Page 5 of Capturing the Captain

“Of course, I remember you. I met you at the bar last week, we had one too many drinks, and ended up at your place. I'm sorry I snuck out while you were sleeping. Sleepovers aren't really my thing.” I smile up at him innocently and try not to laugh at his blank expression. Try and fail, because the next thing I do is burst into laughter, which causes him to release a relieved sigh and laugh too. “I'm kidding. Hi, Josh.”

“Hi, beautiful.” I shouldn't blush at the nickname, butterflies swirling in my stomach. Especially when it's coming from that voice. “Can I join you?”

“Sure, have a seat.” He pulls the chair opposite out from the table and sits down.

“So, what made you so happy this morning?”

“I got the job!” I tell him. “The one I interviewed for last week at the stadium. I'm the new team photographer.”

“Oh wow, congrats.” He says with a smile but he doesn't sound overly happy about it. Does he have an issue with me working for the team? Maybe he saw my photography online and didn't like it. “That’s great.”

“Are you sure? You don't sound very enthusiastic about it.”

“I am, I just… nevermind, it's silly. Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought this place was more suited to old people and students.” His smile is so wide I can't help but smile back at him. He's just so beautiful. I know men don't normally like being called beautiful, but this man is just that.

“I love it here. It's quiet and cozy. Well, normally quiet.” I say sheepishly and he grins. “I like to come here sometimes and edit my work. What are you doing here? Didn't expect to see any hockey players hanging around a place like this.”

“My aunt owns the place.” Because, of course, she does! “And my sister runs the bakery. She makes me my own batch of blueberry muffins every Monday morning for the team.”

I point to the blueberry muffin still sitting on my plate. “Honestly, it’s the main reason why I come here. Your sister is amazing. These things are to die for.”

We sit in silence for a few moments just watching each other. It's not an awkward silence like you'd expect, but a comfortable one. One I could spend forever in and never get bored as long as I'm looking into those green eyes.

We stay at the cafe for nearly two hours. We talk and laugh the whole time. He tells me about his family, about how his mom passed away when he was a teen and his dad moved to Vancouver so they rarely see each other. I tell him about how I was born in England and moved here when I was 10 with my mum. I didn't mention my dad and he didn't ask. We talked about everything that we could.

“I really need to get going.” Josh says, beginning to stand. “Coach is gonna kick my ass if I'm late again.” I really don't want him to go.

“That’s okay, I should really start some work. These photos aren't gonna edit themselves.” I say, bringing my laptop out of my bag.

“It was really good to see you again.”

“You too, Josh. I'll see you on Monday.”

“Yeah, see you Monday.” He turns to leave and I open my laptop, ready to start the work I should have started earlier. The chair opposite scrapes against the ground and I look up. Josh is sitting down again, staring at me with an intense gaze.

“Go out with me tonight.”

“What?” I ask, shocked. “I can’t Josh. I can't jeopardize this job.”

“I know, I know, I'm sorry. But you can't deny there's something between us. I felt it the second I looked at you and it's just gotten stronger every moment we've spent together.” My heart is beating so hard in my chest I feel like it's about to explode. “You don't start working with the Flames until next week, right? Give me one week. Hell, give me one night. Just, please, go out with me tonight.”

I've never had a man beg me to go out with him before. But it's true, this connection between us is something I haven't felt before. I can't even explain how it makes me feel. Happy, excited, safe? All of the above. I contemplate it for a moment, trying my hardest not to look into Josh’s expectant gaze.

“Okay, Josh. I'll go out with you tonight.”

4

Josh

“You will?” I honestly wasn't expecting that answer from her. I was ready to get down on my knees and beg her some more if she said no.

“Yes, I'll go out with you. Here,” she pulls out a notepad and pen and begins writing something on the paper. Tearing off a small piece, she hands it to me. “My number. Text me.”

I nod in response, pocketing the slip of paper, and smile up at her. “I’ll see you tonight, beautiful.” There’s that blush spreading across her cheeks again. I love what my words do to her. I wonder how far down her blush goes under those clothes. Does it go down to those perky tits that I can make out through her sweater, or does it go lower? Does it travel down until it reaches the inside of her… No, Josh, dammit, don't think about that now.

It’s too late, I can feel the blood rushing to my cock. I need to get out of here before she sees it, especially since I'm wearing really tight jeans that show too much already.

“Bye, Josh.” She calls out as I leave my aunt’s cafe.