Offside

1. A Birthday Breakup and Social Fallout

“I think we should take a break.”

Blindsided on her birthday. Bailey's 21st birthday celebration with her long-term boyfriend, Luke Morrison, takes a devastating turn when he abruptly breaks up with her, citing his impending NHL career and need for "time to himself." This public humiliation leaves Bailey reeling, especially as she discovers Luke quickly moves on with another girl, Sophie, confirming her suspicions of infidelity.

Ostracized by her circle. The breakup isolates Bailey from her established social group, which largely revolves around Luke and the Callingwood Bulldogs hockey team. Her roommates, Amelia and Jillian, and even her brother, Derek, distance themselves, prioritizing their loyalty to Luke over their friendship with her. This leaves Bailey feeling like a stranger in her own home and questioning her identity outside of her relationship with the team captain.

Seeking an escape. Feeling abandoned and hurt, Bailey seeks solace with her non-hockey friends, Zara and Noelle, who encourage her to move on. This leads her to a new club, outside her usual haunts, where she hopes to find anonymity and escape the painful reality of her crumbling social life.

2. The Unexpected Spark with a Rival

“I hate him,” I muttered.

An unlikely encounter. At a club, Bailey unexpectedly runs into Chase Carter, the arrogant left winger for the rival Boyd Falcons, whom she and her friends despise. Despite her initial hostility and his playful teasing, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them, leading to a night where Chase, surprisingly, acts as her protector after she gets too drunk.

A growing, forbidden attraction. Their connection deepens through a series of "non-dates" and late-night texts, challenging Bailey's preconceived notions about Chase. She finds herself drawn to his blunt honesty, protective nature, and unexpected depth, despite his reputation as a "fuckboy" and the intense rivalry between their hockey teams. This burgeoning relationship becomes a source of both excitement and internal conflict for Bailey.

Public displays and private moments. Chase, aware of Luke's continued harassment and Bailey's isolation, deliberately makes their connection public, first by "rescuing" her from the arena after a game and later by kissing her in front of her house. These bold moves, while initially shocking to Bailey, serve to solidify their bond and further antagonize Luke, who views Chase as his ultimate rival.

3. Building Trust Amidst Personal Baggage

“I prefer my companions sober enough to actually remember our encounter the next day,” I said dryly.

Unveiling past hurts. Chase's protective instincts are triggered when Bailey, in a drunken state, reveals intimate details about her past relationship with Luke, including his poor performance in the bedroom and her own struggles with orgasm. This vulnerability, though initially embarrassing for Bailey, becomes a foundation for deeper trust between them, as Chase responds with empathy and a genuine desire to understand and please her.

Addressing intimacy and self-worth. Their conversations about sex and intimacy are marked by Chase's patience and understanding, contrasting sharply with Bailey's past experiences. He encourages her to explore her own pleasure and challenges her feelings of inadequacy, even suggesting they go "toy shopping" together. This open dialogue helps Bailey begin to heal from the emotional scars left by Luke.

Navigating external pressures. As their relationship progresses, Bailey faces renewed scrutiny from her former friends and her brother, who disapprove of her involvement with Chase. Simultaneously, Chase grapples with his own past, including a difficult family history and the pressures of his hockey career, which he shares with Bailey, further cementing their bond through mutual vulnerability.

4. Unveiling Hidden Vulnerabilities

“I love you, but you’re minutes away from having the spins, and that won’t be a good time for either of us.”

A shared history of loss. Chase reveals the tragic death of his father, a former NHL player, in a helicopter crash when Chase was thirteen. This deeply personal revelation explains much of his independent, stubborn nature and his intense drive in hockey. It also highlights his protective instincts, stemming from his mother's subsequent emotional struggles and his difficult relationship with his stepfather.

Bailey's family struggles. Bailey, in turn, shares her family's financial difficulties, including her father's job loss and the impending sale of their childhood home. This revelation, initially withheld due to shame, allows Chase to offer support, even going behind her back to provide financial assistance to her brother, Derek, to help save their home. This act, though initially causing friction, underscores his deep care for her and her family.

The weight of expectations. Both characters carry significant burdens: Chase with the pressure of his NHL draft and the lingering trauma of his father's death, and Bailey with her scholarship aspirations, internship hopes, and the emotional toll of her family's situation. Their shared vulnerabilities create a powerful bond, allowing them to lean on each other for support and understanding.

5. The Shadow of a Damaging Past

“You know, your whole tough guy act is really lowbrow,” Luke said. “But I guess it matches your cheap suit.”

Luke's escalating malice. Luke Morrison's jealousy and need for control intensify, leading him to actively sabotage Bailey and Chase's relationship. He spreads false rumors, confronts Bailey, and eventually reveals a damaging secret from Chase's past: a sex tape. This act of revenge is designed to destroy Chase's career and reputation, and by extension, Bailey's.

Chase's hidden secret. The sex tape, recorded without Chase's full consent during a vulnerable period after his father's death, involves him, another girl (Nikki), and Kristen, who filmed it. This secret, which Chase had tried to bury, becomes a weapon in Luke's hands, threatening to derail Chase's NHL prospects and drag Bailey's reputation through the mud.

The painful choice. Luke blackmails Chase, demanding he break up with Bailey or face the public release of the video, framed to implicate Bailey as the "other girl." This forces Chase into an agonizing decision: protect Bailey's future by sacrificing their relationship, or risk her dreams being shattered by association with his past.

6. Confronting Betrayal and Forging New Alliances

“I love you, but I need you to tell me what’s going on.”

The painful breakup. Under duress from Luke's blackmail, Chase abruptly breaks up with Bailey, offering no explanation, leaving her heartbroken and confused. This sudden shift, however, raises red flags for Bailey and her new friend, Siobhan, who suspect there's more to the story than meets the eye.

Bailey's investigation. Driven by a deep trust in Chase and a refusal to accept his vague excuses, Bailey begins her own investigation. She learns about Chase's meeting with Dallas's lawyer father and pieces together the possibility of a hidden crisis. This demonstrates her unwavering loyalty and determination to uncover the truth.

Unmasking Luke's deceit. The truth eventually comes out: Luke's malicious blackmail and the existence of the sex tape. Bailey confronts Luke, slapping him publicly, and her brother Derek, finally realizing the extent of Luke's depravity, disowns him. This collective stand against Luke solidifies new alliances and exposes the true nature of his character.

7. Love's Unwavering Stand Against Sabotage

“I love you,” she said. “This doesn’t change that. You’re the same person you were yesterday. Or five minutes ago, for that matter.”

Reconciliation and unwavering support. Despite the devastating revelations, Bailey's love for Chase remains steadfast. She confronts him not with anger, but with understanding, reassuring him that his past doesn't change who he is to her. Her unwavering support becomes his anchor amidst the storm of public scrutiny and potential career ruin.

Facing the consequences together. Chase and Bailey decide to face the fallout of the sex tape together. They report Kristen's non-consensual recording to the authorities, initiating criminal proceedings against her. This decision, while public and messy, is a testament to their commitment to truth and justice, and to each other.

A united front. Bailey's family, including Derek, rallies around Chase, offering support and understanding. Dallas's father, a powerful litigator, takes on Chase's case, ensuring he has strong legal representation. This network of support helps Chase navigate the complex legal and professional challenges, reinforcing the idea that he is not alone in this fight.

8. Choosing Each Other Above All Else

“I don’t want that scholarship if it means I can’t have you. I’ll take out student loans. I don’t care. That’s fixable. Losing you isn’t.”

Prioritizing love over ambition. Bailey's declaration that she would sacrifice her scholarship and internship opportunities for Chase underscores the depth of her love and commitment. She refuses to let Luke's malicious actions dictate her future or separate her from the man she loves, demonstrating a profound understanding of what truly matters.

A future built on trust. Despite the immense pressure and potential for public humiliation, Chase and Bailey choose to build their future together. They navigate the complexities of his career, her aspirations, and the lingering shadows of their pasts with open communication and unwavering trust. Their relationship, forged in adversity, emerges stronger and more resilient.

Endgame: A love story. The book concludes with Chase and Bailey's love story solidified, having overcome significant external and internal challenges. Their journey highlights the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and mutual support, proving that even in the face of betrayal and public scandal, true connection can prevail.

Last updated: January 6, 2026