“It worked out for the best. I hope it does for you too.” I pulled the door open and stepped into the hall. It wasn’t until I was outside that I realized I hadn’t used the bathroom, but going back inside was not an option.

* * *

CHASE

Suspension sucked.

And the game against AWU tonight marked the first of three games I had to watch from the bench.

It was torture.

No matter what Coach Miller tried, the team couldn’t get their shit together. In the end, we lost five-two. Maybe I wouldn’t have made a difference, but not knowing was beyond frustrating.

It was freezing outside, so after the game, I ducked out of the locker room and went over to the entrance. I hit the remote start on my truck keys, watching through the window. In the far corner of the parking lot, the lights turned on as the engine roared to life.

Turning, I threaded my way back through the crowd to find Dallas, Shiv, and Ty. Normally, Bailey would have been here too, but she’d been busy preparing for her internship interview, and I wasn’t allowed on the ice, so the timing wasn’t the worst.

In the distance, Dallas and Ty stood with a few guys from the team. I was about ten feet away from the group when Kristen appeared from out of nowhere.

Jesus.

She was in heavy makeup and a short black skirt, her long brown hair curled. More appropriate for a club than the rink, and more than likely intended for me. Was she ever going to take the hint?

My usually spot-on crazy radar had been defective when I met her, and about a year ago, I’d picked a sociopath for a fuck buddy. Somehow, I had missed all the red flags. Should have stuck to my one and done policy until Bailey.

“Hey.” She placed a hand on my forearm. I yanked my arm away and took a step back, glancing over to see if anyone was watching. Fortunately, they were all huddled around Dallas, listening to him recount his breakaway goal. It was about the only good thing that had happened tonight.

“You’ve got to stop this shit, Kristen. Penner will be out any minute. And you know I have a girlfriend.”

Even if I didn’t, there was no chance I’d go there again. Kristen had burned that bridge to a crisp. Doused it in kerosene and lit the match herself.

Kristen shrugged, stroking her dark hair. “That never stopped you when you were with me.”

Like comparing apples and pucks, Kristen.

“You were never my girlfriend.” I took another step back, keeping my voice low.

“We could still share…like we did with Nikki at your party.”

“It’s not like that with Bailey.” I lowered my voice. “Plus, that night doesn’t exactly bring back fond memories.”

She smirked. “Come on, Chase. It was hot.”