“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.
“You’re positive I’m what you want?” I ask for confirmation. Though I feel like death, talking about this is keeping my mind off it.
Eli tilts his head. “Are you serious?”
I shrug because I’m jaded to men using me, but his confession has butterflies dancing in my stomach. “Yeah, kinda. Not sure I’m your type and all.”
“And what’s my type exactly?” he asks with an eyebrow arched.
Honestly, the kind of women Eli likes are beyond me, but most guys find me hard to handle or intimidating. “I dunno, perky boobs, fat lips, brunette, tan and tall.” I list out everything I’m not.
He smirks at my obvious lack of confidence.
“I’m thinking about a blonde with freckles, great suckable tits, and the perfect height for fitting under my arm in bed with the best ass in all of Manhattan,” he cracks. It’s the first time I’ve laughed in days. Even when I feel like shit, he has a way of helping me escape.
“That’s very descriptive. You sure she exists?” I mock.
“Oh, I’m fucking positive.” He winks, beaming at me. “And just to throw all your doubts out the window, you’re the only woman I want, Cami. I’m confident about that. All those years of teasing each other led us here, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be. Must be the fever giving you those crazy thoughts because I thought I’ve been more than obvious,” Eli jokes. He comes closer, pulling me into his arms until my head rests against his chest. His heart pounds as he holds me. Partly due to his confession, the other part because my anxiety spikes at this whole situation. My coughs come in waves, but they’re manageable. With him near me, I calm down.
As I drift away to dreamland, my breathing steadies, and Eli shifts, waking me. “You need to eat something. You skipped lunch, and I was getting ready to make you some dinner. What would you like?”
“I’m not hungry, and nothing sounds appealing.”
He softly presses his lips to my forehead. I miss his touch and wish I could kiss him. “Eating isn’t for enjoyment at the moment. You need to stay nourished and hydrated.”
I take shallow breaths, covering my mouth when I cough. “What about some tomato soup?”
He grins and hurries out of bed. “Grilled cheese?”
“No, maybe just a piece of toast.” I rest my head on the pillow as he nods.
“I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” He winks.
I snort and roll my eyes as I pull the sheet up to my chin. Eli walks out, and I’m still smiling. The anxiety I’ve felt the past few days is slowly fleeting. It’s comforting to have Eli nearby, but it doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten the risks and what’s at stake—his life.
Chapter Twenty-Two
ELIJAH
DAY 25
A week ago, I went against my better judgment and entered Cami’s room. I knew I was risking exposure, but I also couldn’t forget how close we were just three days prior. Nothing I can do will change what happens. She’s been overly cautious, covering her mouth when she coughs and is continually washing her hands. There was a point when she even talked about wearing a mask to keep me from getting sick, but the damage
