Page 100 of Captured Love

A slow smile spreads across Blaise's face. “That's a great idea. Knox never makes a big deal out of his birthday, but I think he'd really appreciate this.”

Relief floods through me. “Awesome. I'll start putting together a guest list and figuring out decorations and stuff. Just keep it quiet, okay?”

Blaise mimes zipping his lips. “My lips are sealed. Knox won't suspect a thing.”

“Thanks, Blaise. You're the best.” I give him a quick hug before he heads out the door after Wilder.

I return to the living room where Knox has moved to the couch and is now channel surfing. As I sit down, he wraps anarm around my shoulder and says, “What was that about with Blaise?”

“Oh nothing,” I reply, waving a hand. “Just needed to ask him about...a class.”

Knox pulls back slightly, narrowing his gaze. “You and Blaise have a class together? Since when?”

Crap. I scramble for a good explanation. “We don’t, but he had the same professor last semester. It's, um, an elective. Intro to...Sports Psychology. Figured it might be interesting, you know, with you being an athlete and all.” I give him what I hope is a winning smile.

Knox studies me for a moment, and I hold my breath, praying he buys it. Then he shrugs and pulls me closer again. “Makes sense. You're always looking out for me.” He grins and taps my nose playfully. “My little cheerleader.”

I swat at his chest and laugh. “Excuse you, I am nobody's cheerleader. If anything, you should be my cheerleader and praise me, Hockey Hottie.”

“I'll cheer for you anytime, baby,” he replies with a wink. “In fact...” He shifts suddenly, flipping us so I'm pinned beneath him on the couch. “Let me show you just how good I am at praising you.”

Before I can blink, my giggles turn into moans as a quiet evening with my boyfriend turns into anything but.

37

SELENE

Irush around Knox's house in an effort to arrange the platters of snacks that I purchased. The rich aroma of freshly baked brownies is calling my name, but I ignore it because I have a job to complete. There will be time to consume what I want later because life is all about balance and not having to constantly judge myself by the numbers on the scale.

As I step back to survey my handiwork, I can’t help but grin. The once cluttered living room has been transformed into a vibrant party space, complete with colorful balloons and a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner strung across the far wall. It's a bit over-the-top, but it’s not every day someone turns twenty-two.

Asher strolls into the living room. “Damn, Selene, you really went all out.”

“Thanks. Blaise helped me pull all of this together. In fact, he should be coming back right?—”

The front door opens, and Blaise walks in on cue.

“—now,” I finish, smiling at Blaise as he enters with an armful of extra decorations. I can also call myself psychic now.

Blaise looks around the room and nods. “This looks incredible. Knox is going to be blown away.”

I feel a flutter of excitement in my belly at the thought of Knox's reaction. I want everything to be perfect for him.

Wilder walks in from the kitchen and snags a brownie from one of the platters. “Knox better marry you after this,” he jokes.

I force a laugh, hoping it doesn't sound as nervous as I feel. The idea of Knox and I together, married, makes my heart race in a way I'm not quite ready to admit out loud. “Very funny,” I manage, busying myself with adjusting the snack platters again. For the fifth time.

A knock on the door stops this from getting even more awkward. Instead of waiting for any of the guys to answer, I rush over to the door and pull it open. A sigh of relief leaves my lips when I see it’s Levi, Hailey, Isla, and Jade standing on the other side.

Isla steps forward and pulls me into a warm hug. “We're here to help! We brought more food and alcohol. Point us in the direction of anything that still needs to be done.”

I move out of the way so they can come in. “You guys are the best. I think we're just about set, but maybe you could help me with the drinks?” I pull my phone out of pocket. “I think Willow should be here any minute too.”

“Excellent, it will be good to see her again,” Jade says.

I lead the girls to the kitchen, leaving Blaise, Wilder, Levi. and Asher in the living room.

“So,” Hailey starts as she unloads a tote full of various bottles, “how are things with you and Knox?”

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