Page 17 of Capturing the Captain

Seeing Josh out there, sweat dripping off him, was hot as fuck. I know it sounds gross, but it had the opposite effect on me. I was tempted to lick it off him.

The way his eyes instantly heated when I called him ‘Captain’? Let's just say I'm looking forward to tonight.

At the end of my tour, Katherine gave me my pass to get into the building. She said I can get my office set up before I start work on Monday. To be honest though, I have nothing to put in an office. What do people even put in offices? I need to go shopping.

Me and Sasha are currently sitting in Buttons and Books, having a coffee before we head to the shops. My heart is bursting with happiness for her. Her light brown hair is in waves, cropped just below her shoulders. Her face is makeup free and honestly she doesn't need it. She’s practically glowing.

“Girl, if you don't stop staring at that thing, you're gonna go blind.”

“Come on, babe. How can you have something so beautiful right in front of you and not stare at it constantly?” I immediately think of Josh.

“I guess you're right, as always.”

We haven't broached the subject of Josh. She tried, but I cut her off. Said I can't talk about it right now. It hurts too much. Ever the drama queen.

She reluctantly dropped it but I'm sure it'll come up again soon.

We’re talking about the photoshoot I'm gonna do for them as a gift for their engagement when there's movement in the corner of my eye. Looking up, I see Diane making her way over to our table.

“Hi, Honey. How are you doing?” She asks, sympathy written on her face.

“I’m doing okay! This is my friend Sasha. Sasha, this is Diane, she owns this place.”

“Hi, Diane. I love it here; you've done a great job.” Sasha beams.

“Thank you, sweet girl.” Turning her attention back to me, she places her hand over mine. “Listen, I spoke with Josh yesterday. I'm so sorry things didn't work out between you two.” Oh shit I totally forgot! Okay, sad mode activated.

“Thanks. The circumstances just don't work for us at the minute.” I give her a small smile.

The pity shining in her eyes makes me uncomfortable. I feel bad having to lie like this, but if this is what Josh has told her, I have to go along with it.

“It really is a shame. You two would have made a beautiful couple. But you know, like I told Josh, if it's really meant to be, you'll come back to each other.” Giving my hand a gentle squeeze, she smiles at me. “Well, I need to get back to it. Don't be a stranger, okay?”

“I would never.” With that she walks back towards the counter.

Sipping her coffee, Sasha assesses me over the top of her mug. She's studying me closely. Too closely. All but slamming her mug back on the table, she whisper shouts, “You bitch!”

“What?” I ask, trying to appear nonchalant.

“You’re not sad.”

“What are you talking about? Of course, I'm sad.”

“Olivia Jasmine Evans, don't you lie to me.” Oh fuck, she full-named me! “I have known you for almost twenty years. I know when you're sad and right now you're anything but! What the hell happened last night?”

Is it worth trying to lie again? I could tell her it ended on a good note. That me and Josh are still gonna be friends. Oh, who am I kidding? She’ll never believe me.

“Okay, fine. I'll tell you.” I sigh, “But not here.”

As we stand to leave, Sasha is muttering to herself. I feel like I'm about to be dragged down the school hallway, on my way to get yelled at by the principal for being naughty.

I tell her everything as we walk closer to the streets where the stores are. I would think she's happy for me if not for the fact that she keeps calling me a stupid bitch.

“I’m just worried about you. It's not only your heart on the line here. It's your job, your life.”

“I know, I know, but Sash, God, I've never felt like this about anyone before. Not even Ryan made me feel like this, and we were together for years.” Feeling slightly defeated, I add, “We can make it work. I know we can. We just need to keep it on the down-low.”

“Just be careful babe, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt.”