Page 180 of Rookie Attraction

“I know it’s not the holidays you wanted to spend with your family, but at least things are looking better for her and you’re together. And speaking of Christmas, I have your gift. I was going to save it for your return, but⁠—”

I can’t fight the rush of warmth that fills me up.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I insist.

“Yes I did.”

“But I don’t have your gift. It’s sitting under the tree. In your home.”

“You got me a tree?”

A hot blush creeps up my cheeks.

“Lights and everything. Wait till you see it.”

Sel responds by leaning over and kissing me possessively.

“I love it already,” he whispers, and I smile against his lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I kiss him back. “Now, where’s my present?”

Sel chuckles as he stands up and walks over to his suitcase.

“Isn’t it better to give than to receive?”

“I don’t know yet,” I quip. “But I’m more than ready to find out.”

“Finn.”

Placing my napkin on the table, I stand up and stalk over to wrap my arms around Sel’s waist, leaning my chin on his shoulder.

“Something to look forward to in the new year,” I whisper in his ear. “I want you in every way, Sel. Every way.”

He lets out a deep groan and squeezes my forearms tight.

“Jesus, Finn, now I’m going to have to fight this boner the entire plane ride home.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not,” he laughs, and I step back.

No, I’m not. But I’m not going to tease him any longer or I’ll have the same problem.

“Let me get your gift before I lose it and forget altogether.”

“Wouldn’t want that.”

Sel walks past me and swats my ass. Ugh, do I really have to leave?

“And no opening it until Christmas Day, Finn. Promise me.”

“I have a better idea. Why don’t you bring my gift back to New York and we can have our own private celebration in the new year?”

“With the tree and everything?”

“Yep.”

“Sounds perfect, I—” Sel’s comment is interrupted by the pinging of his phone. “My ride’s on the way.”