Page 30 of Capturing the Captain

I’m practically puffing my chest out right now, filled with pride. “Can I just say how fucking glad I am that I was the one who made you do that?”

“Now, now Josh. If I knew it was gonna inflate your ego this much, I would have held it in.”

I chuckle at the teasing tone, “Baby, I feel like you physically can’t hold that in, no matter how hard you try.”

I slid off her, prepared to get up to go to the bathroom for a washcloth. “Let me get you cleaned up.” She pulls me back onto the bed, resting her head against my chest.

“Not yet. I just want to be here with you.”

“But, you're all messy.”

“Josh, I don't care.” She smiles at me. Seeing the light back in her eyes has me realizing something: 1. What Sasha said on Friday is true, I love this woman; and 2. I'll spend every day trying to make her smile like this.

Lifting her head off my chest, she kisses me. It’s not rushed this time; there’s no urgency as our mouths move in unison. I run my fingers through her long hair, gripping it gently at the back. After everything we just did together, we still can’t keep our hands off of each other.

17

Olivia

I’ve been in this building a few times since getting the job, but this is the first time I'm walking in here with nervous jitters. I would love to do a great job, but even though I’ve been a photographer for almost ten years, I still get the feeling deep down that I'm not good enough. And the fact that I’ve never photographed hockey before is making that feeling worse.

Josh had tried to reassure me that I’ll be amazing, but that doesn't stop the doubt from swirling around my head and settling low in my stomach. I’m so nervous.

He stayed over last night. The team’s practice doesn't start for a few hours, so Josh is still at my apartment. Although, they are coming in earlier so I can do some solo shots before they get all hot and sweaty. That’s a good thing because I don’t think my sex-crazed brain could handle all of that masculinity and sexiness. Maybe I’ll get a few good shots in before, as I said earlier, the hot and sweaty ones need to be taken.

I gave Josh my spare key to lock up, and honestly, I don't want him to give it back. It’s so soon, right, and that thought scares the hell outta me. If he wants to give it back, I’ll take it, but I won’t be asking for it.

Ryan and I were dating for two years before I felt comfortable enough to give him my house key. It wasn't until we were engaged that I moved into his place, but I didn't really want to. I felt pressured by him and his family, saying “that's what couples do when they plan to get married.” It was like that a lot with Ryan. He was convincing and slightly controlling. I just wish I'd seen that when we were together.

So, yeah, the fact that I'd happily move in with Josh after only two weeks is terrifying. I mean, I won’t do it yet, but if he asked me, I'd have a very hard time saying no. But, would I say no? I think I would. No! I know I would. I mean, it’s only been two weeks. I barely know him.

After brewing a cup of coffee from the new machine in my office, I bring all of the photography equipment I’ll be using for the solo shots down to the space reserved for me.

I start messing with the large stand for the white backdrop I’ll be using for the background. I’ve had this thing for years, have never used it before, so now I’m struggling to even get it assembled.

I’ve been trying for almost ten minutes before I hear someone come in through the door. Turning my gaze, I see Conor walk in with his gym bag slung over his shoulder.

“Hey, Olliepop.” This man gives off the energy of a golden retriever. If he wasn’t such a fuckboy, humping everything with a pulse, he’d actually be kinda perfect.

“Hi.” I mumble, getting very fucking frustrated that this stupid thing won’t work.

“Whatcha doing?” He slides up beside me. I can already tell he’s gonna piss me off, just by the look on his face.

“Umm, baking a cake.” I smile up at him sweetly but with an edge, hoping he’ll take the hint and leave me alone.

I am not in the slightest surprised when he doesn’t. “Can I ask you something?”

I peer over my shoulder, letting out a deep exhale. “Fine. But, only if you help me with this.” I stand, moving back a few steps.

“Anything for you, my love.” I roll my eyes at his flirting, but I can’t stop the small smile dusting my lips. Is Conor a mega pain in the ass? Yes. But, from the few times I’ve met him, I can tell he’s really sweet, feeling like we could be friends if he stops with all of the flirting.

He gets to work with folding out the stand and makes it look surprisingly easy. I gape at him, huffing a breath. “How did you do that so quickly?”

“There’s a release button, right here.” He points towards the button, and I get the sudden urge to cry from embarrassment. I'm nervous for my first day of work with the team, and I couldn't even work out how to do the one thing that needed to be done. I’m really scared the rest of this day is going to be a disaster as well.

“So, about Sasha,” he begins, and my eyes fly to him. I knew he was attracted to her, but I also know he sleeps around a lot and just assumed it was nothing more than wanting to sleep with her. “How’s she doing?” He looks away after that, a sheepish expression on his face.

I eye him wearily. “Why?”