Page 2 of Capturing the Captain

“I promise, I’m okay.” I smile up at him and he smiles back. His dimples dent in as he grins at me and my knees almost buckle at the sight. This man is truly breathtaking.

His chestnut brown hair is shaved short on the sides and longer on top. Not too long that it looks shaggy but long enough that I could run my fingers through it and grab a handful. It looks so damn soft, I'd love to run my hands through it right now but he might find that a little weird. Or a lot weird.

If I get this job, how am I supposed to focus when I’m going to be looking at tall, muscular, hockey Gods all day? Maybe I can photograph them all blindfolded. Sure, they might have their heads cut off, or have no feet, but it might be a little easier to get a clear shot if I can’t see them. Especially since I can't seem to look at a man's face without my tongue hanging out.

“Here, take this.” Josh hands me a bottle of water from his bag and helps gather my things from where they are still lying on the concrete. “Where’s your car?”

I take the water and welcome the cold liquid. I point to the far back corner of the car park. “All the way over there.” I say it like a chore, trying to bring some humor to this embarrassing situation I’ve found myself in. It works, because a smile lights up Josh’s face.

“Well, m’lady, allow me to escort you.”

A small laugh escapes me, “Why thank you m…my good… sir? I don’t know.” We’re both laughing now. I can't help but stare at him. This man laughs from his soul. So deep in his soul that it vibrates through me.

“So, what are you doing here? I’ve never seen you around before,” he asks.

“Job interview,” I reply, holding up my camera bag that I hope didn't get damaged in my fall.

“Ahh, I heard talk of a new photographer opening for the team. Our last one bailed after getting caught up in a scandal with one of my teammates.”

“Oh, what kind of scandal?” curiosity in my voice. I need to know exactly what lines not to cross. I can’t make the same mistakes if I want to keep this job.

“She was sleeping with one of the players. Her husband found out. He left with their kids and she left the job.” He cringed.

My mouth drops so far, I swear it hits the ground. “You’re kidding! I can’t believe people do that. You know, cheat. Especially when kids are involved! God, just leave the relationship first. What a piece of shit.” My voice was rising with each word. I take a deep breath. “Sorry that wasn’t nice, but it’s true. That poor family.”

Josh is silent beside me and when I look in his direction, he’s stifling a laugh.

I stop mid-walk and so does he. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing at all. You just seem very passionate about the subject.” He’s smiling now but the humor is still in voice.

“Personal experience,” I say with a hint of disappointment and turn back towards my car.

“Ah shit, I'm so sorry.”

“It’s okay. You didn't know.”

“Still, I should have guessed from the way you spoke about it. Wanna talk about it?”

“I’ve already embarrassed myself enough by tripping on air. I’d like to keep even a shred of dignity in case we meet again. Don’t want to burden you with my daddy issues on the first date now do I?” I look over and smile as Josh huffs a small laugh.

“First date, huh?”

“Well yeah. You bought me a drink,” I say holding up the water bottle, “and now you're walking me to my car. I’d say some people would classify this as a first date.”

“I guess you’re right. I’ll be honest, I’ve never had a first date in the stadium parking lot before.”

“First time for everything.” I smirk. “Well this is me.” I say as we arrive at my car. “Thank you, Josh.”

“No problem at all.” He’s quiet for a moment, thinking. “Is there any chance I can have your number? You know, so we could plan our second date?” Holy shit! I can’t believe this guy is asking for my number. After everything that’s happened in the span of fifteen minutes, he still wants to go out with me?

The words I have to reply to him actually pain me. “I, umm, I'm really sorry but I can't." He looks so disappointed, my heart breaks in two. “Don’t get me wrong, I would love to. But, I need this job. I can’t have a scandal happen to me too,” I explain.

“I understand. But, if for some reason you don't get this job, you know where to find me.” He winks and I melt into a puddle on the ground.

I open my car door and climb inside. I look at Josh again, taking more of him in now that there’s a little space between us. He’s tall, maybe 6 '3 or so, his arms are built of muscle and tattoos. He has a sharp jawline with a shadow of stubble like he hasn’t shaved in a few days. “Thank you again. I really appreciate it.”

“Anything for a beautiful woman like you. Hope to see you again soon, gorgeous.” He smiles and closes the door for me.