My phone lit up with a reminder. I had an appointment with my academic advisor across campus in half an hour.

“Oh shoot. I should go.” I stood up, pushing the chair back.

“I’m glad we got to talk,” he said.

“Me too.” We had more to work through, but it was a step in the right direction.

40. told you

CHAPTER 40

TOLD YOU

Bailey

A one-day break to sober up from intoxication via Chase probably wasn’t the worst thing. After flying high all day yesterday, I needed to come back down to earth.

Just not today, apparently.

Best laid plans and all that.

Rain pelted against the glass rooftop of the atrium as Chase and I perched at a black metal table tucked away in the corner of the Callingwood campus food court, finishing the last of our burrito bowls. We hadn’t planned to see each other today, and I’d planned to work on a few assignments during my break while Chase performed his usual pre-game routine after his last afternoon class. Later tonight, we would be at two different arenas for two different games.

But when one of Chase’s profs called in sick at the last minute, he’d texted me to meet for lunch, and all the other stuff went right out the window. Finalizing the feature on the Callingwood Symphonic Chorus for the paper’s weekend edition would have to wait because the lure of spending time with him was way too appealing.

So much for the self-discipline I prided myself on having.

I turned to face Chase, taking in the adorably awkward way he was trying to fit his oversized frame into the chair attached to the small table. His legs were far too long, forcing him to bend his knees out at an unwieldy angle.

“The world’s not made for people your size, huh?”

Chase glanced down at his blue jean-clad legs, lips tugging up. “Nope.” He nodded at me. “That’s why I like that you’re tall too. You know what it’s like to tower over everyone else.”

“I feel bad that you came all this way to see me when you have to turn around and go right back.”

He threw his arm along the back of my chair, fingers grazing my upper back. “What else would I do with my free Friday afternoon? Study? Alone?”

“Well, yeah.” I laughed, taking the last bite of my cilantro lime rice. “That would probably be a good idea. And what about your whole pre-game nap routine?”

“Why would I want to sleep when I could hang out with you here?”

I pointed at him with my fork. “You don’t even go here.”

“So?” Chase shrugged. “I’m still a student.”

Fair enough. And at least he was wearing a black zip-up hoodie instead of his usual scarlet Falcons gear. The crimson bird was verboten around these parts.