Page 144 of Rookie Attraction

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.

“Maybe I’ll stay one night at yours, say services got the leak fixed earlier than they thought, and then go back to my place and do what the team suggested: have them arrange help for me.”

Sel stops walking.

“Is that what you want?”

“No, I’d rather be with you.”

“We can still arrange for assistance during the day if you need it.” Sel nods. “What about when I go back on the road next week?”

“You told me to stay, but it’s probably safer if I don’t. We’re already risking a lot.”

Sel presses his lips together and nods.

“You’re right.”

Then why do I feel like crap? Staying with a friend, even a teammate, is no big deal. I’ve done it many times.

Only you’re way more than that and it’s getting harder to hide how you feel.

“We better go back upstairs,” Sel mumbles. “You need to rest.”

It’s only then that I realize Sel has hold of my arm. He never pulled it away when we were with Sorensen.

“Oh, no,” I whisper.

If the cat’s not out of the hockey bag soon, it will be. Then again, I’m injured, and Sel’s helping me. Looks totally innocent. Right?

“What? Did you forget something?”

I don’t want Sel to freak out, not yet. He’s tired too, so I keep my mouth shut.

“Nothing. Just thinking of all the ice time I’ll miss.”