Page 19 of Capturing the Captain

What happens next is like something you'd see in a romance movie… It's the part where the lead character catches sight of his romantic partner for the first time. Time slows down, heart rate picks up speed, there's a soft breeze blowing, ruffling the lovers hair. You know what I mean. Anyway, this is what Conor is experiencing right now when he shifts his gaze to look at my best friend.

“Well, hello to you.” He says, his eyes raking down Sasha’s body. “Ollipop, why don't you introduce me to your friend here?”

“Ollipop?” I question him.

“Yeah, it's cute. Like you.”

“Ha ha, very funny. Conor, this is Sasha; Sasha, this is Conor.” I introduce them. They chat for a bit but I don't overly pay attention. My focus is on the man having an in-depth conversation with the coach. I'm not sure if he's noticed me because he hasn't even glanced over, and I'm not gonna lie, it kinda hurts. But maybe, he just doesn't want to draw attention, especially when he’s speaking with his coach.

I focus my attention back on the two people closest to me. I can tell Sasha likes what she sees as she's talking to Conor. I mean, who wouldn't? But I can also tell that she's not falling for his sweet talking. Good girl.

“I’m sorry to burst your bubble, pretty boy, but I'm engaged.”

Conor mocks a pained expression, his hand resting against his chest. “You're only telling me this now? After I've planned our wedding and future babies. And don't get me started on how those future babies are made.” He winks at her, and I swear in the almost two decades of knowing this woman, I have never seen her face light up like a fire truck faster than it has now. There’s embarrassment in her eyes but also lust? It’s as if she’s now also picturing the way the two of them would make babies together.

I, on the other hand, would rather not picture that.

Sasha is in a happy relationship with the love of her life. I know her well enough to know that she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. But, I also know her well enough that I know she’ll be thinking about this moment for a long time. Max is safe. He has a house, a stable job as an accountant, and protects Sasha with his life. He loves Sash, and she loves him, but sometimes I wonder if it’s because it's familiar. Sasha is wild and carefree, and while I think her and Max make a beautiful couple, I sometimes think that Sasha needs something more. I would never say that to her though.

Glancing back at where Josh is standing with his coach, butterflies on cocaine erupt inside me at the sight of his eyes on mine. They’re swirling around in my stomach so violently that it makes my head spin. Does Sasha feel this way with Max? I think I need to ask her and find out. I’m now invested in this and need to know everything she’s feeling. But, at the end of the day, if she’s happy, I'm happy.

10

Josh

As I’m about to pass the puck to Michaelson, the familiar feeling I get when my girl enters a room washes over me. It’s an all consuming feeling. There are no other words to describe it apart from electric. It’s like the buzzing in the air before a game but we’re the only ones who feel it.

I keep my head in the game. As much as I want to look up and see if my instincts are correct, I can't. Not with Coach paying such close attention.

As the play ends, Coach calls us all over for a team talk. We have an away game this weekend and we’ve been playing like shit lately. We seriously need to get our acts together if we want to make it to the Stanley Cup.

The team breaks apart, but Coach holds me back. “Nice to see that your head is back in the game, Woods.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I know shit can get hard in our personal lives but in this building, when you're on the ice, I expect the game to be the only thing in your head.” Nodding, I agree with him. “You're a great player and a great captain. I wouldn't want any of these other clowns leading this team.”

“Thank you, Coach. That means a lot.” It’s taking everything in me to keep my attention on the man in front of me when I'd rather be looking at my girl.

“No more fuck ups. No more shit. You got it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. I'm expecting a big win this weekend. Think you can deliver?”

God, I hope so. “Yes, sir.”

With that, the conversation ends and I find my feet gliding across the ice to where Olivia and her friend are getting an earful from Matthews.

“Matthews, you need to stop harassing these poor women. You're gonna scare Olivia off before she even starts this job.”

“Don’t worry, Cap. My attention is no longer on this girl over here. No offense, Olliepop.” He winks in the direction of the other woman standing beside Olivia.

Olliepop? When the fuck did that happen? I give her a questioning look but she just shrugs in response.

“Go. Now.” I reply to him, ignoring his other comment. “Coach wants to speak to you.”

“What? Why?”