Page 73 of Captured Love

“Well, as much as I'd love to come back to your place, I should probably get some sleep before practice. I didn’t bring my gear, but… that doesn’t mean you can’t come back to my place. You can use my desk and sleep in. I want to have you in my arms, even if it’s for an hour.”

“That’s…not a bad idea. I can pack a quick bag, so if you’re cool with me stopping at my dorm, I can make that work.”

Knox nods. “I'm more than cool with that. Let's swing by your dorm so you can grab what you need.”

The drive to my place is quick, and I dash inside to throw some clothes and my toothbrush into a bag. When I return to the car, Knox is fiddling with the radio, settling on a soft indie station.

As we make our way to his house, a comfortable silence settles between us. It's late, and the streets are quiet, the world feeling still and peaceful. Knox reaches over and takes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. The simple touch makes me feel even more at peace.

When we arrive at the hockey house, all the lights are out. Knox leads me inside with his hand resting gently on the small of my back. When he closes the door behind us, I realize just how quiet it is. And it feels so strange. I’ve been here when there are no parties going on, but this still feels weird.

Knox takes my bag from me, and I follow him up the stairs to his bedroom.

“It's so quiet,” I whisper. “I don't think I've ever heard it this silent before.”

“That's because everyone's actually asleep for once,” he says as he closes his bedroom door, shutting us off from the rest of the world. Thankfully, he left his desk lamp on so we can still see.

“And yet here you are, awake at an ungodly hour, all to bring me coffee and let me invade your space.”

He reaches out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Invade away. I just like being around you whenever I get the opportunity. And that’s something I thought I would never say again.”

“A lot of things are changing, I guess.”

Knox nods and gives me a small. “That they are. That they are…” His voice trails off. “Okay, let’s get you all set up so that you can study.”

“And you can go to sleep. Don’t forget that part.”

Knox chuckles softly as he sets my bag near his desk. “I won't forget. But first, let's make sure you have everything you need.”

He clears some space on his desk, stacking his own textbooks and papers neatly to the side. Then he pulls out the chair, gesturing for me to sit.

I do as he wants and set my now-cool coffee down on the surface. I pull out my textbook and notes, preparing to get at least a couple of more hours of studying in.

“Is there anything else you need?” Knox asks, his voice low. “A blanket?”

I glance up at him. “I think I'm good. But thank you.”

“Okay. I'll let you get to it then.”

As he turns to head toward his bed, I reach out and catch his hand. “Knox?”

He looks back at me with an eyebrow raised.

I give his hand a gentle squeeze. “Thank you. For everything tonight. It means a lot.”

“Stop thanking me. I’m happy to do this for you.” With a final squeeze of my hand, he lets go and makes his way to the bed.

I watch as he strips off his shirt and jeans, leaving him in just his boxers. Even in the dim light, I can't help but admire hisbody. Knox catches me staring and smirks, making me quickly turn back to my textbook.

I hear the rustle of sheets as Knox climbs into bed. “Good night. Wake me if you need anything.”

“I will. Sweet dreams,” I whisper back.

The room falls quiet except for the sound of Knox's even breathing and me occasionally turning a page. I manage to review a couple of chapters before I can feel the crash that’s about to happen.

When it’s hard for me to keep my head up, I decide to call it quits. I make my way to the bag that I packed, quickly change into my pajamas, turn off the lamp, and manage to crawl into Knox’s bed without stubbing my toe.

As if he knows that I’ve joined him in his bed, he turns his body, molding it around mine. I hear what sounds like my name mumbled under his breath, and I can’t help but release a sigh of relief.

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