The Two of Us (Love in Isolation 1)

“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.