More Than Friends

Part 61 (Tessa)

Hardin and I finish breakfast and then make plans for the day.

"Hardin, what do you think about having a picnic today?"

"Well, it sounds better than your hiking idea."

"So, we can?"

"Sure, Tess. Last time turned out pretty well." He smirks at me.

"Yeah, it did..." I'm flooded with memories of our first official date.

"Okay, you pack us some food, and I'll grab a blanket to sit on and then put everything in the car."

"Okay!" I chirp.

Minutes later we're on our way to a park we passed when we were driving to the hiking trail we went to. Hardin has to park a few blocks back from the park. He grabs the picnic basket out of the trunk and we start walking down the trail to the park.

"It's such a beautiful day," I say to Hardin as we walk down the empty trail.

"It is," he agrees before he takes my hand in his.

I look up at him and smile. "Feeling romantic today?"

"Not that again," he chuckles. "Shit!" he curses.

"What is it?"

"I forgot the blanket in the car."

"Oh, that's okay."

"No, it's not. I'll go get it. Do you think you'll be okay to walk the rest of the way?"

"Yes. My ankle is feeling better today."

"Okay, Tess, I'll meet you there. Get us a good spot." He kisses me and turns to go back to the car.

As I'm walking, I'm enjoying the birds singing and the warm breeze when I accidentally drop my sunglasses. I bend down to retrieve them and I'm startled by someone pinching my butt. "Hardin! That was quick!" I say as I stand up and turn around.

"Who's Hardin?" a guy covered with tattoos and piercings asks.

"My-my boyfriend!" I say, trying to sound intimidating, but failing.

"Aw, she has a boyfriend. That's too bad," another guy smoking a cigarette says as he nudges his creepy friend.

"Well, that's never stopped me before," he laughs.

"You should leave before my boyfriend comes back and sees you!" I warn.

"I don't think you even have a boyfriend. Why would he leave such a hot piece of ass all alone on this trail?" the tattooed guy asks.

"Yeah, I think she's free to leave with us. I bet we could show you a good time, baby," the cigarette smoking creep boasts.

"Only I can call her that," Hardin booms from behind the guys.

They both whip around to see an angry Hardin glaring at them. "And who the fuck are you?" the cigarette smoker sneers.

"If you don't get the fuck away from her, your worst nightmare."

"Does it look like we're scared? I think we could take you," the tattooed guy says.

"I guess we're about to find out." Hardin drops the picnic basket and blanket to the ground.

"No!" I shout. Not this again.

I watch as Hardin punches the tattooed guy in the face.

"You really shouldn't have done that!" his friend warns before tossing his cigarette and punching Hardin in retaliation.