Page 1 of Capturing the Captain

Prologue

Olivia

Do you believe in love at first sight? You always see it in the movies or read about it in books, but I don't know. I just don’t get how you can look at someone and feel an immediate sense of love for them. Maybe that's not even how it works. My friend, Sasha, is adamant that it’s real. That one day, you'll see someone for the first time and just know. She said that’s what happened with her and her boyfriend, Max.

My ex, Ryan, always said that when he saw me for the first time, he knew I was the one for him. It sounds terrible to say but I didn’t feel like that at all. For me, Ryan was someone who eventually grew on me. Sometimes I still wonder if I ever truly loved him. It was my first real relationship, so I had nothing to compare the feeling to. Obviously, he was talking out of his ass, considering I walked in on him and my best friend Emily. I had been wanting out of that relationship for a while, and seeing them together finally gave me that push to leave. I threw my engagement ring in his face, left and haven't looked back since.

I guess I didn't really love him either. Was I hurt about what had happened? Absolutely. Did I cry about it for weeks or beg him to take me back? No way in hell! I don’t even think I shed one tear about the whole thing and that tells me all I need to know.

That happened two years ago now and I am finally starting to find my footing in this world. I am finally making it on my own. I moved to Florida two months ago to be closer to my best friend Sasha. The only thing that I missed after I left Ryan was the company, having someone to go to. I suppose I still miss it, the company, not Ryan, but at least here I have Sash with me now.

I feel like Florida is always somewhere I wanted to move. It feels like there’s more freedom here than there was in New York. I’ve always wanted to be a photographer but in New York, I felt like that particular career field was overcrowded. There were photography studios every street you turned down but here in Florida, it’s a lot less common. I’ve already surpassed my number of clients here in two months than I had in the two years of doing it in New York.

My end goal here is to become a sports photographer. It’s something that has always stood out to me. Being able to photograph a professional team would do wonders to my career. If I had to choose one sport, I’d probably choose hockey. I know nothing about it but I’ve seen a few games. The buzz in the arena, how fast the players move across the ice, it’s just so fascinating. Too bad the position of team photographer for the Florida Flames had been filled just before I moved here.

Oh well, I just have to keep dreaming and maybe one day I’ll get my shot.

1

Olivia

“So, do you have any questions for me before we conclude?” My interviewer asks. I’m pretty sure her name is Karen but I was so nervous coming in here that I completely blanked it. All I know is that she's a friendly woman, possibly in her late thirties with copper-colored hair, a slim build and dressed in the cutest blue pantsuit I have ever seen, making the deep blue of her eyes stand out.

“No, I think you’ve covered everything!” I say enthusiastically, trying to come across as eager for this position.

“Well that’s great. Makes my job easier,” she laughs, and I giggle along with her. “We have a few more people interested in this opening so we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

“Thank you so much for this opportunity.” I collect my bag and coat from my side before standing to leave.

“Of course. I’ll be in touch.”

As I get to the stadium car park, loud laughter floats to my ears. It’s a booming, deep laugh that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and goose bumps spread down my arms. I turn my head to see a small group of men walking toward the stadium. They’re carrying gym bags and look like they’ve spent their whole lives in the gym with the way their muscles are straining against their clothes.

Don’t stare, you weirdo. What if someone catches you looking! But how can I stop when there’s five 6-foot hockey players walking past me? I mentally slap myself.

Of course, the man with the sexy laugh chooses that moment to turn his head and catch my eye, which in turn causes my two left feet to trip over each other and I let out a small squeal before crashing to the ground.

I’m honestly not sure what damage I’ve done to myself because one minute I’m lying on the cold, hard ground and the next I’m surrounded by angels. Maybe I hit my head? All I know is that there's gorgeous men flanking me and I’ve just completely embarrassed myself.

“Are you okay, miss?”

“Miss?” I laugh quietly. “I’m fine,” I say, getting back on two feet. “Just a bit scratched up it seems.” Of course today was the day I decided to wear a tight fitting, black pencil skirt that stops just above my knees, paired with a white shirt, rolled up to the elbows. Cute but professional. And obviously a mistake. Looking down at my arms and legs, I notice scrapes on my knees and elbows, like an injury kids get when they fall in the school playground.

“Are you sure you’re good?” I gaze up at the stranger who's looking at me with concern in his eyes. Green eyes. The greenest eyes I have ever seen with specks of gold dotted throughout. They’re intoxicating.

Oh wow, now I can't stop staring into his eyes. “Can you tell me your name?” He asks in that hypnotic voice.

“Olivia,” I squeak out, because I'm feeling a little lost right now. I clear my throat and try again. “I’m Olivia.”

“Olivia,” he repeats slowly, testing how my name sounds on his tongue. He clears his throat, shaking his head lightly as if he’s clearing his thoughts, “I'm Josh. Can you tell me what day it is?” He’s searching my face, looking more concerned than he did a moment ago.

“What, why?” I ask, confused.

“Because you keep zoning out on me. I think you might have a head injury.”

My cheeks heat because I know the reason for zoning out. I’d hoped he hadn’t noticed. Shaking my head, I muster up the courage to speak. “I…umm… no I, I really am okay. It was just a little fall.” I reassure him.

“Are you sure?” I’m trying not to look into Josh’s eyes. If I do, he might rush me off to the hospital, thinking I’m suffering some severe brain damage because I’ve “zoned out” again.