Shattered Ice

Flirty swim

*Caleb*

The sun barely peeks over the horizon as I stand in my modern kitchen, stretching my body as the scent of coffee is wafting through the air. I never sleep late, actually I never sleep for a long time, I haven’t been able to since I was a kid.

The morning is quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of Butterscotch’s tail thumping against the floor as he watches me. He knows what’s coming.

“Alright, buddy, breakfast time!” I toss some kibble into his bowl, then whip up a quick avocado toast topped with a poached egg… simple, nutritious, and just the right amount of energy to fuel my morning swim. To be honest I am not really that great in a kitchen, one of the few things I am good at that tends to impress is a perfectly poached egg.

I can’t shake the anticipation coursing through me, thinking about the conversation I had with Ginnie yesterday. She was rather hot in that understated girl next door way… which is perfect as she is the woman next door

After breakfast, I grab my towel. and head out, Butterscotch bounding ahead of me, his golden fur glistening in the morning light. The beach is empty, the sand cool beneath my feet, but I feel the thrill of possibility in the air. I spread my towel and start stretching, glancing toward her small house every few moments, waiting for her to arrive.

The waves lap gently at the shore as I warm up, my heart racing not just from the exercise but from the thought of seeing her again. I can’t help but replay our conversation in my mind, her smile lighting up my morning like the sun breaking through the clouds. I almost roll my eyes at myself, seriously Caleb she is just some chick.

Then, just as I’m about to dive in, I spot her. Ginnie appears from her porch, walking across the beach, and my breath catches in my throat. She’s wearing a vibrant swimsuit that accentuates her curves, the colors bright against her sun-kissed skin. Her dark hair glistens as she pulls it up into a ponytail with a practised motion and I can’t help but admire how effortlessly she carries herself.

“Hey, Ginnie!” I call out, waving her over. She approaches with a confident stride, and I can’t help but grin.

“Good morning, Caleb,” she replies, with a welcoming smile, as she scratches Butterscotch behind the ear. “I hope I’m not too late. I didn’t want to keep you waiting too long.”

“You could never keep me waiting too long,” I tease, my eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was just stretching and getting warm, in case I needed to save you from drowning.”

She rolls her eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “I have to admit something, I knew who you were yesterday, you know. I know you play defence for the Pelicans, that you are not just a guy who splashes around in the ocean.”

“Oh really?” I raise an eyebrow, unable to hide my amusement. “You don’t really look like a puck bunny to me.”

She laughs, and I have to admit that I like her laughter, it’s cute. “I’m actually a lawyer for the Pelicans… I am new too.” she informs me, her tone playful. “So I guess you could say I’m here to keep you out of serious trouble.”

“Ah, so you’re the one they want to rein me in?” I ask, feigning shock. “What’s the penalty for being a bad boy? A timeout? A s******g?”

“Maybe,” she replies, stepping closer to the water's edge. “But I might prefer a different kind of punishment.”

The flirtation hangs in the air, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement. “Well, then, let’s see if you’re up for a little adventure. I promise I don’t bite… much.”

With a wink, I lead us into the surf, the cool water enveloping us as we dive beneath the waves. I swim with ease, gliding through the water, and I can sense Ginnie keeping pace beside me.

“Not bad for a lawyer!” I call out, my voice bubbling with laughter as I surface.

“Not bad for a hockey player!” she shoots back, her competitive spirit shining through.

We swim for a while, exchanging playful banter, but it’s her laughter that fuels me, pushing me to swim faster, dive deeper. I find myself drawn to her energy, the way she embraces the moment, and I can’t help but flirt a little more, nudging her playfully as we float on our backs, gazing up at the clear blue sky.

“Okay, Ginnie,” I say, my tone serious but my smile betraying me. “If you’re going to keep up with me, you might need to train harder than just legal briefs.”

She chuckles, splashing water at me. “Oh, please! I can hold my own. Just wait until I unleash my secret weapon.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “And what would that be?”

“I can argue my way out of anything,” she replies, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Even against a defenseman like you.”

“Is that so?” I lean closer, the water swirling around us. “I’d like to see you try.”

As we swim back to the shore where Butterscotch is jumping around, barking at a crab, the sun warming our skin, I can’t shake the feeling that this is more than just a swim between new neighbours.

As we reach the sand, I glance at her, the thrill of adventure coursing through my veins. “What do you say we make this a regular thing? You and me, conquering the waves together every morning?”

Her smile is bright, infectious. “I’m in. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re a pro.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I reply, giving her my most cheeky smile.