Bubble Party

Callie gaped at Elias as he settled into the tub. His dark hair was damp, droplets of water trickling down his broad shoulders. He scooted closer to her until their sides brushed against each other. ‘Get out of your wet clothes, he said. Enjoy a peaceful bath, he said,’ Callie muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. Elias laughed heartily, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. ‘Well, I don’t know about you, but I find this bath far more entertaining now.’ With a theatrical sigh, Callie leaned back against the edge of the tub, her lips curving into a small smile. ‘Oh, really? And what exactly makes this bath so... entertaining?’ Elias’s grin turned wicked as he reached out and gently tugged at one of her loose curls. ‘Well, for starters, the company is much better than any scented candle.’ Her cheeks flushed, but she refused to let him see how his words affected her. Instead, she shot back, ‘You know, I was actually enjoying a peaceful moment until someone decided to crash my bubble party.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘Bubble party? Is that what you’re calling it?’ Callie fought to suppress her laughter. ‘Well, I didn’t exactly plan for a ‘Bare-Chested General Joins the Bath’ scenario.’ Elias leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. ‘Ah, but now that it’s happened, you can’t possibly complain.’ She rolled her eyes again, but the corners of her lips twitched upward. ‘Oh, trust me, I can.’ As Elias settled himself behind her, his strong arms encircling her waist, Callie couldn’t help but feel a familiar sense of comfort. She allowed herself to lean into him, her head resting against his chest as his fingers began to work magic on her tense shoulders. ‘Relax, Bunny,’ Elias murmured, his breath warm against her ear. ‘You’re wound up tighter than a spring. Let me take care of you.’ His skilled fingers worked their way over her skin, massaging away knots and tension. Callie’s eyes slipped closed, her initial embarrassment giving way to a heady relaxation. As his hands roamed lower, her thoughts became hazier, her breaths growing deeper. Callie spun around and reached for him, putting her small, warm hand on the back of his neck, pulling him down to her. They kissed, first lightly, then more urgently, his tongue teasing, his teeth nibbling her lips. She was sitting on his lap, her breasts pressing against his bare chest, warm and wet and solid. They pulled back for air, then kissed again. His left hand was deep in the softness of her hair while his right explored the smooth curves of her back. He pulled her against him, skin to skin, but still felt they were not close enough. If it were possible, he’d make her a part of him, maybe turn her back into one of his ribs so they’d never be apart whenever, wherever. Elias nuzzled against her, his lips now on her neck, nibbling and kissing his way down to the curve of her shoulder, where she’d always been ticklish. ‘Ooh,’ she whispered. Then she moaned, an inviting sound that propelled him to dance his fingers up her thigh. Elias watched her squeeze her eyes shut and bite her bottom lip to fight the crushing waves of pleasure that threatened to drown her. The muscles in her thighs tensed and quivered, but she wouldn’t allow him to go on further. ‘I’m starving,’ she protested, her heart racing as Elias’s touch sent sparks of heat dancing across her skin. ‘So am I.’ His lips brushed against her ear. ‘Which is why I’m having my dessert now.’ ‘No, I mean real food.’ His chuckle was a melodic undertone, rich and infectious. ‘Oh, Bunny, what I’m tasting is real enough.’ Callie wriggled out of his hold. ‘Come on. I want to eat. I haven’t had non-army food for weeks.’ ‘Fine.’ Elias’s fingers traced a path down her arm, his touch a seductive promise. ‘Dinner first, and then we can continue where we left off.’ His grin was wolfish, his desire simmering just beneath the surface. Callie shook her head, laughing softly. ‘You’re incorrigible.’ Elias pulled her close, his lips grazing hers in a lingering kiss that held a promise of so much more. ‘Only when it comes to you, Bunny.’ As their lips parted, Callie sighed, the tension between them a sweet agony. ‘Fine, you win. Let’s go eat.’ Elias’s grin was victorious as he held out his arm, inviting her to step out of the bathtub and into their next adventure. ‘After you, my love.’ In the bedroom, he helped her blow dry her hair. Then they both got dressed. ‘Ready, Bunny?’ Elias had changed into another white shirt, its casualness doing nothing to detract from his handsomeness. Callie nodded, her fingers smoothing down the delicate fabric of her dress. ‘Absolutely. Let’s go downstairs.’ With intertwined fingers, they made their way to the hotel’s second floor. The restaurant at Oakheart Rest bore the proud stance of a battle-hardened soldier, its decor and ambience a homage to the gallant spirit of the military. The walls were adorned with meticulously framed vintage photographs depicting scenes from military history, capturing moments of valiant heroism and unwavering dedication. The sepia-toned images seemed to whisper tales of sacrifice and triumph, bringing the past to life within the restaurant’s very walls. Tables, crafted from polished wood that bore the scars of time, were set with precision, reminiscent of the meticulous arrangement of a battalion preparing for inspection. Each table featured a small, aged leather-bound book, serving as both a menu and a journal of the restaurant’s journey. The scent of rich mahogany hung in the air, mingling with the aroma of hearty dishes that awaited eager patrons. ‘I like this place,’ Callie declared as she admired the surroundings, noting the couples seated over small round tables with their heads bent close together. ‘I’m glad you do.’ Elias quietly congratulated himself for picking this town for their honeymoon destination. It was a good thing that he ignored Lemuel’s suggestion to take Callie someplace more exotic, like a beachside resort several thousand miles away. If he’d listened to Lemuel, he and Callie would still be dozing through a plane ride at this very moment.