LOVE TAP

Chapter 3. Chloe

I couldn't believe it! He made the shot!

I had never been so proud of my little man then I was at that moment. Every day he shocks me with how amazing he is, but this, this was a whole other level. The way he went up there in front of thousands of people, standing right next to one of his idols Ryan Collins, and followed his dreams with such confidence and grace as if it was any other day. He amazes me.

I never could stand in front of such a large crowd and do what my son just did, I couldn't be happier for him for knowing what he wants and going for it.

"You did it!" Ryan Collins congratulated Dax, but his attention immediately turned to me and my heart swelled with pride as my little boy came running into my arms with the biggest smile on his face. After everything I had gone through in my lifetime, that moment, seeing the smile on Dax's face, that moment made every moment of heartache worth it.

"Dax!" I picked him up and spun him around in a circle. "I am so proud of you!"

I gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek as the crowd continued to applaud my little superstar. This was a moment that neither of us would ever forget.

"I knew I would hit the target," Dax winked at me and I couldn't help but giggle at how confident he is, he's turning out to be exactly like his father.

Ryan Collins skated towards us and I could feel my throat immediately go dry as my nerves set in...

I hadn't followed hockey very much until Dax started showing interest in it. I knew Ryan was a superstar in the NHL world, but that wasn't what made me so nervous...

It was his dark features and ruggedly handsome looks that caught me completely off guard when he rounded the corner in the hallway...

I had always had a thing for hockey players, but I was not expecting Ryan Collins to be this sexy... His smile made my knees go weak, and I had no idea what was happening to me... I hadn't felt this way about any man's appearance since Kyle, and Ryan was the complete opposite of Kyle... Kyle had blonde hair and blue eyes, he was the epitome of a beautiful farm boy... Where as Ryan had dark brown hair that was a bit shaggy from his helmet, and dark brown eyes that I found myself getting lost in... There was something about Ryan that made me unable to look away...

I had been sneaking glances at him since he had joined the group of contestants, my cheeks grew rosy hoping that he hadn't noticed how smitten I was with him.

"You have quite the kiddo there, I am quite impressed with his talent." Ryan Collins approached me and stuck out his hand introducing himself. "Hi, I'm Ryan."

"Chloe. And thank you, he surprises me every day." I took his hand with my own introducing myself. His hand was significantly larger than mine... As soon as our hands touched, it filled me with a heat I didn't know was possible anymore...

I felt like my palms were becoming sweaty due to my nerves and suddenly pulled my hand away from his before he could notice how frazzled he was making me.

The remainder of the kids in the contest took their shots, but no one else came close to the targets.

"It looks like we have a winner!" The female announcer spoke to the crowd using a microphone. "What is your name, young man?" She asked Dax while lowering the microphone to his level.

"My name is Dax," Dax spoke with confidence holding his chin up high as his face appeared on the jumbotron. "Someday I am going to play for this team." He spoke with certainty and gave the crowd a big smile. The crowd once again erupted in cheers in response to Dax's comment.

My eyes swelled with tears as I watched my little boy, my heart was filled with pride that he is a part of me.

Ryan Collins asked the announcer for the microphone and she handed it to him happily.

"I do not doubt that one day you will be in the NHL Dax, our team would be lucky to have you." Ryan shook Dax's hand and I could feel a tear slide down my face as I couldn't hold them back any longer.

Ryan handed the microphone back to the announcer so that she could tell everyone what sort of prize Dax has won.

"Well Dax, for your impressive shooting today you have won two front row, center ice seats to our next home game next weekend." Everyone cheered as Dax did a fist pump shouting 'YES!'

"As well as a VIP tour before the game where you will get to meet every player on the team!" The announcer continued. "What do you think about that prize Dax?" She lowered the microphone down to his level once again.

"This is the best day ever! I am so excited! Thank you!" Dax spoke with excitement while hopping up in down in place.

Ryan skated up to Dax, bending forward until he was lined up with the microphone. "And who will be you bringing to our next game Dax?" He asked while giving him a high-five.

"My mom, Chloe!" Dax turned and pointed at me with a big smile on his face. "She is the best mom in the world!"

I couldn't help but smile as the crowd cheered. My little boy sure knew how to steal my heart.

The group of us exited the rink through the same gate that we had entered. I was on such a high that I wasn't sure if I would be able to sit still for the remainder of the game.

"It was really nice meeting you, Chloe. I look forward to seeing you at our next game." Ryan Collins placed his hand on my shoulder smiling down at me, I could have collapsed right then and there. I could get lost in that smile...

"It was nice meeting you too," I said, desperately trying to clear the shakiness from my voice. I had no idea what this man was doing to me...

Ryan said goodbye to Dax and I, and the rest of the contestants before returning to the dressing room as the first intermission was almost over.

Dax and I returned to our seats, and everyone who was seated around us high-fived Dax congratulating him on his victory. This was a game we would never forget.

We sat watching the remainder of the game, and I couldn't help but cheer with excitement at every goal Ryan scored. I couldn't keep my eyes off him as he brought his team to victory.

Tonight felt like a dream... Things like this didn't happen to regular people like us...

I didn't know it until today, but I'm Ryan Collins biggest fan...