hospitals.”
Then he looks down at the duffel bag in Sel’s hand.
“Helping Finn out so he can get settled,” Sel offers.
“But you’re going down. Are you heading out again?” Sorensen asks and I shake my head.
“No, I’m—” I pause and flush.
Ah, shit. Why are words failing me now?
“There was a leak at his place and building services mentioned it would be a few days before they can get anyone in to repair it, so I offered up my guest bedroom,” Sel intervenes. “I’m apartment ten ten. You’re welcome to drop by anytime you want to visit.”
Thank fuck for Sel’s improv, but Sorensen still looks confused.
“Thanks.” Sorensen nods. “Days? Seems like a long time to wait for a repair crew in this building.”
I finally find my voice.
“It happened in a few other units on my floor and the one above, so they’re doing their best as fast as they can,” I explain and change the subject. “Whoa, I’m so exhausted after last night’s drama. Aren’t you?”
Sorensen’s brow furrows as he stares at us. He looks like he wants to ask more questions. Thankfully, before he can ask, we reach the tenth floor, and Sorensen presses the button to hold the doors open for us.
“I’ll take you up on your offer and stop by.” Sorensen nods. “I’m only a couple of floors away if you guys need help.”
“Cool.”
“Oh, and if the rookie’s chatter drives you nuts, Kirkland, he can stay with me.”
“Hey,” I grumble.
Sel smiles back.
“Noted. Thanks.”
The doors close, leaving us alone again, and we both release a huge sigh of relief.
“I don’t know if he bought that,” Sel mutters.
“I don’t know either,” I sigh. “I’m shit at lying.”
Lying to my teammates, guys I admire and respect—is getting to me. More than that, I’m in love and I have to keep it a secret. The pressure inside feels like a dam about to burst.