“You think you’re a puck bunny?” I gave her a pointed look until she made eye contact, trying to get a read on where this was coming from. “And I’m just another hockey player? We aren’t cardboard cut-outs. We’re real people.”

And if, god forbid, things ended between us, I’d never be a crazy asshole like Morrison and make her living situation difficult. But I couldn’t bring myself to think about that scenario in any greater detail. Wasn’t going to happen, anyway.

Bailey took my hand, her skin cool and soft against mine. “Don’t you think I’m a bit of a stereotype, though? I went from one hockey player straight to another.”

“It’s not like you went after me because I play hockey. I pursued you. In my own slightly misguided way.”

A small smile peeked out on her lips. “Still…”

“Would you still like me if I quit the team tomorrow?”

Her hazel eyes widened, and her tone hushed. “Of course.”

“Then you’re not a puck bunny. Problem solved.” I studied her. “Where’s this coming from?”

She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and shrugged, making a little “I dunno” sound.

“Did someone call you a puck bunny?”

“Paul may have. That one day.”

A trail of expletives exploded in my brain.

My hit list had officially grown to two people.

We were due to play Callingwood again in a few weeks, and my entire team would be ready to clobber both of those dipshits. Repeatedly.

“Don’t let him get in your head. It’s exactly what he wants.”

“But it’s not wrong. First I was Luke Morrison’s girlfriend, and now I’m Chase Carter’s girlfriend.”

Ouch again. But now I knew where this was coming from.

“You’re not just my girlfriend. There’s so much more to you than that label. Anyone with two brain cells to rub together knows that.” Which ruled out Paul.

Plus, the way she worded that made it sound terrible. I would have 100 percent stayed friends with Bailey even if nothing had happened between us.

I would have had to deal with the insane attraction part somehow, sure. But I would have wanted her in my life.

“Do they?” She frowned.

“If they don’t, they’re too stupid to matter in the first place.”

Bailey fell quiet again.

There were times when I swore I could see straight into her brain. Some of those times were good, but other times, it gutted me a little. Like right now.

I sighed. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

“How’s that?”

“You’re a talented writer, a video game playing goddess, loyal to a fault, and so beautiful that sometimes it hurts a little.”

“Do you really think that?” she whispered.

“Of course.”

* * *