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?”
“Do you think she’d go out with me?” He won’t look me in the eye, which is not like him at all.
I release a heavy sigh, “Conor, she’s engaged. You know that.”
“I know, but like, is she “happily” engaged?” using finger quotes. He spares me a glance for just a moment, and I can see it in his eyes that he actually likes her.
“Of course, she’s happy, or so I think.”
“You think?”
“Look, I don't know, okay.” I sigh, running my hands through my hair. “If you’d have asked me that question last week, I would have said that she’s happy without a doubt. But she’s been acting a little off the last few days.”
We’re silent for a few moments while he thinks. I’m not sure what to say, so I say nothing at all, letting him be the one to break the silence.
“Do you like the fiancé?”
“We’ve been friends for years. He’s a really sweet guy. And he loves her.” Conor scrubs a hand down his face, looking like a lost puppy, and I feel for the guy.
“Guess I'll just have to take my chances with you, then. What do you say?” There he is, with that cheeky smile I'm so used to seeing, plastered on his face.
“No, Conor. I have a boyfriend.” I pause at my words, and he sees it.
“I don't believe you.”
“Well, I have something. A situationship?” He grins at me, a twinkle in his eye.
“Just go change, Conor. May as well start this shoot now since you’re already here.”
“You wanna come with me? I can put on a show for you, if you like?” I take back my earlier statement. I don’t feel for him anymore.
“Conor!” I whine, exasperated by this man. “Go change. Now.” I demand, lifting the camera stand at him as if I’m gonna hit him with it. He has the audacity to smirk at me.
“What? So you’re not tempted to-”
“I swear to fuck the only thing I’m tempted to do right now is hit you over the head.” I huff. He’s relentless.
He laughs quietly, holding his hands in the air. “Okay, okay. I’m going. Drop the weapon.”
“And, why the fuck does she need a weapon?” The voice comes out of nowhere, making me jump, my hand flying to my chest.
“Oh, it’s nothing, Cap. Olliepop just wanted to come watch me change. I told her no, and she got all huffy, and threatened to hit me over the head if I didn’t let her.”
My eyes are wide as I look between Josh and Conor. My face is heating, and I’m sure I look as red as a tomato right now. Josh, however, is fighting back a grin.
“I take it this is a daily occurrence for him, then?” I ask, looking at Josh but angling the camera stand at Conor.
“What? Women wanting to see me naked? Umm, yes.”
Whipping my head in Conor’s direction, with a murderous expression on my face, I practically growl at him. “Do you want me to fucking slap you?”
“Only on my bare ass.” He squeals, as I leap toward him. I’ve never heard such a feminine sound come from such a masculine guy before. He prances away towards the locker room. Yes, he literally prances. Just like fucking Bambi.
I close my eyes, shaking my head in utter disbelief, that that man can somehow make me so mad but also love him at the same time.
I don't even realize that Josh has come close to me until he speaks.
“Hey, baby.” He whispers, in case anyone is around to hear, lightly brushing my arm with his finger tips.
The second he speaks, I feel all giddy inside, like a school girl with her first crush. “Hi,” I beam up at him, “What are you doing here so early?”
“I just wanted to see my girl.” He leans in close and I wish I could kiss him.
As if reading my thoughts, Josh speaks quietly in my ear.
“I hate being around you and not being able to kiss you.” His breath tickles my neck, sending shivers racing down my spine.
I hum in response, a tingling sensation forming low in my stomach.
The thought of kissing him has all those thoughts of last night rushing to my mind, and I blush.
I’ve never had sex like that before. With Ryan, it was good but it quickly became so boring after a while.
It almost felt like a chore towards the end.
No exploring new things; just blow jobs and missionary.
He rarely put his hands on me or his fingers in me.
I think he only put his mouth on me twice.
His reasoning was that you only do it to make a girl wet, but I knew he was full of shit.
I just didn’t have the energy to bring it up.
But, with Josh? I swear he would eat me for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if he could. And I would not be opposed in the slightest. I’ve never come so hard in my life like I did last night. I honestly thought I was gonna pass out.
When my eyes refocus on the man in front of me, the smirk playing across his lips tells me that he knows exactly what I’m thinking about.
“Shut up!” I tell him, playfully smacking him across the arm, and then I finish setting up my equipment.
He lets out a full-bellied laugh, and it’s like music to my ears.
“Here, be useful and help me with this. It’s so annoying that all of you guys are mountain-sized men. I can’t reach high enough.”
I task him with raising the background stand since Conor got too distracted to finish it.
I move towards the stand to show Josh how to set it up when I feel him approach me from behind.
The front of his body is flush against my back side, his arms wrapped around mine to grab the adjuster of the stand, and he breathes softly against the exposed skin at the nape of my neck.
Goosebumps race down my arms, and my panties get wet instantly.
He knows what he’s doing to me, but does he really think I’m just gonna let this go one way?
I rub my ass against him, and in response he huffs a low growl in my ear.
“Careful, baby. Don’t start something you’re not willing to continue.” His deep voice vibrates through me, and I can feel him harden against my ass cheeks, which just encourages me to press against him harder.
“Fuck, if I knew I would end up in that position with you, I would have been a lot more help.” Conor’s voice cuts through the sexual tension between me and Josh, and I squirm out of Josh’s arms.
“Shut the fuck up.” Josh snaps at him, grinding his molars so hard, it looks like they could crack.
At least Conor has the decency to look apologetic. “Olliepop, the guys are all going out on the town later. Why don’t you come with?”
I look between him and Josh, my mouth flapping open and closed like a fish. “I, umm… I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Sure, it is. The rest of the staff always comes out with us.” He walks up beside me. “Plus, it'll give us all a chance to get to know you better.” He bumps his shoulder against mine.
I look to Josh again for any signs as to why I should or shouldn't go. These are his friends, after all. I don't want to overstep.
He gives me a slight nod and a shrug of his shoulder. “Umm, why not? It’ll be fun. Plus, Matthews here will be completely respectful the whole evening.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Conor salutes me, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Okay, yes. I will go.” He picks me up and spins me in a circle, making me feel so carefree in this moment, and laughing as he puts me back on my feet. I look over at Josh again, his smile as bright as mine, and I just know that tonight will be amazing.