“Sorry.” He let out a long breath and looked me in the eye. “I just wanted to unload the tickets. Do you want me to see if I can get them to switch with someone?”

I shook my head. “It’s fine. That’ll make it into an even bigger issue.” Biting into my sandwich aggressively, I chewed and swallowed before continuing. “Truth is, I’m worried Morrison will be there too. He came last year. Between the two of them, I’m scared the night will turn into a clusterfuck.”

It almost made me second-guess going. But the tickets had already been paid for and, in theory, it would be a nice night out with Dallas and Shiv, plus Ty and whoever he dragged up. As long as those other things didn’t go off the rails.

“It’s a classy affair,” Ty said. “I think everyone will stay in line. But did you hear…” His voice grew quiet, and he furrowed his brow, dark eyes darting around the table to check for anyone listening.

“Hear what?”

“It’s probably just a rumor. But someone told me Los Angeles was talking to him.”

I almost blacked out.

What. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck?

“You’re kidding me.”

Los Angeles did have a need for some bodies to fill the fourth line. I sure as hell wasn’t going to be playing down there.

But Morrison? If I ended up on the same team as that dipshit, I was going to get kicked off or arrested. Maybe both.

* * *

BAILEY

Two exams, one massive essay, and one disastrous group project later, I’d almost survived the week. Unfortunately, it meant I had barely seen Chase. We were both feeling the strain of that. His constant stream of spicy and sweet texts said as much.

My phone buzzed on the table in the Callingwood Daily office.

Chase: I’m going to strip off your clothes and devour you later.

Bailey: Is that a promise?

Chase: Absolutely.

Bailey: Can’t wait to see you.

Chase: You have no idea.

Chase: Wrapping up dinner with the team. Be there in half an hour.

Biting back a smile, I shook my head and locked my phone, then flipped it facedown. I still had to finish a few tasks before I could let my mind wander in that direction. Even though the tug between my legs said other parts of my body already had.

I missed those big, strong hands. Those demanding lips. That low voice in my ear. That wall of muscle pressed against my body…

Oh god. Get it together, Bailey.

“Here.” I clicked send, and my laptop chimed, letting me know the email had left my outbox. “I sent you the art show piece for your review, Noelle. I think it should be pretty clean, but let me know if it needs any edits or trimming.”