Page 51 of Captured Love

“We're hitting the pool when we get there!” he continues. “You in?”

“Maybe,” I shout back, not really committing. The last thing I want is to be a buzzkill, but my head's just not in it tonight.

I turn back to my phone and think about what to say to Selene. Something flirty? Something serious? Is that pushing the line? I hate how indecisive I am when it comes to this type of thing because it’s not the norm, but I’m trying to tread carefully with her this time around.

Me: Don’t worry about me. I’ve got plenty of company in Wilder.

The bus takes a sharp turn, and I brace myself against the window, eyes still glued to my phone as I wait for Selene's response. The guys are now arguing over something, but I can’t tell exactly what it is. Frankly, I don’t care, but I can already feel the beginnings of a headache forming.

Selene: Wilder, huh? Should I be jealous?

I laugh out loud, earning a few curious glances from my teammates. They probably think I'm losing it because I’ve been quieter than usual this trip.

Me: He wishes and that’s not a joke.

I stare at the screen, wondering if I should add something more. Maybe tell her how much I'm looking forward to seeing her after we get back from this trip. Or how I think we should go back to Prosecco & Prose sometime soon. Before I can overthink it anymore, my phone vibrates in my hand again.

Selene: Sounds like a real bromance. Maybe you should take him on an “outing” too, haha.

Me: Nah, he’s not my type. But I do happen to know he’s a cheap date.

I don’t even get a chance to lock my screen before she replies.

Selene: Cheap dates can be fun. You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?

There’s a tiny sting in her words, but I know she’s just teasing. With anyone else, that last text might have pissed me off, but with her, it just makes me chuckle.

And think about how she might actually see me.

Me: You make it sound like I’m some kind of playboy…

I hesitate before hitting send, not sure if I'm walking into a trap with this one. But if we're going to be real with each other,we have to address stuff like this, don’t we? I send it and lean back, stretching my arms over the seat. My eyes drift to the blur of streetlights outside as the bus rumbles on.

My phone buzzes again with a message from her.

Selene: Aren’t you?

Me: Used to be.

Selene: Changed your ways, have you? That’s good to know.

I stare at her last message, rolling it over in my mind. She’s giving me an out—letting me claim I've changed and leaving it at that. But if she’s going to believe me, really believe me, she needs to know the truth.

Me: People can change, at least I’m trying to prove that.

The bus pulls into the hotel parking lot, and the guys erupt in a chorus of cheers. I slip my phone into my pocket and stand, stretching out the stiffness from the long ride. The headache has settled into a dull throb, and all I can think about is how good it will feel to crash in my room for a bit. The team starts filing out, and I hang back, not in any rush.

“Knox, you coming?” Wilder asks as he stands in the aisle, blocking traffic.

“Yeah, just need to grab something,” I lie. He shrugs and makes his way toward the front of the bus.

I pull my phone out again, hoping for one last message from Selene. Nothing. I scroll back through our conversation, reading it over like an idiot.Used to be. Changed your ways, have you? That’s good to know. People can change.

But nothing else from her.

I stuff my phone back in my pocket and make my way off the bus. The guys are already unloading their gear from the storage compartments beneath the bus, joking and shoving each other. It’s typical of them to act this way and I can’t say I’ve never joined in.

“Sanchez!” Coach Johnson yells from near the front desk. “Come get your room key.”