You cuddled close to your husband, his arms wrapped securely around you. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Do you remember how we met?” he teased, his tone warm and playful.

“Of course,” you replied with a smirk. “The general with the cold, stoic face from two years ago. Hard to forget that.”

Two years ago

You both served in the military, stationed at different bases. He was General Steven Hayes, known for his cold, stoic demeanor and unshakable discipline. You were a communications officer, known for your sharp wit and infectious energy.

The first time he saw you was during a joint military gathering. You stood out, laughing with your team, your confidence radiating like a beacon. His sharp eyes followed your every movement, though he made no attempt to approach.

Over the months, your paths crossed occasionally during joint missions and meetings. He maintained his professional coldness, but his lingering gazes didn’t escape your notice.

One day, after a tense strategy meeting, you caught him staring again. “General Hayes,” you said with a playful smirk, “do I have something on my face, or do you just like looking at me?”

His stoic facade faltered for a split second. “I observe everything around me,” he replied, but there was a faint blush on his cheeks.

From that moment on, you made it your mission to tease him whenever you could. During briefings, you’d catch his eye and wink. In passing, you’d mock salute him dramatically. Slowly, the cracks in his icy exterior began to show.

It wasn’t until a particularly grueling training exercise that he finally let his guard down. You had been working tirelessly, and he approached you as you rested under a tree.

“You push yourself too hard,” he said gruffly, sitting beside you.

You grinned, leaning back. “Coming from the man who’s a legend for never taking a day off?”

He hesitated, then finally spoke the words he’d been holding back for months. “I admire your dedication… and your spirit. Would you allow me to take you out sometime?”