It had been longer than I cared to admit. He’d been busy with training and classes, and I’d been juggling a heavy course load. I’d told myself it was a slump, but the truth was, sex had become more of a chore than anything.

Thinking back, I couldn’t remember the last time we’d actually done it. Maybe after the party at Paul’s parents’ lake house in August? That was over a month ago, but that was normal, wasn’t it? Couples had ups and downs. Even if some of the downs lasted a while.

“I don’t know,” I lied. Heat filled my cheeks. “Awhile.”

“Exactly. And it’s probably bad juju for Luke to have been the only”—she gestured vaguely to my pelvic area, biting her magenta bottom lip—“passenger.”

In spite of myself, and likely because of the tequila, I laughed. “My vagina is not an airport terminal, Zar.”

“What’s this, now?” a deep voice cut in from behind me.

I turned and jumped, startled to find Chase Carter’s imposing figure leaning against the bar behind me, amusement stamped on his gorgeous face.

Agitator for the Falcons, leading the league in penalties drawn last season, and the second-to-last person I wanted to see.

Clearly, he heard the whole thing, right down to my vagina comment. It had been a shit-tastic week, so I wasn’t even surprised. Maybe I would get hit by lightning next.

“Speaking of rebounds,” Zara muttered under her breath. “Hello.”

I ignored her and shot Chase a withering glare. “Don’t worry about it.”

He raised his brows, widening his dark eyes in mock innocence. “But I’m dying to hear more about takeoff and landing.”

Noelle giggled and Zara snort-choked on her mouthful of rum and coke, coughing uncontrollably.

“Oh my god.” I rolled my eyes, turning back to face my friends.

“Sorry,” Zara gasped, pounding her chest with her fist.

“How are the runway conditions tonight?” Chase pressed.

I scanned the bar area for potential weapons, coming up woefully short. “Do you think it would be considered first- or second-degree murder if I kill you with a cocktail stirrer? One could argue it was spur of the moment if I used a weapon of convenience. But I have thought about it for a long time.”

Chase took a step closer, the corners of his full lips tipping up into a smirk. “And why would that be? We don’t even know each other. Or do we?” He tilted his head, studying my face. “You do look kind of familiar. Have we…?”

“No.” I made a face. From what I’d heard, it was no surprise he couldn’t keep track of his conquests. “God, no. I meant because everyone from Callingwood hates you.”

“Is that so?” The facade cracked, and he broke out into a full, smug grin, not even trying to hide his enjoyment.