That doesn’t really change anything.
Does it?
She was happy to have one night with me and then continue with her life like nothing happened.
If she hadn’t turned up at the rink earlier—if I hadn’t turned around and looked her in the eyes—I never would have figured it out.
I’d be sitting here now, blissfully unaware that the woman I can’t get out of my head is the daughter of my coach.
The daughter we’ve all been very firmly told to stay away from.
If I’d known…
A bitter laugh spills from my lips as I consider what would have happened if I had found out.
At what point would I have stopped it?
What would I have done if she’d removed her mask when I’d asked her to?
Freak out. That’s what I would have done.
My stomach knots tighter as I think about how I’ve betrayed Coach.
If he finds out…my life here could be over.
He could trade me in a heartbeat.
I may have only had one season here in LA, but it feels...right.
Sutton is happy here. She loves her team, and school—mostly. And Mom has friends who are helping to bring her back to life. I can’t rip that away from her.
And anyway, if I don’t ignore it—ignore her—like it never happened, what’s the other option?
Talk to her?
I shake my head. I can’t do that.
I can’t be anywhere fucking near her.
My memories are enough.
The thought of having her scent in my nose again is just too much.
The only thing I can do is remember what she so confidently said.
She wanted a one-night thing.
It was enough for her, so it has to be enough for me.
I’m putting Casey Watson and our night together firmly behind me.
I have a season to focus on.
13
CASEY
Iwake Saturday morning to my cell ringing on my nightstand.
