It wasn't at first sight

Chapter 79

Some days later.

Hanna arrives home after another tough workout session with Spencer and their trainer. Her flushed, sweaty face and messy hair are clear signs she's pushed herself hard again.

Hanna "Caleb?" She calls out while heading to the kitchen.

When there's no reply, she sets her empty water bottle on the kitchen island and walks over to the fridge. Grabbing a fresh, cold bottle of water, she gulps down nearly half of it in seconds.

Chocolate bounds over with his tail wagging, and stops in front of her.

Hanna "Hey there!" She smiles, placing the bottle on the countertop. "Did they leave without you?"

Chocolate tilts his head, letting out a soft whine.

Hanna chuckles. "Wanna go out for a walk?" She offers, despite her obvious exhaustion.

Chocolate barks excitedly and starts hopping around.

Hanna grins. "Let's go get your leash, bud!"

/

Hanna clips Chocolate's leash and heads out toward the park, the cool breeze brushing against her face as they walk.

Chocolate's massive paws thump happily beside her as they reach the familiar path, heading straight to their usual spot under the big oak tree.

Hanna "It's been a while, huh, bud?" She says, settling down on the soft grass with a satisfied sigh. "I missed this, just you and me, like old times... Guess you did too, huh?"

Chocolate wags his tail and flops down beside her, resting his big head on her lap. Hanna strokes his fur absentmindedly, soaking in the shade and the peacefulness of the park, her body finally starting to relax after the intense workout.

They stay like that for a while, enjoying the calm, until a shadow falls over them.

"Wow, that's a big dog!" A voice says, making Hanna look up.

A tall, athletic-looking guy with an easy smile stands there, his eyes focused on Chocolate. He kneels down, giving the dog a friendly pat.

Guy "Is he a Newfie?" He asks, sounding genuinely interested.

Hanna nods, her smile relaxed. "Yeah, Chocolate's a Newfoundland. Big, gentle giant."

The guy chuckles. "He's beautiful. Does he need a lot of exercise?"

Hanna "Kind of... he's a bit lazy, but yeah, he needs his walks." She gestures vaguely.

The guy glances at her, then back at Chocolate. "And those walks usually bring you here?"

Hanna "Haven't been able to bring him much lately, but yeah, this is our usual spot. We love hanging out here, right bud?" She strokes Chocolate's ear.

Guy "Good to know."

His tone shifts slightly, and Hanna picks up on it.

Guy "I'll definitely start coming here more often, because I've gotta say, a beautiful woman sitting under a tree with a dog like that, it's quite the sight. Makes my stretching routine a lot more interesting." He gives her a knowing smile.

Hanna stifles a laugh, feeling a mix of surprise and flattery. She hadn't expected to be hit on, especially now.

Hanna "Uh, thanks." She says, her tone friendly but firm. "But I'm married." She holds up her left hand, the glint of her wedding ring catching the sunlight. "And we just had a baby girl."

The guy raises his eyebrows, clearly surprised but unfazed. "Wow, no way. You seriously don't look like you just had a baby. You look incredible."

Hanna feels her cheeks flush. She's still adjusting to her postpartum body, but the compliment feels nice. "That's sweet of you to say, but yeah... baby at home, husband too."