Page 85 of Captured Love

I debate brushing it off, but decide honesty is the best policy. “Knox’s ex-girlfriend, who wants him back, is here,” I murmur. “A few rows back.”

Hailey's eyes widen and she casually glances over her shoulder. When she turns back to me, she rolls her eyes, but not at me. “Ignore her,” she says firmly.

I try to but there’s also a small urge to see if she tries something. I think back to how she treated Isla when we were hanging out in common area of their dorm. I’d wanted to hit her then and I’m not all that afraid to do it now, if I’m being honest.

“I will. Plus, Knox and I are officially dating, so she’s going to be even more pissed.”

This time Jade grabs my arm. “Excuse me, what?!”

I turn to face Jade, and I can’t help but smile. “Knox and I made it official yesterday,” I confess.

Jade's eyes widen, her mouth forming a perfect 'O' before breaking into a grin. “Selene! That's huge! Why didn't you tell us sooner?”

I shrug, glancing back at the ice where Knox is lining up for a face-off. “I didn’t have a chance to?”

“I'm so happy for you,” Hailey says, but her face doesn’t look it. That’s what happens when you have a resting bitch face.

The buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the first period. The Red Wolves are up 1-0, thanks to Levi's goal off Knox's rebound. As the players skate off the ice, I can't help but feel so proud. My boyfriend just helped his team take the lead. My boyfriend. The words still feel new and exciting on my tongue.

Jade turns to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, tell us everything! How did it happen? Who asked who? I need details, Selene!”

I laugh, shaking my head. “It wasn't some big, dramatic thing. He gave me an ice skating lesson and he brought it up.”

Hailey nods approvingly. “Good. You two are good together. Also explains why you’re wearing his jersey.”

“Yeah, he made sure that I had one for today,” I respond.

We continue to chat until the second period starts. Once it does. I try to focus on the game and it’s very difficult. It looks as if Knox is playing even more aggressively now, but my attention is divided because of Tessa's presence behind me. It helps that Knox is playing exceptionally well and I get swept up in my own and the crowd’s excitement. But even as I cheer for Knox and the Red Wolves, I can't shake the feeling of Tessa's eyes on me. I try to ignore it, but I still know she’s there.

The Red Wolves are holding onto a slim lead, but the opposing team is pushing hard. I hold my breath when Knox steals the puck and breaks away toward the goal. The crowd is on their feet, myself included, as he closes in on the goalie. With a flick of his wrist, he sends the puck flying into the lower corner of the net. The arena erupts in cheers.

“Yes! Go Knox!” I shout, jumping up and down. Hailey and Jade are screaming beside me, also caught up in the excitement.

As the team begins to celebrate the goal, Knox turns his head, and I swear our eyes connect. With his signature, cocky smirk, he lifts his stick and points directly at me.

Like he made that goal for me.

The noise around me fades for a split second as I take this moment in. Holy shit this is intense and exciting at the same time. Then he skates away like he didn’t just do that in front of everyone.

As the team celebrates the goal, I can't help but sneak a glance back at Tessa. She's still there, her eyes fixed on Knox. I quickly turn back to the ice, trying to push her out of my mind. The game continues at a breakneck pace. Levi and Asher are playing their hearts out, supporting Knox and driving the team forward. By the end of the third period, the Red Wolves have secured a solid lead. The final buzzer sounds, and the crowd goes wild.

I'm on my feet, cheering until my voice is hoarse. Hailey and Jade pull me into a hug, and we start squealing. As we make our way out of the stands and toward the players' exit, the adrenaline from the win is still pumping through my veins. Jade is chatting with Hailey about how exciting the game was and all I can do is nod along because my mind is on Knox. I can't wait to congratulate him on the win, to see his face light up with that cocky grin of his.

As we approach the exit, I spot my best friend. “Isla!” I call out, waving.

She turns, her face breaking into a smile when she sees us. “Hey, guys! What a game, huh?”

“It was incredible,” I agree as we reach her. “Your photos must be amazing.”

Isla shrugs as if she isn’t a fantastic photographer. “I got some good shots. But enough about me, how was it attending the game as a hockey girlfriend?” she teases with a wink.

“It was...intense,” I admit. “I don't think I've ever been so on edge watching a sport before.”

Isla laughs. “Welcome to the world of dating a hockey player. You'll get used to it.”

“I sure hope so,” I mutter, glancing around for any sign of Knox.

Just then, Asher emerges from the locker room, his hair still damp from his post-game shower. He spots us and makes a beeline toward where we are standing.

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