Page 58 of Captured Love

I open my mouth to deny it, but the words won't come. Because the truth is, I am into Knox. More than I want to admit, even to myself.

As the game continues, I find myself getting more and more invested. I cheer when the Red Wolves score again, and groan when the other team manages to tie the game up. By the time the third period starts, I'm on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding.

As the clock ticks down, the intensity on the ice increases tenfold. Both teams are desperate for the next goal that will more than likely mean they are the winner of the game. Knox seems to be everywhere at once, and I’m impressed even more by his athletic ability.

With less than two minutes left, Knox gains possession of the puck and he charges forward. Two players on the opposite team are on him, but he spins away from them, maintaining control of the puck.

I'm gripping the couch cushions so tightly my knuckles turn white. Jade is screaming at the TV, urging Knox on, while Hailey has a hand over her mouth.

Knox skates across the blue line, his movements confident and controlled. Even though I barely understand the rules, I’m freaking out internally. His stick is raised, his body angled toward the goal, and the camera zooms in like it’s anticipating something big is about to happen.

I hold my breath because I’m afraid to move even slightly.

He looks like he’s going to shoot, every muscle in his body coiled, but then, at the last possible second, he shifts. His shoulder dips and the goalie reacts instantly, dropping down to block the shot that never comes.

For a second, I think he’s lost his chance, but then he’s gliding around the goalie, faster than I can process. The puck slides into the net, and I leap off the couch. The cheers from the crowd on the screen are deafening, but I swear I’m louder.

“Oh my god, he did it!” I scream, my voice blending with Jade and Hailey's as we all jump up and down, hugging each other.

The buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the game. The Red Wolves have won, 3-2, thanks to Knox's last-second goal. On the screen, the team swarms him.

“That was amazing,” Hailey says. “Holy hell.”

I'm still staring at the screen, my heart racing as I watch Knox remove his helmet. His dark hair is plastered to his forehead with sweat, but he's grinning from ear to ear. The camera lingers on him as he accepts congratulations from his teammates.

Suddenly, his head turns, and he looks directly into the camera. For a moment, it feels like he's looking right at me. Like he knows I'm watching.

Then the moment passes, and I sink back onto the couch. I’m feeling dazed and slightly lightheaded.

Jade joins me again, nudging me with her elbow. “So, still think hockey's not your thing?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, fine. I admit it. That was... intense. And kind of thrilling.”

“Mmhmm. And I'm sure it had nothing to do with a certain dark-haired, brooding winger,” she teases, waggling her eyebrows at me.

I grab a pillow and hit her with it, but I'm smiling. “Shut up. I can appreciate a good game without it being about Knox.”

“But it doesn't hurt that he's the one scoring the winning goal, right?” Hailey raises an eyebrow at me.

I give her a grin. “You’re right. It doesn’t.”

22

SELENE

The bass from the speakers practically vibrates through the walls as I step into Knox’s place. Sounds of laughter and celebration come together, filling every corner of this place with high vibrations. It’s understandable because the Red Wolves just had an amazing win. I pause in the doorway, taking it all in, and I know it’s time to turn my confidence on.

All eyes are fixed on the television in the guys’ living room, which is now playing highlights from today’s game, even though no one can hear the commentary over the music. The place is packed and there’s a sea of red and white. Some of the faces I’m familiar with and there are several people I don’t know. I spot Levi and Hailey standing close together. His arm is draped around her and when she looks up, she gives me a small wave. That causes Levi to turn and give me a nod before he goes back to whatever he was whispering in Hailey’s ear. I think about walking over to say hi, but something in their body language tells me it can wait.

My gaze darts around, scanning the crowd for someone else I can talk to, and then I find a flash of blonde hair that I’drecognize anywhere. As soon as our eyes meet, Isla waves me over.

“Selene! You’re here!”

Isla wraps me in a tight hug, almost causing her to spill the drink she’s holding. “Congrats on the win,” I say.

“Don't congratulate me. It’s all the boys,” she says, but I can tell she’s basking in the afterglow of the victory just as much as any of the team. “Did you end up watching it? I know you said you might go watch the game with Hailey and Jade.”

“We did. The game was very interesting and more intense than I thought it would be. I’m sure it was even wilder with you being there, close to the action.”

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