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My mind was already spinning with possibilities. What it would mean for her to live in LA full time. What it would mean for us.

“What are you thinking?” I asked, trying to remain neutral.

I didn’t want her to think I was trying to sway her decision, but I’d be fucking thrilled if she relocated to LA. Should I tell her that? Not tell her? Did she already know?

“I love LA, and I have so many friends here. You’re here. The weather is better here.” She laughed. “But my teammates are my family, and we’ve been through a lot together. I can’t even imagine—” A tear leaked out, streaking down her cheek. I used my thumb to wipe it away, wishing I could make this easier for her. “It would be really hard to leave. It’s hard to even imagine having that conversation with them, let alone actually making that move.”

I nodded. “I’m sure. I remember what it was like to leave Nashville, and that wasn’t by choice. That said, if they were in the same position, you’d want them to make the best choice for themselves, right?”

“Of course,” she said immediately. “But still…”

I understood her hesitation. It was a difficult decision. “I guess you don’t know who else is going to play for the Bobcats, but they’d be building this team around you.”

She nodded. “Yes, which is an honor and a ton of pressure. Anaheim has invested a lot into the team and the facilities. It would be a step up in some ways.”

“What about the coaches?”

“I love my current coach. She strikes the right balance of what I need. But I’ve been with her for three years. Maybe a new coach would help me learn new things, help me grow.”

“That’s true,” I said, thinking of Coach Cross. I’d definitely flourished under his leadership.

“What about your position as captain?” I asked, knowing that was important to her.

“Anaheim assured my agent that I would be captain.”

“It sounds like you have two great options,” I said, leaving us—and our relationship—out of it. Sure, Logan had mentioned that I was a factor, but I would never want her to feel like I’d swayed her decision.

“What would you do?” she asked, surprising me with her uncertainty.

Was she asking me if I wanted her to move to LA? Because of course I did.

I searched her gaze, trying to determine what she needed from me in that moment. Reassurance? A push?

Ultimately, I asked, “When do you have to decide?”

“Soon,” she said, blowing out a breath.

“Have you talked to Levi about it or your mom?”

She shook her head. “Only you.”

I took her hand, placing it over my heart, humbled by her trust. “You’ll make the best decision for you. And I’ll be here, supporting that decision, no matter what it is.”

“Even if that means staying in Minnesota?”

I cupped her cheek. “You have to do what’s best for you, what’s best for your career. If that’s Anaheim, then great. And if it’s Minnesota, then we’ll make it work. We did last season.”

She furrowed her brow. “But we weren’t together last season.”

“We were in every way that mattered.”

She nodded, and I leaned in, slanting my mouth over hers.

“Thank you,” she said when I withdrew.

“For what?”

“For helping me think through my options without trying to convince me one way or the other. It means a lot—knowing that you’re willing to put my career first, even if it’s not what’s best for our relationship.”