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I grin. "Thinking ahead. I like that."
I walk with him to the lobby, and we have the key in just a few minutes. We head to our room and Elijah puts the bags down as I look around. Simple, a large bed, sliding doors that lead outside, a dresser with a TV on top, and a small table with two chairs.
"I know you're gonna try and run off and ditch me for some mermaid king the moment we hit the beach, but first, I am starving."
I throw my head back with laughter. "Damn it. How did you figure out my plans?"
He sighs. "It was written on your face from the moment you smelled the water."
"So you'd give me up that easily, huh?"
"I said you were gonna try and run off. Not that I'd let you."
"Hmm, I like that. But sure, I'll feed you before I make you chase me."
"You're just too kind. You wanna eat at one of the places across from the beach."
"Yes, please. That way I can send out our secret mermaid signal to make sure they know I'm coming home."
"I almost believe you." He chuckle, shaking his head.
When we get to the diner, we order burgers and fries. While we’re waiting, I see a vendor outside selling candy apples, and almost trip over myself to get to them. Elijah buys two and hands one to me. I bite into it and smile around my mouthful when Elijah laughs at my first bite wiggle. Just as Elijah is opening the door for us to go back into the diner, the waitress is placing our order on the table. I don’t know if Elijah eats as quickly as me because he’s as anxious to get to the beach as I am, but we’re both done in no time. Then we’re walking across the street, to the beach. I don't care at all that sand is leaking into my sneakers, or that the closer we get to the water, the colder it gets. All I care about is getting to set eyes on the water, getting to see the waves crash against the sand.
With a few more steps, we're there. And it's even more beautiful than the last time I was looking at the sea. Even more serene than I expected it to feel to be at the beach again. And to have Elijah beside me this time, makes it all the better. I link my arm with his, and we walk along the sand in silence. Then, as if of one mind, we both stop and turn towards each other. I tilt my head up while he tilts his down and then our lips are meeting, tasting of candy apples and unspoken feelings. His tongue peeks out, seeking entrance, and I give it to him. He drags me closer to his body, giving me some of his warmth as our tongues circle each other's.
"AH!" We both exclaim, quickly breaking apart.
Guess we were closer to the water than we thought. Coldness consumes my foot where the water washed into it just now.
"Holy crap that's cold." Elijah says.
"You know, I think I'm second-guessing this whole returning to my water kingdom thing now."
He grins. "Oh yeah? A little too frigid for you?"
"Little bit. I'd rather stay warm in your arms all night."
"That can be arranged."
We don't leave just yet though. We sit in the sand, him behind me, arms wrapped around me, making me feel safe, secure, and so at peace, I begin to wonder if this is all a dream. That I'll wake up back in my room, surrounded by emotions I don't want to feel. Then he kisses my hair and I know it's real. Everything with him feels so real, so genuine, so true.
We watch the sun set, casting beautiful colors across the water. Since I left my phone in the room, I borrow Elijah's to take a few pictures of the water, and then of us.
We leave when it gets way too cold to sit there any longer, especially with wet socks. When we get back to the hotel, Elijah hurries to crank up the heat before we undress. Although we get into bed naked, we both only move to hold each other, our bodies wrapping around one another until I can hardly tell where I end and he begins. I like it that way. Just thinking that me and Elijah have no ending. Because, God I hope we don't.
I awake to the sound of the door clicking shut and peek open one eye to see Elijah walking back in with two Styrofoam containers.
"Even here, you're the one getting me breakfast," I groggily say.
"It's part of our deal, right? I get to spend the night wrapped up in you, so I provide breakfast."
"I can get down with that. So what's on the menu?" I ask as I sit up in bed.
Elijah's eyes dart over my chest, and I look down to realize the sheet has fallen to my waist and left my top half exposed.
"Well, it was grits and shrimp, but now I'm thinking I'd rather eat something else," he murmurs.
I bring the sheet back up and wrap it around myself as I stand from the bed and walk to the table. "Don't you worry. I won't stop you from eating that later. But as for right now, cold grits are one of the most disgusting things in the world, so…"
