when we met. h/hockey.

Chloe finished tying Sophia’s ice skates and stood up in front of her.

“Are you ready?” Chloe asked her.

“I’m ready, Aunt Chloe!” Chloe took Sophia’s hand and helped her to the ice.

“Remember, Soph, we have to stay on this side of the pond.”

“I know. Because we have to stay away from the boys.”

Chloe laughed. “We have to stay away from the hockey boys. But not all boys.”

“Daddy says I’m too young for boys.”

“Of course he does.” Chloe shook her head, having no trouble imagining her brother saying that to her niece.

“Those don’t look like boys,” Sophia said as they started skating. “They’re men. Like, your age.”

“I guess they are.” Chloe looked at the men playing hockey. Yeah. Definitely men.

After skating for a while, Sophia asked for hot chocolate. Of course Chloe agreed. She rarely said no to her niece. As they skated toward the edge of the pond, a hockey puck flew over from the other side. Chloe didn’t see it coming, and when it smacked into her skate, she lost her balance and fell.

“Are you okay, Aunt Chloe?” Sophia looked worried.

“I’m okay, sweetheart.” Chloe reassured her.

Before Chloe could get herself up, one of the hockey men arrived at her side. She looked up at him.

“I am so sorry,” he said. “Are you alright?”

Chloe nodded. But she struggled to speak because this particular hockey man was breathtaking.

“Let me help you.” He dropped his hockey stick and reached for her. She took his hands and he pulled her up. A little wobbly on her feet when she stood, she fell toward him, her body crashing into his. He released her hands and wrapped his arms around her to steady her.

Chloe looked up into his eyes and felt the blush on her cheeks. “Thank you.” She finally managed to speak.

Now he was speechless. Their eyes locked and they both froze—until Sophia grew impatient.

“Aunt Chloe, are we getting hot chocolate now or are you going to kiss that man?”

If Chloe hadn’t already been blushing, she certainly was after that. “Oh my god,” she mumbled, her eyes dropping.

“Chloe,” the man said, causing her to look back at his face. “Let me buy you hot chocolate.” He peeked at Sophia. ”Both of you.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Chloe said.

“But I think I do.” He smiled as he reluctantly let her go.

“I guess that would be okay.”

“Yay!” Sophia said, taking Chloe’s hand. “Hey mister,” she said looking at the man skating off the ice with them, “what’s your name?”

He looked down to Sophia. “Zach. What’s your name, princess?”

“I’m Sophia. I’m too young for boys. But Aunt Chloe isn’t.”

He laughed. “Good to know.”

—♥—

p.s. — A picture of a hot hockey player outside on a lake? Really *really* hard to find. So here’s a bonus hot guy. You’re welcome… it’s my pleasure. 

Maybe this is later… after Chloe returned Sophia to her brother. God, look at that face.

Hot guy the first: some random dude
Hot guy the second: model Simone Bredariol (with whom I am in love)

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