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“I’m not leaving you. Just put me down.” She wriggled in his arms, struggling to break free, but his hold was too strong.
“Promise? Promise you’ll never leave me?” He loosened his grip and looked down at her.
She locked eyes with him so he knew she was sincere. “I promise, Eli. I’ll never leave you. Now put me down!”
He gently set her down and together they made their way over to the dinner table, hand in hand. It all smelled incredible. She added a little bit of everything to her plate and Eli did the same but with double the serving. His plate was practically overflowing. She smirked, but he didn't notice. He was too busy shoveling food into his mouth, his shoulders hunched over the table. Slices of angel cake topped with berries were passed around after everyone had finished their main dish.
Chatter and laughter filled the air. Everyone was having a great time sharing and listening to stories about Jack. The hell they’d raised as kids and then more endearing stories about raising Eli on his own. Eli’s mom had died during childbirth, so he’d also been brought up by one parent like Ali. They sat and told stories long after the food had been devoured. Even though her fingers were frozen and her nose was pink from the cold, she couldn’t think of any other place she’d rather be than surrounded by these people.
She shivered next to Eli, and he turned his attention to her. He slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his side to warm her up. “Do you want to go sit by the fire?”
“Sure.” He held out a hand to help her up from the bench. “Always the gentleman.” She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the bonfire. Logs and branches were stacked five feet tall so they didn’t have to get too close before her fingers started to thaw.
“Better?”
“Much better.”
Before she could take a seat on one of the unoccupied logs, Eli threw his hands up dramatically.
“Wait.” He stopped abruptly.
She looked around in confusion, trying to determine the reason for his sudden outburst.
“I know what would make this even better. I’ll be right back.” He jogged off and left her just as confused as she was before. She sat down and it was only a few minutes before he returned, keeping his hands mysteriously hidden behind his back.
“What do you have there?” She raised her eyebrow. She knew Eli. It was, without a doubt, gray grass tea.
He pulled two mugs out from behind his back. “Tell me you love me.” She shook her head, but it was hard to deny him when he was this cheerful. She pursed her lips, refusing to humor him.
“Ali, if you don’t tell me you love me, I will drink both of these myself.”
She smiled at the thought. He absolutely would. He loved his gray grass. “And I’ll be carrying you home.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
She burst out laughing. He was easily twice her size and there was no way she could possibly carry him. She’d have to leave him out in the cold instead. “Okay, fine. For the sake of my back, I love you, Eli.”
He extended one of the mugs with a triumphant look.
She took one sip and her tongue tingled. It was strong. “Whoa, are you trying to get me fucked up?”
“No, you’re just weak. But don’t worry. I actually can carry you home.” She glared at him, but he wasn’t wrong.
It didn’t take long before her whole body was feeling light and floaty. Floaty. Is that a word? It feels like I could float away. The only thing holding me to the ground is this log. But if I stood up, I think gravity would cease to exist. I think my lips are balloons. Are they balloons? They’ll help me float away. How will I steer? Will I come back down? I think I could live among the stars. Ali, are you okay? Ali?
“Ali?”
That’s not my voice?
“Earth to Ali—” A deep voice interrupted her trance. She turned to see Eli lying on his back, one arm supporting the back of his head. He was watching her with amusement and chuckled. “I told you. You’re such a lightweight.”
She opened her mouth to say something and realized her fingers were on her lips. When had that happened? She lightly tapped them. Her lips were not balloons after all.
“I think I’m ready for bed.” She stood up, but her legs were like jelly and she stumbled forward, closer to the fire. Eli and his lightning reflexes grabbed her by the elbow to save her. Why wasn’t he fucked up?
“All right, I’ve got you. Let’s get you home.”
Eli’s bedroom was small, but cozy. His bed took up most of the space, along with a small desk. The windowsill was covered in shells they’d collected together. She kicked off her boots and felt his soft rug between her toes. He helped her out of her jeans and top, and she tossed her bra on the floor.
