Chapter Twenty-One
CAMERON
I’m in and out of sleep. My throat burns, and my ribs hurt from coughing so much. I wish I could close my eyes and the next two weeks would pass by. Yesterday, I emailed my professors and told them I’m sick so they’re aware of why I’m behind on my assignments. It should be the least of my worries, but keeping a perfect GPA has been high on my priority list. It’s taken years of dedicated studying and late nights doing homework, but none of that matters when the world is in chaos.
This is only the beginning of feeling like shit. Ryan mentioned I’d feel worse before I got better. I’ve followed his instructions and have walked around some when I feel strong enough. Each time I get the strength to sit up, I check my temperature and track the doses of Tylenol I’ve taken, so I don’t take too much. My mother has called to check on me daily, but I downplay how I am so she won’t show up and try to take care of me.
I go from having the chills to my body being on fire several times a day. No matter what I do, I can’t get comfortable. I’ve soaked in the bath, hoping it’ll help with the stiffness and body aches, but it hasn’t. Though my appetite has vanished, I’ve forced myself to swallow down food.
Eli has done his best, giving me plenty to eat and drink throughout the day, so I don’t have to leave my room. I’m already going stir-crazy lying in bed, but I can’t hang out downstairs with him, which kills me. Though I can’t deny how much I miss Eli’s company, witty banter, and the way he makes me laugh at the stupidest things. The past two weeks with him, even though they started rocky, ended up being the most memorable moments I’ve shared with someone. It’s because he understands me on a level most don’t bother with.
Most guys want me because of who my family is, with hopes to climb the social ladder. That’s why I’ve dated those who are well off because they have nothing to gain from being with me, and they’re unimpressed by my fortunes.
Eli doesn’t give two shits about my social class and has always been his true self.
As I drift to sleep, I hear a light tap on the door and pick up my phone to see it’s a little after noon. I’m not in the mood to eat, but I tell myself I need to at least try. Minutes turn into hours, and I don’t move. Eventually, a muscular arm wraps around my stomach, waking me from a deep sleep. I press against him until I realize how close he is.
Turning my head, I panic when I see Eli snuggled against me. Every cell in my body is on high alert because he shouldn’t be in here. I try to find my words, but nothing comes. I need to tell him to get the hell out.
“Eli,” I say in a hushed tone. “You can’t be in my bed.”
My words don’t faze him as he tightens his arms around me. I have a mini panic attack, knowing what could happen to him if he catches it. If I’m having a hard time breathing, what will it do to him? I’ve tried my hardest to stay away, but here he is, inches from me.
“Eli,” I repeat louder this time, moving his arm off me and creating space between us. Just the quick movement has me breathless, but I stand my ground. “You have to leave. My germs are all over this room.”
He gives me a cute smirk and shakes his head. “Nah, I don’t think so. I’m staying.”
What the hell is he doing? “This isn’t up for discussion. You know the rules.”
“Cami.” He sits up, not taking his eyes off me. “It’s okay. Let me hold you through this.”
I suck in a deep breath, needing the oxygen and strength. “Please…” I’m nearly in tears as I beg because I don’t want to be the reason that something happens to him. The guilt would kill me before the virus could. “This is too risky.”
“We had sex three days ago. Before that, we kissed—a lot. You undoubtedly had been carrying it this whole time, considering we’ve been here for over two weeks and haven’t been around other people since then. I’ve come to terms with catching it. It’s just a matter of time before the onset of symptoms, so the least you can do is let me comfort you.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I shake my head. “You don’t know that for sure.”
“I do. It stays in your system for days, sometimes weeks. You were fine, and now you’re not. Do you regret being around me?”
His eyes pierce through me. “Hell no. You’re worth it, Cami.”
As I open my mouth, instead of words come coughs, the ones that make my entire body protest. I’m having a fit and can’t catch my breath as I choke for air. Eli rushes toward me, and I hold up my palm, trying to keep him at arm’s length. A second later, he’s leaving and returns with his inhaler.
“Inhale a few puffs of this,” he instructs, shaking it before handing it to me. “Just inhale and hold it in your lungs. It always helps me with the tightness.”
I don’t want to use his medicine, but I’m desperate for relief. Listening to him, I do what he says when I stop coughing enough to draw in some air. After I have some, my chest isn’t as tight, but I’m shaky. I return the cap and hand it back.
“Keep it,” he tells me. “Use it when this happens again.”
“I can’t do that.” I sit and lean against the pillows.
“You need it more than I do.” He’s stubborn to the bone. “Another option is sitting in the shower with hot water and breathing in the steam. That can help loosen things up.”
Once I’m settled, Eli goes to the bathroom and comes back with a cold washcloth.
Leaning over, he rests it on my forehead, and it slightly soothes me. Eli crawls back in bed with me and moves to his side, propping himself on his elbow. I wish he’d be smarter about this and keep his distance. Regardless of not taking a damn test, I have all the common symptoms, and the odds are stacked against him.
“I can tell you’re uneasy about me being in here, but even if you demanded I leave, I still wouldn’t.”
Snapping my eyes shut, I don’t want to fight, knowing he’ll do what he wants anyway. “So you’re okay with me living with guilt if something happens to you? That’s not fair.”
“I’d never blame you. The choice is mine, and I’m choosing you.”
My heart flutters, and I smile. “I don’t understand how you can flirt with me when I look like a zombie.” It’s easy to know how pale I am, along with the bags under my eyes. Every time I go into the bathroom, I avoid the mirror like a vampire.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispers, grabbing my hand and kissing my knuckles. I pull away.
“It’s like you’re trying to get sick,” I reprimand.
He softly chuckles. “No, I’m not, but I’ve already accepted it. In the past seventy-two hours, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind, Cami. I’ve wandered around wishing I could be near you. And I can’t figure out how you did it.”
“Did what?” I ask, meeting his eyes.
“Got into my head and heart so quickly,” he admits. “I mean, you’re still a major pain in my ass, but it’s different now.”
We still haven’t talked about our night together. I was curious if he’d mention it, or just pretend nothing happened. I’ve wondered if he considers being with me a mistake, but seeing his expression is proof that he doesn’t.