Although he still works a lot, since Sabs moved in, Orin’s been around more than usual.
“Have fun, firecracker!” Adler crashes down the stairs, kissing her on the mouth with effortless ease and confidence that sends a small pang of jealousy through me. It must be so nice to have the security of the bond that they do. There’s an easiness to how he is around her. While I have to guess how she’s feeling, he already knows. “I hope you can keep up with Luca’s pace.” He winks at her.
“We’ll take it slow.” I hoist my backpack over my shoulders. “Only taking the gentle incline trails.”
“Oh, come on! Don’t hold out on me, Luca!” Sabs stomps her foot indignantly. “You know I’m down for an adventure and a challenge.”
Drax raises a hand, somewhat awkwardly before slowly backpedaling out of the room. “I guess I’ll see you later.”
Sabs throws herself at him, almost knocking him off-balance. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a loud, smacking kiss that makes his cheeks flush. “I’m putting you in charge of making sure that Laz doesn’t kill Addy.”
“A few weeks ago, I would’ve been quite happy to see that happen,” Drax mumbles though he’s smiling.
“Make sure you have your bear spray close,” Orin tells her.
“If I can live with you, I’m sure I can handle a few bears,” she jokes back.
“Don’t worry.” I pat the side of the backpack pocket where the spray is kept to appease his worries. “We’re all set.”
“Almost,” Sabs corrects, pulling a lip gloss out of her bra then sliding it in next to the spray. “Now we’re all set.”
“Is lip gloss really essential?” Orin quizzes.
“These lips need serious hydration after all the kissing action they’ve been seeing lately.” She rubs her lips together, turning to face me. “Now let’s get out of here before Orin tries to bundle me in Bubble Wrap.”
After bidding our goodbyes, we drive up to the base of Mount Alpine, parking near the secluded trail opening. Sabs charges off as soon as we’re parked, keen to gain elevation fast. We stop occasionally while I point out various trees or plants, but mainly, we soak in the natural beauty. It’s so still and picturesque, the sky perfectly blue with a smattering of fluffy clouds that look like something from a movie.
This is my happy place. With the rustling trees above us protecting us from the heat of the sun, the smell of pine combining with Sabs’s addictive scent, and the idyllic sound of birds chirping, what could possibly be better?
Sabs pauses to look around wistfully when we reach a spot that gives us a stunning view of the sprawling landscape below. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Which way would you like to go?” I gesture at a fork in the path. “One is a gentler walk, the other?—”
“The harder one,” Sabs interrupts. “I want to get my blood pumping!”
The ground gets pretty steep as we continue, but it’s not a long trail, and her sneakers are sturdy enough to get a strong grip on the rocky terrain. She keeps a steady pace, not even breaking a sweat as we climb higher. I use the excuse of wanting to help her jump over a small stream that cuts across the path so I can hold her hand.
“Let me adjust my backpack,” I say, reluctantly having to drop her hand.
I slow a little, adjusting my weight to my left side as the strap of my pack digs into my now-aching shoulder muscle from carrying more supplies than usual. I brought extra supplies to be on the safe side. Although I keep up with my physical therapy and exercise, random pains and pulls can hit at any time.
Sabs overtakes me, reaching the top of a steep hill before me. An adorable frown tugs at her lips as she notices I’m taking a little longer.
“Why don’t we stop for a break, Luca?” I drop down onto a boulder, relieved by her suggestion. She takes out her canteen, offering me a sip first. “We can take it slower, or I can carry more? I’m only racing up because I’m just too excited to get to the lake after everything you told me.”
“I’ll be fine after a break.” I groan as I shed the heavy load, massaging my shoulders and rolling them before I pull out a box of homemade trail mix for her to eat. Naturally, she starts to pick out all the chocolate chips, eating those first. “The nuts will give you more energy.”
“Yet the chocolate will melt in the sun,” she points out. “I’m basically doing you a favor.”
“Good point,” I chuckle as she pops another handful into her mouth.
“I can see why you love it out here.” She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand after taking a sip of water. “It makes you feel so…” She tips her head back, closing her eyes. The sun hits her face through the trees, highlighting the healthy glow of her skin and the golden hint to her brown eyelashes. “Alive.”
“I sometimes come out here for days,” I explain as I do my stretches. “Just me and the forest. It helps clear my head.”
“Maybe we’ll have to go on a camping trip,” she suggests. “A pack vacation!”
“I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who’d be excited about that idea.” I snort. “Adler likes his luxuries and running water, and Orin hates bugs, especially mosquitoes, but don’t tell him I told you that.”
