Page 2 of Rookie Attraction

“The same as any rink, it’s loud and you freeze your ass off,” I quip. “Seriously, I can’t imagine a bigger rush. Playing with guys at the top of their game and in front of so many people is something special.”

The players ask me a ton of questions about the past season, and I gladly offer my highlights. There’s nothing I love more than talking hockey and today is no exception. Everyone in the group has something to say. Everyone except Finn, who fidgets with his stick, shoulders slumped as he stares at the ice. He’s hardly said a word. I don’t get it because Damien insisted that Finn’s an enthusiastic chatterbox. Weird. Is it something I said? Then I remember Damien’s warning that Finn’s dealing with a family issue. Maybe that’s it. He’s got personal stuff going on and it’s weighing heavy. It can be difficult for players to leave their emotions aside when they hit the ice. With that in mind, I make a mental note to be extra patient.

The rest of the guys are all smiles as we shoot the shit, but Finn gets more tense as the minutes tick by, tapping his stick on the ice, pacing back and forth.

“Okay, finish your warmup and then passing drills and three-on-three,” I announce and turn to Finn. “Finn, can I talk to you for a moment?”

The other players take off down the ice while Finn shuffles in place.

“Is everything alright?” I ask him when we’re one on one. “You seem upset.”

“I’m fine.”

I skate closer so others can’t hear us, and I notice his hazel eyes are red-rimmed and swollen. Despite offering an easy grin, Finn’s gaze is troubled. There’s something seriously riding him. Or maybe he’s ill? His face is so pale, and I’m concerned he’s about to be sick. Players will often stay silent, pushing themselves hard no matter what. We’re stubborn fuckers that way.

“Are you sure? If you’re sick⁠—”

“I’m not sick,” he insists. “Not me. I’m just… I’m dealing with some personal stuff, okay? But it never interferes with hockey. Never.”

His response is so impassioned that I feel awful for questioning him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. I just wanted to be sure,” I reply calmly. “If you’re good, I’m good. I was concerned maybe it was something I said. I like to keep things light, but my sense of humor isn’t for everyone.”

“Are you kidding? You’re my fucking idol,” he confesses and slaps a gloved hand over his helmet, his freckled face turning pink. “Shit, I didn’t mean to blurt that out. Jesus, I’m sorry about the swearing.”

His rambling makes me want to smile, but I do my best to hold it in. Idol? It’s not the first time someone’s told me that and yet the comment makes my cheeks heat in return. Hell, I’m almost as red-faced as Finn and that rarely happens.

“Idol, eh? That’s quite the compliment.”

“God, I wish this ice would melt and swallow me up,” Finn mutters as he lowers his head. “So embarrassing.”

“Come on,” I chuckle. “You saying that is the nicest thing. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he mumbles, biting his lower lip.

To put him at ease, I shift to why we’re here.

“What made you decide to join this training camp?” I ask. “Only, I’d imagine you’d rather be hanging out with your friends in the summer?”

Finn looks up and finally offers a grin.

“This is hanging out with my friends in the summer. Otherwise, I’d be back home working on the farm, shovelling shit. Which would you choose?”

“Fair point.” I smile. “But that can’t be the only reason.”

Finn leans on his stick.

“My game’s improved a lot this year, and I figured this camp would give me that extra edge. There were scouts at our championship win, and you never know, right? I turn twenty-two in August, too old to be drafted in the NHL, but there’s always a chance I could go pro somewhere.”

I nod. “Definitely. You were phenomenal in that game, Finn.”

He shakes his head.

“I mean it. I don’t bullshit. What I saw tells me you’ve still got a shot. Don’t give up.”

“Thanks,” Finn whispers. “I can’t believe you of all people said that, but I needed to hear it.”

I stare at him for a moment, wanting to ask more questions, but then I remember we need to get back to playing actual hockey.