“Getting better. I’ve got it wrapped up pretty tight. I was sick of the crutches.”
“That’s good.”
We’re quiet for another five minutes or more before he asks, “So what kind of trouble is your sister in this time?”
“Honestly, I didn’t ask her. Well, I did but she didn’t say. All I know is she’s stranded at the truck stop.”
“So we don’t know what we’re walking into?”
That’s a good question and the way he asked it, all calm and collected, puts me at ease, but it also gives me pause. “Yeah. I’m not sure.”
“Maybe you should call her or better yet, text her to get more information for us.”
“Good idea.”
Me: We’re on our way. ETA about twenty-five minutes. Do we need to be worried?
I stare at my phone waiting for her to respond. After a few minutes, I look at Eli. “She’s not responding.”
“Okay.” Eli reaches out and places his big, warm hand over mine and squeezes. “I’m sure everything’s okay. She’s fine.”
I turn my hand over beneath his and let my fingers intertwine with his. He presses his palm closer and his fingers wrap around my hand. At the contact, I look up at him and see he’s turned his head to me.
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you more, Em. I’m sorry about everything. I’m sorry I was a dick––that I questioned your motives even when I knew deep down that you’re one of the kindest, most honest people I’d ever met and that you want the best for me.”
“I accept your apology.”
“Does that mean you’re going to give me another shot?”
“Yes.”
The car suddenly lurches to the right. When I look out the windshield, I see Eli’s taken an exit ramp. “Is this it?” I know it can’t be. We’re still a good twenty minutes out. I watch as Eli turns onto a two-lane highway, then into a dirt driveway where he stops the car, throws it into Park, and reaches for my seat belt. Unlatched, Eli leans over the center console, places one hand on either side of my face and kisses me.
It takes me moment to react, but when I feel his tongue seeking entrance, I open for him and kiss him back. I also lean into him until our upper bodies are pressed together right above the gear shifter. Sliding my hands into his hair, I whisper his name, “Eli.”
What I don’t expect to hear is his reply. “Emma. I love you. I love you so much.”
Jerking away from him an inch or two, I can’t believe my ears. “What did you say?”
With concern written all over his face, Eli adds, “It’s okay of you aren’t there yet, but I am. I think I’ve known for a long time it was just… I’ve never been in love before, so I didn’t recognize it.”
“Say it again.” I need to hear those words. Over and over again.
Eli’s mouth slides from concern into a toothy grin. “I love you, Emma Perkins. I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Eli.”
“You do?” He sounds sincerely surprised.
“I do.”
Moving in slowly, Eli gives me a soft, chaste kiss. “I knew you were mine the minute you said your awesome pickup line.”
Grumbling, I feel the heat of a blush on my cheeks. “Don’t remind me.” I mean it. Don’t.
“What? You don’t want to hear ‘Do you generate electricity with water through the process of hydropower? Because dammmmm.’?”
“Please stop.” I giggle. A giggle that’s muffled by Eli’s lips meeting mine once again.
“Never.”
