Shattered Ice

What came from the sea

*Virginia*

The morning sun is still rising, spilling it light over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink as I step out onto the small deck of my beach house. I wrap my hands around a steaming mug of coffee, savoring the rich aroma that fills the air. The sound of the gentle waves lapping at the shore accompanies me, inviting and soothing, as I take a deep breath and soak in the beauty around me. I is still a bit chill, but it will likely be warm later and people will no doubt come to swim.

This is what I imagined when I decided to rent this little slice of paradise… a place where I could breathe, reflect, and prepare for the whirlwind of challenges ahead. The salty breeze tousles my hair, and for a moment, I let the worries of yesterday fade away.

As I take a sip, I notice a golden retriever bounding playfully at the water's edge, splashing through the surf with uncontained joy. The dog leaps and rolls, chasing after waves as if they were the most thrilling adventure of his life. I can’t help but chuckle at the sight. It’s a heartwarming reminder that life is about embracing the moments of pure, unfiltered joy.

I am wondering where his human is, but he seems at home and not the least lost, so I decide just to keep an eye on him for now.

Just as I’m about to take another sip, something catches my eye… a figure emerging from the water. My heart skips a beat as I focus on the silhouette of a man cutting through the waves with an effortless grace. As he approaches the shore, the sun glistens off his damp, chiseled physique, revealing every defined muscle beneath his tattooed skin.

He steps onto the sand, droplets of seawater cascading down his toned body, and I feel the breath hitch in my throat. His dark hair clings to his forehead in an effortlessly tousled way, framing a face that could easily belong to a Greek god. But it’s his eyes that truly captivate me… deep green like the forest after a rain, holding a glimmer of mischief and warmth.

“Caleb ,” I breathe, suddenly realizing who he is. The infamous defenseman, I’m supposed to keep out of trouble. He struts effortlessly over the sand, confidence radiating from him with every step, and I feel a flush creep up my cheeks. How can someone look so good after a swim?

The golden retriever, now excitedly bounding towards him, snaps me out of my reverie. Caleb kneels to greet the dog, laughter bubbling from his lips as he ruffles the pup’s fur. My heart does a funny little flip. The way he interacts with the dog… no doubt his dog… gentle and playful… shows a side of him that the headlines never capture.

I take a cautious step forward, unsure whether to introduce myself or simply observe this unexpected side of the man I’m meant to manage. My mind races back to my conversation with James. I’m not just here to be a lawyer; I’m here to navigate the complexities of this man’s life. Can I really handle this?

“Hey there!” he calls out, turning his head in my direction, a bright smile spreading across his face as he spots me. “You’re my new neighbor, right?”

I nod, unable to form words at first, my heart racing as he approaches, sand crunching beneath his feet. “I’m Virginia… Ginnie,” I finally manage, extending a hand.

“Caleb,” he replies, taking my hand with a firm grip that sends a jolt of electricity up my arm. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I say, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I quickly reach to scratch the dog behind the ear. “And this handsome guy is?”

Caleb grins. “I just told you… oh you mean Butterscotch.”

I raise a brow at him, I should probably tell him who I am, but I am curious to see how he is when he doesn’t know. “I did say handsome didn’t I?

“Ouch,” He clutches his heart. “That hurt.”

I try to change the subject, “I didn’t expect to see anyone here, not this early I mean.”

“Just getting my morning swim in. The water’s perfect.” He gestures to the waves, and I can’t help but notice how the sunlight reflects off his skin, making him look almost ethereal.

I take a sip of my coffee, my mind racing. “I’m still figuring out my routine. I just moved in yesterday.”

“Welcome to the neighborhood! If you need a tour guide, I’m your guy,” he offers, his grin widening. “But I warn you, I might take you to some wild spots.”

I can’t help but smile back, his enthusiasm infectious. “Wild spots, huh? I suppose I could use a little adventure.”

“Perfect!” he beams, and I can’t help but think that he is far more handsome in real live. “You know, I could use some company while I train. It gets boring swimming alone.”

“Training, huh?” I raise an eyebrow playfully. “Is that what you call it when you splash around in the ocean?”

He laughs, a warm, rich sound that wraps around me like a cozy blanket. “Touché. But swimming is serious business. Keeps me in shape for the season. You should try it; it’s good for your soul… I swim all year around.”

I glance back at the inviting waves, and for the first time, I ponder the idea of letting go of my worries and simply enjoying the moment. “Maybe I will,” I reply, feeling a flicker of excitement.

“Great! How about tomorrow morning? I’ll show you the ropes. Or at least how to not drown,” he chuckles, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I’ll hold you to that,” I say, trying to keep my tone light, but the worry if this is the right thing to do weighs heavily in the back of my mind.

He gives me a cheeky wink, “see you tomorrow then.”

As he turns to head back towards his beach mansion, a fleeting thought crosses my mind… what if I could not only get to know Caleb Mackinnon but also help steer him towards a better path? Maybe this wouldn’t just be a job. Maybe I could make a difference.

“Come on Bud, you already charmed her,” He calls for the dog as he flashes me one last grin before disappearing into his mansion, the dog running after him.

With my coffee in hand, I stare out at the ocean, the waves crashing rhythmically against the shore and wonder if being his friend might be the way to handle this man.