Page 90 of Captured Love

“So what's on the agenda for today?” Knox asks as he wipes his mouth with a napkin.

I sigh, glancing at the pile of textbooks on my desk. “Psychology lecture, followed by a mountain of reading. You know, the usual glamorous life of a college student.”

Knox nods and runs a hand through his hair. “I feel you. Between practice, games, and trying to keep up with my classes, I barely have time to breathe.”

“And yet you still found time to bring me breakfast,” I say with a small smile.

Knox shrugs. “What can I say? I have my priorities straight.”

“That you do, and I’m not complaining one bit. In fact, I'm honored to be one of your top priorities.”

“You should be. The guys have been giving me so much shit for being 'whipped.' They say I've gone soft.”

I try to imagine Knox being teased by his teammates and can’t see it. “And what do you say to that?”

“I tell them that half of them have the same issue, and the other half are just jealous they don't have a gorgeous, brilliant woman like you in their lives.”

I giggle and quickly take another sip of coffee to hide my reaction. “Well, I'm glad I can be your excuse for going soft.”

“Trust me, picosita, there's nothing soft about me when it comes to you.”

He’s right about that. And I’m sure he’ll be willing to show me just how not soft he is later. We finish up our breakfast, and Knox glances at his phone. “I should probably head out and let you get ready for your day.”

“Yeah, I suppose I should make myself look presentable for class.”

Knox stands, gathering the empty coffee cups and sandwich wrappers. “You always look stunning, Selene. Even with bedhead and no makeup.”

I roll my eyes but can't fight the smile that appears on my lips. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

He winks at me as he heads for the door. “I'm counting on it. Text me later?”

“Of course. Now go, before I decide to skip class and keep you here all day.”

Knox chuckles and opens the door. “Don't tempt me.” With one last look, he's gone.

I lean against the closed door for a moment, hating that he had to leave. How is it possible for one man to make me feel so giddy and nervous at the same time? It truly doesn’t make a bit of sense. Shaking my head, I push off the door and start getting ready for the day ahead.

I head to my psychology lecture, still feeling the warmth from Knox's surprise visit this morning. As I settle into my usual seat in the lecture hall, I pull out my laptop and get everything ready so I can take detailed notes. But as the professor begins discussing the day's topic, my mind keeps wandering back to Knox.

The professor is explaining self-perception theory, which describes how our self-image is shaped by observing our behavior and how others respond to us.

“For example,” she says, “if someone frequently compliments your intelligence, you’re more likely to start identifying as a smart person.”

I can’t help but reflect on my own insecurities and how being with someone like Knox challenges them. Not that he is the answer to this, but he sees me in a way I’m still learning to see myself. It helps me as I navigate reworking my brain to not immediately pick my body apart.

I jot down a few key points from the slide on the board and it takes everything in me to focus on the presentation. I look at the time on my laptop and am grateful that it’s almost time to meet up with Isla for a small lunch. She and I need to catch up and I want to be doing something other than sitting in a classroom.

As class ends, I gather my things and head out. I meet up with Isla at one of the dining halls on campus. She's already snagged a table by the window and waves me over with a bright smile.

“Hey, girl, how's it going?” she asks as I slide into the seat across from her.

“Oh you know, the usual. Juggling classes and trying not to get lost in daydreams about a certain hockey player...” I joke.

Isla rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “I have those same issues so I can’t even laugh at you properly about it. Let’s get some food and then we can chat.”

After grabbing what we wanted from the variety of options that are available, Isla and I settle back at our table. She takes a big bite of her pizza and her salad before she looks at me.

“So spill. How are things going with Knox?” she asks.

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