Not that we haven’t been FaceTiming for the past month, but that doesn’t really count. I haven’t been able to touch his face, kiss his lips, wrap myself around his body. God, I’ve missed him.
We’ve talked everyday—sometimes for ten minutes, sometimes for hours. And now he’s in Florida for the next ten days and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
He decided to keep my car for me when I left, and now he’s driving it down here so I can have my own car again. I’ve been driving Gia’s because it’s not like she can drive it with her right leg being broken and all, but eventually, we’ll need the extra car.
Elijah’s staying in a hotel for two reasons. The first is because we definitely want privacy, and the house me and Gia are staying in is just a simple townhouse with two bedrooms, and Greg practically lives there, too. The second is because I haven’t told her about my relationship with him.
I’m thinking I’ll be having that conversation within the next ten days, though.
My white Accord pulls into the parking lot and I start jumping up and down. Elijah sees me and parks in a nearby spot with a huge smile on his face.
Before he’s fully out, I’m already rushing over, and as soon as he stands up, I slam myself against his body and cling for dear life.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here.”
He squeezes me tight. “It felt like a never-ending trip,” he says with a chuckle.
We ease back just enough for our lips to come together in a kiss. And then another. And finally, his tongue twirls around mine, and we’re lost in each other for the next sixty seconds.
“It’s hot here,” he says, tugging on the neckline of his T-shirt. “When I left Ohio it was forty-three degrees and now it’s seventy-two.”
I laugh. “I told you.”
“Here’s your keys.” He drops them into my hand. “I’ll just grab my luggage and check in, and then we can do whatever you want.”
I bite down on my lip. “I think I’ll just join you in your room for a little bit.”
Elijah leans in to kiss me. “It’ll be a lot longer than a little bit.”
“Mm. Good.”
I walk with him into the lobby of the hotel, my arm hooked through his. “Feels good to be able to do this.”
“I agree. I could even do this,” he says, giving me another kiss.
“Mhm, and nobody can say anything about it.”
We smile at each other, waiting in line for him to check in. “So, how’s Gia?” he asks.
“She’s doing really good. She’s at an appointment right now, actually. She may be getting her casts off since it’s been six weeks, but we’ll see.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah. She still gets headaches from the head injury, but she’s ready to go back to work. She’s losing her mind being ‘cooped up’ all the time.”
Gia’s a nursing aide in a nursing home, and because of her injuries she won’t be able to go right back to helping patients in and out of bed or into the shower. She’ll have to stick with taking vitals, feeding them, combing their hair, and stuff like that until she’s better.
“Are you planning on telling her about me while I’m here?” he questions, not a hint of frustration in his voice, just curiosity.
“I’ve been thinking about it. She’ll question where I’m disappearing to.”
“Do you think she’ll take issue with it?”
I sigh. “I’m not sure. I mean, it’s not like you’re still my teacher.”
“But I am still older than you.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think that’s a big deal.”
Our conversation halts as he speaks to the woman at the desk and gets checked in. Once he has his key, we make our way to the elevators.
“What’s going on with Mario?” he asks.
Elijah was so relieved to hear about him being arrested. He hated not being here with me when it happened, but he’s glad he doesn’t have to worry about anything happening to me anymore.
“He’ll have a court date at some point. Until then, as long as he stays locked up, I’m happy.”
“And I’m happy if you’re happy,” he says, pulling me into his side.
“I’m definitely happy, and I’m ready to celebrate your arrival,” I say as the elevator doors open on the eighth floor.
He smirks. “Well, let’s get started.”
48
Christmas Day
Nova spends the morning with her sister and Greg, with plans to meet me at the hotel by two o’clock. The other day, I was able to go to the store and grab one of those Christmas trees that’s only two feet tall and come pre-decorated.
I look forward to our first holiday together. It’s not happening the way I would have planned, but it’s better than nothing.
After setting the little tree up on the table in my room, I place Nova’s presents around it. The hotel’s restaurant is open, so we’ll have our Christmas dinner sent up. It’s the first time I haven’t been with my brothers, but this year, they have their own traditions to start. Cillian has Midge, Royce has London, and unfortunately, Merrick is stuck in New York with the band, but at least he isn’t alone.
My phone buzzes with a text from Nova.
Nova: My sister is asking questions about where I’m going on Christmas day.
Me: Uh-oh. It may be time to tell her.
Nova says her sister is already suspicious because for the last few days, she keeps leaving and saying she’s staying with a friend. I’m not bothered that she hasn’t told her, because that’s something she has to do on her own time.
Nova: Maybe. But not right now. She’ll keep me here with a million questions, and I’m looking forward to our own celebration.
* * *
At exactly two o’clock there’s a knock on the door. I pull it open to find Nova on the other side, dressed in a white T-shirt that says Teacher’s Pet on it. She’s got a joyful smile on her face, like she’s been waiting to
