Olivia
“So, do you have any questions for me before we conclude?” My interviewer asks.
I’m pretty sure her name is Karen but I was so nervous coming in here that I completely blanked it.
All I know is that she's a friendly woman, possibly in her late thirties with copper-colored hair, a slim build and dressed in the cutest blue pantsuit I have ever seen, making the deep blue of her eyes stand out.
“No, I think you’ve covered everything!” I say enthusiastically, trying to come across as eager for this position.
“Well that’s great. Makes my job easier,” she laughs, and I giggle along with her. “We have a few more people interested in this opening so we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you so much for this opportunity.” I collect my bag and coat from my side before standing to leave.
“Of course. I’ll be in touch.”
As I get to the stadium car park, loud laughter floats to my ears.
It’s a booming, deep laugh that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up and goose bumps spread down my arms. I turn my head to see a small group of men walking toward the stadium.
They’re carrying gym bags and look like they’ve spent their whole lives in the gym with the way their muscles are straining against their clothes.
Don’t stare, you weirdo. What if someone catches you looking! But how can I stop when there’s five 6-foot hockey players walking past me? I mentally slap myself.
Of course, the man with the sexy laugh chooses that moment to turn his head and catch my eye, which in turn causes my two left feet to trip over each other and I let out a small squeal before crashing to the ground.
I’m honestly not sure what damage I’ve done to myself because one minute I’m lying on the cold, hard ground and the next I’m surrounded by angels. Maybe I hit my head? All I know is that there's gorgeous men flanking me and I’ve just completely embarrassed myself.
“Are you okay, miss?”
“Miss?” I laugh quietly. “I’m fine,” I say, getting back on two feet.
“Just a bit scratched up it seems.” Of course today was the day I decided to wear a tight fitting, black pencil skirt that stops just above my knees, paired with a white shirt, rolled up to the elbows.
Cute but professional. And obviously a mistake.
Looking down at my arms and legs, I notice scrapes on my knees and elbows, like an injury kids get when they fall in the school playground.
“Are you sure you’re good?” I gaze up at the stranger who's looking at me with concern in his eyes. Green eyes. The greenest eyes I have ever seen with specks of gold dotted throughout. They’re intoxicating.
Oh wow, now I can't stop staring into his eyes. “Can you tell me your name?” He asks in that hypnotic voice.
“Olivia,” I squeak out, because I'm feeling a little lost right now. I clear my throat and try again. “I’m Olivia.”
“Olivia,” he repeats slowly, testing how my name sounds on his tongue. He clears his throat, shaking his head lightly as if he’s clearing his thoughts, “I'm Josh. Can you tell me what day it is?” He’s searching my face, looking more concerned than he did a moment ago.
“What, why?” I ask, confused.
“Because you keep zoning out on me. I think you might have a head injury.”
My cheeks heat because I know the reason for zoning out. I’d hoped he hadn’t noticed. Shaking my head, I muster up the courage to speak. “I…umm… no I, I really am okay. It was just a little fall.” I reassure him.
“Are you sure?” I’m trying not to look into Josh’s eyes. If I do, he might rush me off to the hospital, thinking I’m suffering some severe brain damage because I’ve “zoned out” again.
“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.
I put my head in my hands which feel too shaky to drive. Slow deep breaths, that's all I need. In for three, hold for three, out for three. Repeat. Five minutes of controlled breathing and I have finally calmed my racing heart.
As I drive back to my apartment, I can’t get Josh out of my head. I can already tell he’s going to be haunting my dreams for the next few weeks. And I don’t think I’d mind that at all.