Hasty Harry

Callie and Elias approached the stand and examined the array of pottery on display. Callie’s fingers trailed over the delicate edges of a vase, her touch as gentle as a whisper. ‘These pieces are so unique. Each one tells a story.’ Elias nodded in agreement. ‘Yeah, they have a certain charm to them.’ As Callie explored the different items, Elias’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to see it was a text message. [Harriet Daniels]: Just finished a mission. Got promoted to lieutenant colonel. Have a holiday coming up. Will come look for you at Valour Ridge. Elias’s brows furrowed slightly as he read the message. He didn’t reply, instead tucking the phone back into his pocket. Callie returned to his side, carrying a small handmade pottery piece shaped like a bunny and another shaped like a wolf. She held them up for him to see, her eyes dancing with mischief. ‘Look, Elias! A bunny and a wolf. Don’t they remind you of us?’ Elias chuckled, his gaze moving from the pottery to Callie’s face. ‘Well, the bunny might remind me of you, but the wolf?’ He paused, his tone playful. ‘That’s pushing it.’ Callie laughed. ‘Come on, Elias! Look at it. It’s so strong and has those sharp eyes, just like you.’ Elias raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a half-smile. ‘Strong and sharp, huh? I think you might be confusing a wolf with a dog.’ Callie shook her head. ‘No way. This is definitely a wolf.’ They continued to debate over the identity of the animal, with Callie sticking stubbornly to her stand. Finally, Elias said, ‘All right, Bunny. Let’s settle this with a bet. If we find out it’s a wolf, I owe you breakfast. If it’s a dog, you owe me dessert.’ The way he said the last word left Callie in no doubt about just what kind of ‘dessert’ he had in mind. Callie poked his arm. ‘Fine. You’re on, General.’ They made their way back to the pottery stand. Callie spoke first, ‘Excuse me, sir. Is this pottery piece a wolf or a dog?’ The owner of the stand, an elderly man with kind eyes, examined the pottery piece with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Oh, that’s definitely a dog, miss. Look at the tail. It’s hanging down.’ Callie’s face fell, a pout forming on her lips. Elias burst into laughter. ‘Looks like I win, Bunny.’ Callie playfully nudged him with her elbow, her mock irritation evident. ‘All right, all right. You win this round, General.’ Elias winked at her. ‘No hard feelings, Bunny. Dog and wolf are both in the canine family.’ They continued to explore the fair until the stars had come out, dotting the velvety sky with bright little pearls. Callie and Elias returned to the hotel hand in hand. The moment the door closed behind them, Elias turned to Callie. ‘Time for my dessert, Bunny.’ Callie swatted his arm in feigned irritation. ‘Can’t wait for even a second, huh?’ ‘Can’t and won’t.’ Elias had already shed his own shirt. ‘Give me a minute.’ Callie took her suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror, her gaze fixed on her reflection. When she packed for her six-month rotation at the military academy, lingerie was not on her mind. And once she was at Valour Ridge, there was no place or time for her to shop. Still, to prepare for the honeymoon, she’d put in a little effort. Last night, with Wendy’s homemade sewing kit and a little online guidance, she’d transformed a pair of plain underwear into a tantalizing piece of lingerie with a peek-a-boo effect. A heart-shaped cutout adorned the back, while a daring triangle-shaped cutout graced the front. Callie examined her figure in the mirror and wished she had not eaten so much during dinner. In the bedroom, just as Elias was starting to get antsy, Callie stepped out of the bathroom. The sight that greeted his eyes made his jaw drop, his breath catching in his throat. He admired her lingerie, his gaze tracing the contours and appreciating the delicate details. The flames of desire already ignited within him burned even brighter. Callie’s cheeks flushed, her shyness resurfacing as she sought his opinion. ‘Well, what do you think?’ It took him a long while to respond, his voice husky. ‘I don’t think words are adequate to express what I think, Bunny. I’ll show you with my actions.’ Elias scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He pulled open the nightstand drawers and groped around, but didn’t find what he was looking for. A little frustrated, he called the hotel’s front desk. The reply he received was equally disappointing. Elias muttered a curse. Callie couldn’t help but giggle at his evident exasperation. She propped herself up on both elbows. ‘Trouble?’ His gaze met hers, his lips quirking into a rueful smile. ‘Seems like it. They don’t stock what I need here. Looks like I’ll have to make a quick trip to the pharmacy.’ ‘I think I saw a minimart around the corner down the street. I can make the run.’ Elias shook his head. ‘No way, Bunny. You’re not going anywhere dressed like that. Wait for me, I’ll handle it.’ He threw his shirt on, then grabbed his phone and wallet. As he sprinted out of the room, Callie fell back onto the bed, laughing. *** Elias sauntered out of the grocery store, a pack of condoms tucked discreetly in his bag. The streetlamp’s soft light painted his shadow across the pavement as he headed back towards the hotel, his steps eager. His phone vibrated in his pocket. With a smooth motion, he pulled it out and answered, ‘Hey, Harriet.’ ‘Did you get my text?’ Harriet’s voice, as swift as the wind, rang through the line. ‘Yes.’ ‘Well, guess what? My copter is touching down at Valour Ridge right now. I’ll come find you,’ she shouted over the roar of rushing wind, her excitement palpable. Elias’s eyebrow arched in surprise. ‘Already there? You move faster than a cheetah chasing prey.’ A playful laugh floated across the connection. ‘You know me, Hasty Harry.’ Elias’s lips twitched into a smirk. ‘Oh, I do indeed.’ ‘Where are you?’