Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1) (2 page)

Chapter Two

Ellie

I’m in the big city of Portland, Oregon. My boss sent me to meet with some doctors who are looking for a contract with us. The problem is I’m shaking so bad, I don’t think that I can do it. Yes, I can. I give myself a mental pep talk, in hopes that I can get myself out of this car.

I’ve worked for this medical supply company ever since I moved to Washington, which is almost a year. Wow, has it been almost a year, I think to myself.

I grew up in a small town in Idaho and was raised by my aunt, who died almost two years ago. After I settled up her affairs, I knew that I needed a fresh start. So, I applied for jobs in Washington and received an offer. Now, I live in a small town in Washington, right in between Seattle and Portland. However, I spend more time in my car than I do in either of the cities.

This is my first time in Portland. Actually, this is my first time that I will be conducting a meeting on my own. My boss, Jeffrey, is usually with me, but he’s on vacation. He gave me the pep talk before he left, which means he yelled at me loudly not to screw it up. He’s never been a calm man, but I know that, deep down, he has to be a good guy. I think anyway.  Usually, he’s telling me to talk louder and stop being so quiet.

I know that I’m shy, but I need to prove myself to Jeffrey and this company. I count to ten, open my car door, and head into the building.

Forty-five minutes and one mild panic attack later, the contracts are signed. I did it on my own. That’s a huge accomplishment that I can mark off my list, and I’m only twenty-four. I know that doesn’t seem to be a big deal to some, but to me, it is. I feel like celebrating. I have no clue where to go, but I want to toast my accomplishment.

The first person that I call is my dear friend, Lacey. She works for a pharmaceutical company, and we met at seminar when I first started with my company.

“I didn’t doubt you for one moment,” she said.

“Well, I sure doubted myself.”

“You’re so silly. Hey listen, are you going home tonight? We could celebrate.” Lacey lives closer to Seattle, but we try to meet for drinks and dinner as often as we can.

“No, it’s getting late, and I don’t want to drive all that way in the dark. I’m just going to grab a hotel room and head back in the morning.”

“We’ll celebrate this weekend, then. But right now you need to go have yourself a big ‘ole drink, meet a hot guy, and get laid.”

“Oh my God.” Even though she can’t see me, I blush at her comment. Lacey has no trouble getting guys. Her long legs, olive skin, and deep green eyes, make men just fall at her feet. On the other hand, I was barely 5’4” and have skin the color of a ghost. My hair is mousy brown, and is more frizz than wavy. I think my only good feature is my golden brown eyes.

Lacey just laughs as I tell her that I’m hanging up on her, which I did. I jump on Google to try to find a nearby hotel. I put the address into my GPS and head off.

After I purchase the room and settle in, I change out of my business clothes. I’m so thankful that I packed a bag, just in case. I always try to be prepared as much as possible, not that it always works, but you never know when you might need something. I put on a pair of jeans, with a white button down shirt. I slip on my black jacket and a pair of black heels. I’ll do anything to make myself look taller. I have the coordination of a drunk clown on a unicycle. Therefore, my heels aren’t that high.

I go down to the hotel lobby and ask the clerk if there is a bar and grill nearby.

“Oh yes,” she coos. “There is one about two blocks up, called Jim’s. It’s a favorite local hangout for everyone.”

“Thank you,” I say, before heading out.

I walk down towards the bar and grill, enjoying the fresh air. I’ve always loved being outdoors. Running was my favorite. That’s one reason why I picked Washington. There is nothing like running a trail in the woods to clear your head.

I step into the bar and see that there aren’t too many people. I’m surprised considering that it’s happy hour. I sit at the corner of the bar when the bartender, a few years older than me, walks over.

“What can I get ya, sweetheart?”

“Um, a glass of white wine please?”

“Are you sure? Because you don’t sound sure.”

I smile. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“Then I need to see your ID.”

I reach into my purse and pull it out of my wallet for him.

“Good grief, Jim. What’s up with all the carding you’re doing?” A guy a seat down from me asks.

“Mind your business. I’m trying to flirt with this pretty lady.”

I feel my face flush, as he hands back my ID. I just want to celebrate my big day and not have any other issues.

“You’re married, dumbass.” The guy next to me laughs.

“Don’t mind him,” Jim says to me. “I’ll get your drink. Need anything to eat?”

I nod, and he hands me a menu.

“Obviously, you’re not from around here.” The guy next to me says.

“What makes you say that?” I’m puzzled on how he knows that.

“Because you’re at Jim’s, and everyone knows that when you come here, you get the bacon cheeseburger with onion rings.”

“Thanks for the tip.” I smile politely at him. It’s the first time I really look at the guy. Even though he’s sitting down, I can tell that he isn’t extremely tall, although his thighs and arms are very muscular. His brown hair is a little bit shaggy, and he has a slight scruff on his face. I don’t see his eyes, but he’s nice looking.

“No problem, I figure that since you’re not from here you should at least know what is good. What brings you to Portland anyway?”

“I had a business meeting.”

“Really? What do you do?” My aunt always said that you should be careful about how much information you give a man when you meet him for the first time.

He finally faces me, when I don’t answer him right away. I can see his deep chocolate, brown eyes. They look kind. I study the features of his face and see just how handsome he is.

“Um, I work for a medical supply company. I’m a sales rep for them.”

“Sounds glamorous,” he smirks at me.

“Every girl’s dream of bedpans and oxygen tanks,” I mumble. 

He chuckles at my joke. Am I flirting? Lacey would be so proud if I am. I’m going to ask what he does for a living, but Jim comes back, asking if I’m ready to order. I order the bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. I see the guy next to me smile.

“Hudson?” Jim asks the guy next to me.

“Yeah, why not? I’ll have the same thing.”

Jim nods to us both before walking away. I sip on my wine. The burn of the alcohol helps calm me from all the excitement from today.

“I’m Hudson, by the way. I’m sure you already knew that.” His face looks a little sad when he says that.

“Why would I know your name?” I thought for moment and remember that Jim just said his name. “Oh, because he said it.” I point to Jim, who is on the other side of the bar now. “I guess I should have picked up on it. I’m Ellie.” I smile as I stick my hand out to him.

I can’t read the expression on his face. It almost looks like shock. The corners of his mouth turn up, and he shakes my hand. His hands are rough and firm.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ellie.”  When he lets my hand go, he slowly trails his fingers along my palm. It sends a shiver through me.

“So, Ellie, are you married? Boyfriend? Overprotective dog?” Hudson grins, sipping the drink that is in front of him.

“No. No. No.” I giggle as I answer him back, pushing my hair behind my ears. Holy shit, I’m flirting.

“I’m surprised. I figured that you were tied down.”

I shake my head and sip my drink. I’m trying to get the ‘liquid’ courage to ask him if he is married.

“Are you?” I ask trying to sound indifferent about it.

“No, I’m way too busy with work.”

“Oh, what do you do?”

“Right now he is working with a bunch of uncoordinated monkeys,” Jim said as he sat our plates in front with us.

“You work for the circus?” I ask as both men bust out laughing.

“No, he means the people I work with are like uncoordinated monkeys.” Hudson shakes his head. I feel my face redden with embarrassment. Jim is still laughing as he walks away.

“I guess I know how to embarrass myself,” I mumble.

“Actually you’re not that far off, but it was cute what you said.”

I give him a small smile, before looking at my plate. The bacon cheeseburger on it is massive. Not to mention the onion rings are piled high next to it.

“Wow, that’s a lot of meat,” I think out loud.

“What’s wrong? You can’t handle that much meat?” Hudson questions.

I slightly gasp at his comment. He instantly begins to shake his head.

“Sorry, I work with a bunch of guys, so I forget my manners sometimes.”

“No, it’s me,” I say hanging my head. “My friend, Lacey, is always teasing me because I blush at the littlest thing.”

“It’s cute,” he leans in a little and whispers. My only thought is how amazing he smells. He smells like fresh rain, and it makes my heart skip a beat.

I ignore his comment and start to pick at my onion rings. I look around and see more people starting to shuffle in. Some of them seem to be staring at me, and I wonder if something is on my face.

Jim comes back and refills my drink and goes to hand me the bill.

“I’ve got it,” Hudson says.

“Um, no it’s fine. Thanks anyway.” I try to reach for the bill, but he’s quicker.

“Consider it a thank you.”

“For what?”

He doesn’t reply, he only smiles at me, and hands Jim a credit card. I quickly down my drink. I try to add everything up in my head that happened while I was there: he talked to me, asked personal questions, and bought my dinner. Yep, I bet he wants sex. That’s not going to happen.

I quickly thank him for dinner, grab my purse, and practically run for the door. Cute or not, there’s no way that I’m going to let him think I’m easy. I’m about a block away from the bar, when I hear him yell my name. I quickly dig my hand into my side pocket of my purse, where I hide my pepper spray.

I turn to face him as he jogs closer to me. I realize that he isn’t much taller than I am, but much cuter than I initially thought in the bar.

“You can take your hand off the pepper spray can. I promise I’m not going to hurt you,” he says as he comes within a foot of me.

“How did you know that?” I don’t release it, just in case.

“I have a baby sister. I tell her to never leave her apartment without it,” he chuckles.

I can feel my face flush, but I’m not going to let go, yet.

“I want to give you this.” He hands me a napkin.

I inspect the napkin and it has his name and phone number on it.

I hand it back to him. “I don’t live here so it’s pointless.”

Shock is all over his face. “I don’t think a girl has ever handed my number back to me.” He pauses for a few seconds. “But you said that you work for a medical supply company, and I’m going to assume that you will be coming around more. Plus,” he steps closer to me, “there is no harm in talking on the phone or texting a friend.”

I do want his number. Plus, there isn’t any harm in having a connection in Portland. I nod, holding onto the napkin.

“Text me later, so I’ll have your number.” Before I can react, he leans in and kisses my cheek. He pulls back, giving me a smile, and heads back to the bar.  

Chapter Three

Hudson

I almost can’t believe it. A girl, a very beautiful girl, doesn’t know who I am. She seemed nervous, but her blush was cute. After she left and I realized that she only knows me as the Hudson from the bar, I had to go after her. I laugh to myself knowing that she was about to pepper spray me. It wouldn’t have been funny if she had, but still.

When I walk back into the bar with a smile on my face, Jim asks, “Why are you grinning like a fool?”

My answer is a simple shake of my head. Now, I have to wait and see if she’ll text me. Someone slaps me on the shoulder before sitting down in the next seat over.

“Hudson, my man, who would have thought I would find you here?” Gerald says as he sits next to me.

“Where else would he be? This is the best place in town,” Jim brags.

“Exactly,” I confirm. “Plus, we’re about to leave for a few days, so I had to get my bacon cheeseburger fix.”

“I have never in my life seen someone love cheeseburgers like you do.” Gerald shakes his head.

I shrug instead of replying. Cheeseburgers are to me what cookies and cakes are to people with a sweet tooth. If possible, when we go on our road trips, I always find a burger joint to try. So far, my favorite place is a little diner in Dallas. Anyway, we’ve got two away games this week and I probably need to head home to get some rest.

Standing, I slap Gerald hard on the shoulder and smile at him. “Stay out of trouble.”

He laughs. “We’ll see.”

The first thing I do when I get home is take a shower. I feel better afterwards and it’s about the time I call Whitney anyway. The phone rings four times before she ever answers it.

“I asked him,” she answers.

“Asked who what?”

Whit huffs. “The guy I was studying with, Hudson! You told me to ask him out and I did.”

Oh, yeah. Right. “Well, good for you. I’m assuming you’ve got a date?”

“You know it.” She’s probably wearing a smug smile. She goes on to tell me more about him, but after about five minutes, I zone out.

“Whit! Do I look like one of your little friends? I don’t need to know all of this. He’s a nice guy, right?”

“Yes. Sorry. You weren’t saying anything, so I just kept going.”

I laugh. If someone doesn’t interrupt her, she could talk for days. “Well, I actually met a girl today at Jim’s who doesn’t know that I’m Hudson King, hockey player extraordinaire.”

Whitney bursts out laughing, as if what I said was that funny. It was worthy of a chuckle, but not so funny that she would laugh for almost a full minute. “You’re so full of yourself. Who is she?”

“Her name is Ellie and all I really know is that she doesn’t live in Portland. I don’t think she ever said where she was from.”

“Hope she doesn’t turn out to be a crazy person or something. Are you sure she wasn’t just pretending to not know who you are? Anyone can use Google and find out where you like to hang out, Hudson.”

I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “I don’t think so. She never acted like she recognized me. Whit, she almost pepper sprayed me! Would a fan do that to me? No.”

“Wait, what? What did you do?”

“Sort of chased her down the street?” I chuckle to make it sound like I’m not the crazy one. “She didn’t even want to take my number. She handed it back to me!”

Whitney starts laughing again. “Then I guess she really doesn’t know who you are then. Or maybe she doesn’t like you.” Her giggles are getting out of hand now.

“Okay. That’s enough. Don’t you have something better to do?”

“Nope. How does it feel to know that you almost couldn’t pick up a girl and she didn’t even know that you’re sort of famous. In Portland, anyway.” She almost couldn’t talk because of her laughter.

“That was my favorite thing about her! She doesn’t know what I do, Whitney. Do you know what that means? There aren’t any crazy expectations, no ‘You will never believe who I’m dating’ stories, nothing but normalcy because she doesn’t have a clue. This could be a good thing, if she ever texts me that is.”

Whit is quiet for a second. “Does this mean you aren’t going to tell her?”

“Not right away. Maybe. I don’t have to, right?”

“Up to you, Hudson. She’s going to know eventually and lying to her from the start about something as basic as your job won’t go over well.”

She does have a point. I don’t know if it’s better than the alternative, though. Either way, it’s not something I need to tell her right now. “I’ll think about it, but for now, I’m sticking to that plan. I’m plain old Hudson to her and I don’t want to change that.”

“Okay. Go be a regular guy then. When in doubt about whatever you decide to do, ask yourself if you would want a guy to do the same thing to me.”

Oh, no. She always tells me that, but it always works too. “I will. Gotta go, though. I’ll call you later. Love ya.”

“Love ya too, Hudson.”

I toss my phone on the couch and go into the kitchen to fix something to drink. A vibration sounds loudly on the leather. When I sit down and pick it up, my lips lift in a smile at the text.

Ellie: Hey, it’s Ellie...from the bar? Just texting so you’ll have my number.

I send back a message, saying thanks and that I was worried I might have scared her off.

Ellie: A little, but I’m safe with text messaging

Part of me wants to say something mildly dirty, but she admitted that she easily blushes and I rather save that for when I can see her blush. So instead, I joke that no pepper spray is needed. Not that she would ever need it with me.

Ellie: You never know these days, lots of crazies in the Big City

Ha. She doesn’t have to tell me that.

Me: True.

Ellie: Are you from Portland?

Me: Nope. I’m Canadian. Nice, eh?

Ellie: Nice. Thought you had an accent

Me: Where are you from?

Ellie: Small town in Idaho

Me: Traveled from there all the way here?

She doesn’t text as quickly as before. After five minutes pass, I wonder if that wasn’t a good question and if I have finally scared her off.

Ellie: I live in a small town in Washington now

Me: & do you like it there?

Ellie: Yes, I do. It’s quiet and no one ever bothers you

That sounds nice, the complete opposite of how it can be here sometimes. A glance at the clock tells me I should probably get to bed.

Me: Long day tomorrow. Text later? :)

Ellie: Yeah, I have a lot of driving in the morning. Thanks for dinner again. Talk soon

I send her one last text for the night.

Me: My pleasure. Drive safely!

~ ~ ~

If there is ever anything I always carry on road trips, it’s my iPad. I’m addicted to playing games during the flight. I’ll download a game and play only that game until I get bored. I do have a few favorites, but I usually play new ones. Today, however, I’m in the mood for a favorite. I touch the right app and start dragging my finger all over the screen to make as many words as I can in only two minutes. The time seems to pass quicker that way.

It’s fate that I thought about my favorite diner yesterday because we’re headed to Dallas. Sometime today, I’ve got to call my mother. Or I might wait until tomorrow. Depends on how today goes. She’s expecting a call this week though. When we land, our bags are shipped off to the hotel and we head to our practice before tonight.

Afterwards, we’ll grab a bite to eat and hang out at the hotel before it’s time to go back. The game tonight should be an easy win. I usually try not to overthink about how it will go because it can always go either way. I learned early that the game really isn’t over until that last buzzer sounds. A lot can happen in as little as a second, just the same as twenty minutes time. For some reason, today feels like I don’t have time.

It feels like I’m running around all over the place. I even missed my usual pre-game nap, but it was for a good cause. Gerald decided to mess with the rookies a little. They’ve been extra observant since Whitney took their money, so it backfired on him. It was hilarious.

Finally, the game gets underway. The other team isn’t letting this be an easy win for us. I get slammed into the boards after making a pass, but it was a beautiful one and Gerald slaps it past the goalie. Within thirty seconds, they score right behind us. At the end of the first, we’re tied 1-1 and the second period passes without any goals. It’ll come down to one of us having to score in the third to keep from going into overtime.

A rookie gains possession about halfway through the third, makes his way between two others, and then pushes the puck with a wrist shot. The goalie deflects and he quickly makes the rebound shot to bring us up.

We win the game and boy, am I freaking exhausted once it’s all over with. By the time I get back to the hotel, I have enough energy to plug in my phone and crawl into bed. There’s a text from Ellie, but I need sleep. I’ll make sure to message her back tomorrow. I can barely hold my eyes open once the comfy-ness of the bed envelopes me.