Fall'n For The New Guy | | Harrison Reid

Chapter 131

As we continue to walk, I let out a sigh. "I'm sorry for being pissy."

Harrison chuckles, squeezing my hand. "It's alright. I know it's just your hormones, but I can't help but love your sassiness."

I huff a small laugh, shaking my head. "You say that now, but give it a few months you might change your mind."

He smirks, nudging me gently with his shoulder. "Doubt it. You're cute when you're grumpy."

I shoot him a look. "I just because I don't push you down the stairs doesn't mean I won't down this trail."

Harrison just grins. "And I'd still think you're adorable."

I try to glare at him, but it's useless when he's looking at me like that.. like I'm the best thing that's ever happened to him. My irritation softens, and I squeeze his hand back.

"Just... thanks for putting up with me," I mumble.

He stops walking for a second, turning to face me fully. "Always, love." His voice is soft, sincere. "We're in this together."

My chest tightens with emotion, and without thinking, I step closer, resting my forehead against his. His arms wrap around me, holding me close, and for a moment, we just stand there, the sounds of the forest around us, the weight of the day melting away.

"Alright," I sigh after a beat, pulling back slightly. "Let's get back before I have another mood swing and actually throw you down this trail."

Harrison laughs, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before we continue walking, hand in hand.

We kept walking, the trail stretching ahead, winding through towering trees and thick greenery. The sun hung lower in the sky now, filtering through the leaves in golden streaks, casting everything in a warm glow. The air smelled fresh, like damp earth and wildflowers, and for the first time since we started this hike, I felt like I could just breathe.

Harrison gave my hand a squeeze. "Feeling better?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Tired, but better."

He grinned. "That's 'cause you let me carry you."

I scoffed. "Oh, shut up."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself far too much.

As we rounded a bend, the sound of rustling leaves and distant birdsong was interrupted by the faint murmur of voices. Ahead of us, a couple of other hikers were making their way back down, their faces flushed from the climb. One of them, an older woman, smiled knowingly as we passed.

"Almost there, lovebirds," she teased. "Hope you've still got energy for the walk back."

I let out a small laugh, though deep down, I was already dreading the thought of more stairs.

Harrison grinned at the woman. "Oh, I'll be carrying her again, don't worry."

I smacked his arm. "I swear to God, Harrison—"

The woman chuckled before continuing down the trail with her partner, and Harrison just looked at me, smug as ever.

Before I could launch into a proper scolding, the trees ahead opened up, revealing the exit to the trail. The sight of the clearing and the small parking lot beyond it was almost enough to make me cry tears of joy.

"Oh, thank God," I muttered.

Harrison just laughed, tugging me toward him as we walked. "See? Wasn't so bad."

I shot him a look. "Speak for yourself."

He only smiled, pressing a kiss to the side of my head. "Come on, let's get you back and put your feet up."

I sighed in relief. That was the best idea he'd had all day.

We finally stepped off the trail and onto solid ground, the packed dirt giving way to gravel beneath our feet. My legs felt like jelly, and all I wanted to do was collapse onto the nearest bench, but Harrison had other plans.

"Alright, straight to the car," he said, steering me toward the rental.

I groaned. "What if I just lay down right here and let the earth reclaim me?"

Harrison laughed, shaking his head. "You'd complain about bugs within two minutes."

He wasn't wrong. I sighed dramatically but let him guide me to the car. The second I sat down, I let out an exaggerated moan of relief. "Oh my God. I'm never moving again."

Harrison climbed in beside me, shaking his head with amusement. "So, no more hikes while we're here?"

I turned my head slowly to glare at him. "Don't even think about another one."

He held his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. No more hikes. What about a spa day tomorrow?"

I perked up instantly. "Now that I can get behind."

Harrison grinned. "Knew that'd win you over."

With a sigh, I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes as Harrison started the car. The warmth of the sun and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore made me feel at peace.

"Let's go back to the hotel," I murmured. "I need a bath, food, and at least twelve hours of sleep."

Harrison chuckled as he pulled onto the road. "Anything for you, love."

As we drove back toward our resort, I glanced at him, my heart swelling with affection. Today had been exhausting, frustrating, and honestly, kind of miserable at times.....but through it all, Harrison had been there, steady as ever. I reached over, intertwining our fingers, and gave his hand a squeeze.

He glanced at me with a small smile, squeezing back.

Yeah. No matter what, we were in this together.

The gentle hum of the car and the rhythmic motion as we cruised along the road started to lull me into a haze of exhaustion. My body ached in ways I hadn't expected, my legs heavy, my feet throbbing. I shifted slightly in my seat, trying to get comfortable, but the moment Harrison reached over and placed a warm hand on my thigh, rubbing soothing circles, I knew I was done for.

My eyelids grew heavy, my head tilting slightly toward the window. The sound of the tires against the pavement mixed with the distant crashing of waves, creating the perfect lullaby.

"You alright over there?" Harrison's voice was soft, amused.

"Mhm," I mumbled sleepily. "Just... so tired."

He chuckled. "Close your eyes, love. I'll wake you when we get back."

I barely managed a nod before sleep took over, pulling me under completely. The last thing I felt was Harrison's thumb brushing back and forth against my skin, steady and reassuring, before everything faded into peaceful darkness.

Author's Note

Okay I can't remember if his relationship pet name thingy was love or not, but I'm sticking with it. I might change it a bit tho so it's not repetitive.

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