Page 99 of Captured Love

I laugh as we carry the food into the dining room. “Well, can you blame her? I'm a delight.”

Wilder and Blaise are already seated at the table, their eyes widening as they take in the spread. “Damn, Selene, you went all out,” Blaise says.

“I figured you guys deserved a real meal for once,” I reply, setting down the pasta dish. “Instead of just pizza and protein shakes.”

“Hey, don't knock the pizza and protein shakes,” Wilder says, holding up his hands. “That's the fuel of champions right there.”

Knox snorts as he takes his seat next to me. “Yeah, if by champions you mean guys who can barely skate a lap without wheezing.”

“Excuse you, I am a finely tuned athletic machine.” Wilder flexes his biceps to prove his point.

I roll my eyes at Wilder's antics as I sit down across from him. “Sure, Wilder. Knox mentioned you were huffing and puffing at practice yesterday.”

Wilder glares at Knox. “Bro, that’s fucked up.” He turns back to me “And after I complimented how good the food smelled too.”

Blaise chuckles as he reaches for the garlic bread. “But she's got you there.”

As we all dig into the food, conversation flows easily. Despite the earlier tension with Wilder, he seems to have bounced back to his usual joking self.

“Hey, this is really good, Selene,” Blaise says around a mouthful of pasta. “Like really good.”

I smile at the unexpected compliment from the usually stoic Blaise. “Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I put a lot of love into it.”

Wilder makes an exaggerated gagging noise. “Gross. Love? In my food? No thanks.”

“Says the guy who just scarfed down two helpings,” Knox points out, gesturing at Wilder's already empty plate. “I’m not even sure you tasted the food.”

Wilder shrugs unapologetically. “What can I say? I'm a growing boy.”

“More like a bottomless pit,” Blaise mutters.

I chuckle and shake my head as Knox's hand finds mine under the table. He gives it a gentle squeeze. I glance over at him, and he winks at me. I don’t even bother trying to hide my grin.

Soon the meal winds down and everything is cleared courtesy of Blaise and Wilder, who decided to clean up since Knox and I cooked. Once that is done, we all settle into the living room, the guys sprawling across opposite ends of one couch while I curl up in Knox’s lap in an armchair. He drapes an arm around my waist, pulling me even closer.

“So, what's the plan for tonight?” Wilder asks, propping his feet up on the coffee table. “We could hit up downtown, see what kind of trouble we can stir up.”

Knox shakes his head. “Nah, man. I think I'm good just hanging out here.”

Wilder makes a whipping noise and gesture, earning a glare from Knox. “Come on, bro. Don't be lame. Live a little!”

“I am living,” Knox replies. “Living my best life right here with my girl.” He punctuates his statement by pressing a kiss to my neck.

I can't help but smile, but apparently that’s enough for Wilder. He pushes himself off the couch and makes a grand announcement. “Well, if you two are just going to be all gross and couple-y, I'm out.” He turns to look at his other roommate. “Blaise, you in?”

Blaise considers for a moment before shrugging. “Sure, why not. Beats third-wheeling these lovebirds.”

As Wilder and Blaise head out, I remember my plan to throw Knox a surprise birthday party. I untangle myself from his lap, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

“I'll be right back,” I say. “I just need to ask Blaise something real quick.”

Knox raises an eyebrow but nods. “Hurry back.”

I catch up to Blaise just as he's grabbing his coat from the hook by the door. “Hey, Blaise, wait up a sec.”

He turns, looking at me curiously. “What's up?”

I lower my voice, glancing back to make sure Knox is out of earshot. “I want to plan a surprise party for Knox's birthday in a couple weeks. I was hoping you could help me out and we can have it here?”

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