“They’d like to see you stay and finish out your fourth year of college.”

I must have been holding my breath too, because I let out a heavy exhale. “Okay.” Then I nodded. Stewart, of course, couldn’t see me, but it was more of a reflex than anything.

After several conversations with Stewart, I’d been expecting it and had made peace with it already.

Sure, I was disappointed. My future was veering in a direction I hadn’t planned for, but a small part of me was relieved by this outcome. I liked my life the way it was now, so I’d welcome another year of it.

I stole a glance at Bailey, and for once, I couldn’t read her expression. But I had a hunch she felt much the same way I did.

“It’s not a punishment,” he stressed. “They want to shield you from negative attention while the case is ongoing. As a rookie, the media would eat you alive over this. Waiting a year gives things a chance to cool down.”

He was right. The last thing I wanted was to be known for a scandal instead of my gameplay. It would probably always follow me, but by the following year, at least it would be old news.

After I ended the call, I shifted my weight and turned to face Bailey.

She touched my arm, studying me with concern. “How are you feeling about that?”

“It could be worse.” I shrugged. I could have been dropped from my contract altogether, so this was a win. “And it means more time with you.”

If not for James, I probably would have been devastated. But I could keep playing high-level hockey, and I could still live with Dallas and Ty next year. And best of all—I’d be here with her.

“Still,” she said, “it’s okay to be disappointed. I wouldn’t take it personally if you were.”

“Maybe a little, but I’m good, I promise.”

Bailey scanned my face and sucked in a breath like she was going to speak. Instead, she slowly let the air out and gave me a soft smile. She didn’t believe me.

“Promise, James. When have I ever hidden how I felt?”

She laughed. “Fair point.”

61. the moon

CHAPTER 61

THE MOON

Chase

Just as I’d suspected, we beat Dallas and Siobhan to his parents’ place. We had time to pick up takeout and eat said takeout once we got to the cabin. I even had time to eat Bailey for dessert and get her into the hot tub after.

Naked.

With, of course, the caveat that Ward would text me when they were fifteen minutes out so we had time to get decent.