Drawing in a breath, I blew it out slowly to calm the frustration brewing within me. “Back to the topic at hand. You’re blowing this whole game thing way out of proportion.”

Chase shook his head, the cords in his neck tight. “I’m not. You need someone there with you. I’d legit send Ward if he didn’t have to be at the game with me.”

“I’ll be gone before the players even get out of the dressing room.”

“It’s not just Morrison. What about Amelia and Jillian? What if they corner you and give you a hard time? Not to mention that fucker Paul.”

“I deal with Amelia and Jillian at home already, remember?” A sour taste filled my mouth. “Besides, Zara, Noelle, and Shiv are all busy.”

I was borderline embarrassed that I had no one else to ask. In the past, I’d had an abundance of friends—until it turned out they weren’t actually my friends.

“I guess we could hire a bodyguard. Unless you have another solution.”

“I do, actually. A really easy one. Don’t go.”

“I’ll be fine.”

His jaw tensed. “What if you’re not?”

I felt like pulling out my hair. Chase meant it when he said he was stubborn. I was quickly learning that meant he was impossible to argue with when he dug in his heels.

“Oh my god. It’s one hockey game. In public. Why are you being so stubborn?”

“Because I’m right,” he said, voice low. “He’s a total fucking creep.” I knew that voice. It was the end-of-discussion voice. I liked it in the bedroom—a lot—but it was frustrating as heck outside of it.

“Wait.” I held up a hand, frowning. “Are you sure you aren’t mad because I won’t be at your game? My stuff is important too, you know.”

“First of all, I’m not mad—I’m upset. There’s a difference. And of course your stuff is important.” His expression softened, his tone following suit. “It’s got nothing to do with you watching me or not. But I’ll be worried about you all night.”

“Which will throw off your game.”

“Which will throw off my sanity, James.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear and rested his palm against my cheek. “I care about you more than the game.”

My heart did another stutter for entirely different reasons this time.

“I care about you too. And it’s super sweet that you’re worried. But I’ll be fine. Promise. I’ll text you updates to prove I’m alive.” I checked my watch. “Sorry, I’ve got to get to class.”