Page 39 of Playing with My Heart

He caught me staring and winked. “Admiring the view?” he asked, standing up and dusting off his hands.

“Can you blame me?” I shot back, unable to help the laughter spilling from my lips. He joined in, and for a moment, everything else faded away—there was just us, the forest, and the promise of what was to come.

“Let’s get the rest of the stuff,” he suggested after a moment, his tone shifting back to the task at hand. “Then we can relax and soak all this in.”

“Sounds perfect,” I said, and we worked together in an easy rhythm, unloading sleeping bags, a portable stove, and all the other essentials for our weekend escape. The camp began to take shape, a cozy little spot in the midst of nature’s grandeur.

Once everything was settled, I stepped back to take it all in—the tent nestled among the trees, a fire pit waiting to be lit, our seats positioned just so to face the eventual sunset. It was serene, idyllic even, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to spend a weekend. Especially with the company I had.

“Want to take a walk?” he asked, brushing his hands on his jeans.

“Lead the way,” I said with a contented sigh, falling into step beside him.

We set off at a leisurely pace, the forest floor soft beneath our steps, the air around us free of any smog. Birds chirped above us, flitting from branch to branch, while the occasional squirrel scampered across our path, bushy tails swishing happily.

“It’s beautiful out here, so relaxing and peaceful. The city has nothing on this.”

“Nothing beats the great outdoors.” He took a deep breath, his chest expanding beneath his fitted shirt. “And nothing beats sharing it with you.”

Our eyes met, and there was a warmth there that had nothing to do with the mild fall weather. My heart did that fluttery thing it seemed to reserve just for him. I reached for his hand. “Come on. Let’s see what’s around that bend.”

The trail wound through the forest, a dirt ribbon that led to possible untold discoveries. We talked about everything and nothing, our conversation flowing as easily as the light breeze whispering through the branches.

“Hey,” Travis suddenly burst out, stopping short and pointing ahead. “You see that?”

“See what?” I squinted, trying to follow his line of sight.

“The waterfall,” he said. “It’s just up ahead. I bet it’s amazing. Race you there?” Challenge laced his words, but his smile softened the competition into something fun and exhilarating.

I arched an eyebrow. “I don’t know. You seriously think you can beat me?”

“Absolutely. Ready—set—” Without finishing the countdown, he took off, his laughter trailing behind.

“Cheater!” I called out, but I was already sprinting after him, my breath coming in quick bursts. The forest became a blur ofcolor and motion as I pushed myself, trying to catch up to that confident stride of his.

He glanced back, a taunting smile on his face. “Gotta be quicker than that, Reyes!”

My feet pounded the path, and I felt alive in a way that was electrifying. This was more than just a race; it was a chase, a game, a dance of sorts between two people who were still discovering all the ways they fit together.

Closer now, I could hear the waterfall’s roar. I put on a burst of speed, and for a second, I thought I might actually catch him. But then, with a laugh, Travis reached the waterfall first, throwing his arms up in victory. “I win!”

“Only because you cheated!” I arrived beside him, panting and grinning.

“Ah, but did you see your face?” he teased, his chest rising and falling in quick succession. “Pure determination. I admire that about you.”

“You do, huh?” I nudged him playfully, feeling a rush of affection for this man who could turn even a simple hike into a memory I’d cherish.

“Absolutely,” he confirmed, pulling me close. His kiss tasted wild, of freedom, and something that felt suspiciously like home.

“Next time, I’m setting the terms of the race,” I said once we parted, both of us gazing at the majestic waterfall before us.

“Deal,” he agreed, squeezing my hand. “But right now, how about we enjoy the view?” We stood side by side, hands clasped, hearts racing not from the run but from the sheer joy of being together.

After a while, we continued our walk, our voices blending with the sounds of nature. It wasn’t long before we stumbled across a small wooden shack adorned with colorful signs that read “Kayak Rentals” in bold, adventurous letters.

“Hey, look at that,” I said, pointing towards it. A gentle stream flowed nearby, leading into a wider body of water that sparkled under the sun’s generous rays.

Travis followed my gaze and his eyes lit up with that familiar spark of spontaneity. “You ever been kayaking?”

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