Animal Instincts

Lucia, unable to meet Callum's gaze any longer, looked away. She sighed and spoke, "If we keep standing like this, we're never going to make any progress. Where did you say that gas station was again?"

Callum replied, "Just up ahead." He started moving, and Lucia followed suit. However, their silence began to feel awkward and tiresome. Lucia was in agony, her high heels were torturing her feet, and she could already feel the pain in her legs.

Noticing her discomfort, Callum paused in his stride. "You know," he said, "you're going to be in pain tomorrow, especially with that job interview. Why don't you hop on my back, and I'll do the walking for both of us?"

Lucia was surprised by his unexpected kindness, but she shook her head and replied, "It's fine, let's continue."

Callum sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Why do you have to be so stubborn about everything? I'm not going to run away with you on my back. I can only do it if you allow it."

Lucia hesitated, her legs aching more by the second. Callum, sensing her reluctance, turned forward and squatted down in front of her. He looked back and said, "Get on."

Lucia gazed at Callum's broad back, bent over just for her. Touched by his gesture, she moved forward and hopped onto his back, finally relieved from the torment of her painful heels.

Callum stood up, carrying Lucia on his back while holding the gallon of gas in his hand. Lucia placed her hand awkwardly on his shoulders, and Callum could feel her hand shifting on his shoulder.

He suggested, "You know, you can just wrap your hands around my neck so you don't fall. I really don't mind."

Lucia blushed and slowly wrapped her hands around his neck. She felt his warm skin under her fingers. She looked around and saw the trees and the stars above them "You really are tall. So this is what it looks like from up here. I think I can see my house from up here."

Callum was surprised by her attempt to lighten the mood. He couldn't help but laugh, even though he knew she was exaggerating "Well, better enjoy the view because in a short while, you won't be seeing it."

Lucia was about to smile, but then she realized what he meant. He was right. She wouldn't see him again after tonight. They had no reason to stay in touch. Her mood dropped slightly.

"Come on, why are you quiet all of a sudden?" Callum said. "It's no fun talking all by myself here." He felt her head resting on his back. 

Lucia said softly, "It's my first time being carried like this." 

Callum smirked, "Well, that's not a surprise, considering all the things we did earlier."

Lucia remembered their passionate encounter at the party. Feeling embarrassed and angry at his teasing. She moved her arm and slapped him on his shoulder. "You scoundrel, can't you think of anything else?" 

Callum laughed aloud, feeling her slap on his shoulder. He enjoyed making her react like that. He thought she was cute when she was angry.

Lucia, irritated by his laughter, bit her lip and moved in closer to his ear. She then opened her mouth and lightly bit his ear. This unexpected action made him gasp, and he abruptly stopped walking. "What did you do that for?" 

She whispered in his ear, "I did that to make you stop and look. And it actually worked."

Callum shook his head and chuckled. "I get it; you're trying to mark your territory. It's fine. If you want to be mine, just say it, and I will obediently comply."

Lucia was left speechless. He had a way with words that always left her at a loss for words. "Where did he get that idea from? And who wants you, anyway?"

Callum had a smile in his eyes. "It's okay to be embarrassed. Who wouldn't be? It seems like the atmosphere also played a role. Being surrounded by trees and all, your animal instincts kicked in." 

Lucia had a look of disbelief on her face. She thought her ears were playing tricks on her. "What animal instincts?"