Page 143 of Rookie Attraction

“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.”