I paint my lips across his, claiming him as mine.
Bruno wiggles between us, clearly annoyed he’s not getting any attention. "Hey, buddy." Eli kneels and pets him as Bruno slobbers all over his face.
"He missed you," I say. "And he sucks as a guard dog. He’s a bigger baby than me."
Eli laughs, then grabs my hand and leads me to the couch. I look at the clothes he's wearing. "Where did you get those from?"
He looks down at the oversized T-shirt. "The nice nurse who took care of me gave me her son's extra clothes since mine were ruined. I need to write her a thank-you letter and send it with the biggest bouquet," he tells me. "She was a godsend in the midst of all the chaos."
"Hmm...is that who’s been keeping you busy? Flirting with your nurse?" I tease, popping a brow.
He leans over and plucks my bottom lips between his teeth. "Nah. I'm much more into bossy blondes who can't cook," he mocks, and I want to smack him, but I lean over and press my mouth to his again. I can’t get enough of him.
"I've been dreaming about that for days," he admits, cupping my face.
"Me too," I say as a blush creeps up my cheeks. "I thought I lost you."
"Never," he says. "I'm not going anywhere, baby."
Relief washes over me as my pulse increases. I know I can't live another day without telling him how I feel. “Good. I’m not sure my heart could survive without you.”
"Cami," he whispers, his eyes searching my face. "I only thought about you while I was there. What you were doing, how you were feeding yourself,” he says with a chuckle. “I was worried how this was affecting you."
"You were worried about me?” I roll my eyes with a smirk. “I kept thinking the worst. Eli…I—"
He sweeps his lips against mine. "I love you, Cami. I don't think I'd be able to live another day without telling you how much you mean to me."
I choke up, tears falling because he somehow stole my breath and the words I was going to say. "I love you too."
Our mouths crash together, and as we become greedy for one another, Eli winces in pain. “Sorry,” I say. “What do you need? More pain meds?”
Eli smiles. "As long as you're with me, I've got everything I need."
Chapter Twenty-Eight
ELIJAH
DAY 69
It’s been a month since the accident that landed me in the hospital for a week. So much has changed in that amount of time, and though my shoulder isn’t fully recovered, every day I feel stronger. I video conference my physical therapist twice a week, and I do daily exercises to keep up the mobility. It often leaves me breathless and needing my inhaler. I was so used to working out but have had to take it easy.
Cami’s been extremely helpful with everything, doing way more than she needs to. I can do things one-handed, but she insists. She reminds me to keep up with my PT and doesn’t let me get lazy with it.
After a couple of days back, I noticed the things she did around the house and considering how much she struggled before, she’s really putting in the effort to be more independent. She’s definitely changed, and without a doubt, she’s changed me too.
I get tired a lot faster than before, which frustrates me. Sometimes, I wish I had my old life back, the one I had before the pandemic and before getting shot, but then I remember that life didn’t include Cami. I wouldn’t change having her for the world. If having her means all the other bullshit had to happen, I’ll happily accept it.
New York is still in lockdown with shelter in place orders. I’m kinda shocked it’s lasted over two months, but then again, it makes sense with the current data. It reminds me to hold Cami that much tighter each night because I know how lucky and fortunate we are. We can help flatten the curve by doing our part and staying here as long as it takes. People like Ryan and all the essential workers are the true heroes during this crisis, so until there’s a safe way to reopen the state, we’ll isolate together.
After spending so much time with each other, I notice the littlest things about her. Like when she laughs really hard, her nose crinkles and sometimes she snorts, which I find cute as hell. She likes to sleep on her side, and sometimes snores like a Mack truck. When she’s obviously tired, but I’m not, she’ll try to stay awake to be with me longer. When she thinks I’m not watching her, she’ll steal glances at me, and then I’ll catch her, which makes her laugh. Cami is my rock, and I’m grateful everyday for our second chance.
I still can’t believe she’s fallen for me as hard as I have for her, and now I can’t live without her. Hell, I’ve nearly died twice since coming here, but she’s been the light at the end of the tunnel.
We FaceTimed my mom and told her the pleasant news that we were officially dating. My mother cried with joy, then asked us when we were getting married. I just shrugged and laughed. But honestly, I’d marry Cami in a heartbeat even though I still don’t feel like I’m good enough for her.
Next, we called my sister, Ava. Cami was nervous as hell about it, but it was time they talk through their differences so there’s no hostility. Their conversation lasted well over an hour, and by the end, both were laughing at my expense as they took turns telling stories about me and talking shit. Though, I don’t even care because I’m just happy the air has been cleared between them.
We haven’t told her parents about us yet. I’ve been too nervous, knowing her father would never approve of the poor kid being with his princess daughter, but Cami has assured me she couldn’t give two fucks what her parents think. When the time’s right, we’ll tell them, but not yet. I like the bubble we’re in right now and don’t want anyone’s outside opinions to burst it.
After another physical therapy session, Cami and I go for a walk outside. Spring is finally coming, and the weather has been much nicer. Eventually, I’d love to cook using the outdoor kitchen and watch the sunset with Cami while we eat. Though I can’t buy her expensive things—but even if I could, they don’t impress her—I can make memories with her in ways that count.
A few days ago, we drove to Roxbury and got more food for the next month. She went a couple of weeks ago, but only got the necessities, and now we need more to stay stocked up. We went together this time so we could double team and get out of the store faster. As we drove home, she continuously looked behind us to see if anyone was following us. I know what happened still affects her, but I’m doing my best to reassure her we’re safe. The two guys who did it were finally caught, so I can breathe a little easier knowing they didn’t get away with it, but we still stay alert.
Once we’re back home, we unload and sanitize the groceries before putting them away, washing our hands in between a dozen times. It’s become such a part of our lives that we don’t even think twice about it.
We haven’t been intimate in weeks. Even though she’s given me all the hints, I know she hasn’t wanted to rush me with my shoulder recovering, but it’s doing much better now. We’ve been taking things slow, but right now, she’s looking at me with a fire in her eyes.