Page 72 of Captured Love

Me: Found your note. That was really sweet, thank you.

I wait about ten seconds to see if Knox is going to respond. When he doesn't, I force myself to focus back on my textbook.I need to make at least a small dent in this material before my shift ends.

I manage to read a few more pages before my phone vibrates with an incoming text. My heart skips a beat as I grab it, hoping it's Knox. Sure enough, his name lights up the screen.

Knox: Anytime and I meant every word. You've got this.

I can't stop the grin that spreads across my face. Seriously, what is this life that this is now happening to me?

Me: Thanks for the vote of confidence. I needed that tonight.

Knox: Rough shift?

Me: I’m just tired. And studying for this exam is kicking my ass.

Knox: I’m sorry. Wish I could be there.

I stare at Knox's last message and sigh. He has an early morning practice and shouldn’t even be texting me right now, if I’m being honest.

Me: I wish you were here too. It would make this night a lot better. But also, go to sleep.

Knox: You're right. And Coach will have my ass if I’m not bright eyed and bushy tailed. Night, picosita.

Me: Haha goodnight.

I put my phone away, still smiling as I eye my textbook. Who would have thought that all I needed was Knox's thoughtfulnessto get me through the rest of my shift? I manage to review quite a few pages and am pleased that the concepts are finally starting to click into place.

After I do my routine of making sure that everyone is out of the library, I make my way to the entrance to lock those doors. But what greets me leaves me stunned.

There, standing outside the library doors, is Knox. He's leaning against a brick wall, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding onto what looks like a cup of coffee. When he sees me, a slow smile spreads across his face.

I push open the door, my heart doing a little flip in my chest. “What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. “I thought you had an early practice.”

“I do. But I couldn't stop thinking about you and figured you could use some midnight fuel.”

“You didn't have to do that,” I say as I reach for the cup. Our fingers brush, and goosebumps appear on my arms.

“I wanted to,” Knox says simply. “I know how hard you've been working.”

I take a sip of the coffee, and I swear it’s like everything makes sense again. “Thank you,” I say softly. “This is exactly what I needed.”

“You’re welcome.”

Together, we walk to the parking lot, and I quickly realize that my car is the only car there. “Where’s your car?”

“Wilder owed me a favor.”

“And you made him pay you back at midnight? By helping you bring me coffee?”

Knox shrugs. “It was worth it.”

I chuckle. “You’re something else, Knox Sanchez.”

“And I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I wave him off. “Of course you would. But I’ll allow it since this coffee tastes delicious.”

When we reach my car, I turn to face him. “Did you want to come back to my place, or should I drop you off at yours?”