While I did my best to listen attentively, the skin on the back of my neck prickled. I glanced up, expecting to see Chase watching me from nearby. But it was Luke. Again. I immediately dropped my gaze, pretending I hadn’t seen him. Because I wish I hadn’t. I couldn’t wait for him to graduate this spring so I’d never have to see him again.

* * *

CHASE

Halfway through the night, I’d successfully avoided any run-ins with Morrison. Things were moderately weird with Kristen, but she was being friendly enough to Bailey. I had hopes that things would continue smoothly.

On my way back from the bathroom, I got roped into a conversation with a few guys from the Bulldogs—Palmer and Reed, plus a few others who weren’t total pieces of shit. We started talking stats, which turned into a lively debate about which NHL player was the biggest disappointment so far this season. It was Hancock, obviously. But try telling that to those guys.

By the time I excused myself, Bailey was at our table talking to Shiv and Kiara. Shiv tilted her head back, howling, while Bailey covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking with laughter. Bailey was more than nice to look at in that black dress. Damn. Who knew backs could be so sexy? But the way it dipped low, revealing all that bare skin, put very dirty thoughts in my head. Then again, she always made me think dirty things.

Maybe I could get her to keep those heels on later.

My gaze lingered on Bailey for another beat. Then I remembered I was supposed to be getting drinks. Stay on task, Carter.

I continued past the clusters of tables, heading over to the corner bar. As I drew closer, I caught sight of Morrison with a drink in his hand, watching my girlfriend like some kind of fucking stalker. He was angled away from the counter, pretending to look at his phone and fooling absolutely no one because his gaze was blatantly glued to Bailey.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Didn’t he have a date? Sophie or Sophia or something? Then again, I doubted her company would stop him from being such a creep. He’d probably ogle James right in front of his own girlfriend.

I caught the bartender’s eye, ordered, and stuffed a couple of bills in the tip jar while I waited.

Then I set a motherfucker straight.

“Don’t even think about it.” I leaned against the wooden countertop, facing Morrison’s back.

He swiveled in my direction and gave me a haughty once-over. “What are you talking about? Are you a psychic now or something?”

Didn’t need to be a psychic to know he was a cretin.

“My girlfriend.” I nodded at Bailey. “Do yourself a favor and stay the hell away.”

“Last I checked, this was a free country.”