Don't Let Go

Free as a Bird

ELLIOT POV

I don't know if I can do this anymore.

My confession during dinner was a mistake.  While I was honest and don't regret that, now was not the right time. I've been interested in Cordy from the moment we met but that does not matter. Right now safety is our priority.

She was right. We need time to let things settle before pursuing anything.  If we tried a relationship now everything would be even more complicated.

The way it was obvious both of us were interested made me really happy, though. How could it not? I genuinely never would have imagined someone like her would give a college dropout with only food service jobs on his resume a second look. None of that mattered to Cordy, though. Since day one she has cared about the person I truly am. She noticed how I kept watch in the quiet moments, like when a news story came on the TV earlier about her near kidnapping and I made sure she was okay before getting back to my workout.

Money means nothing to either of us. Cordelia would be the same sweet person whether she lived in a studio apartment while waiting tables or painted from her turret sitting room. Her entire person was woven with kindness, grace, and care.

I half watched videos online for about 20 minutes before taking some Benadryl then brushing my teeth. It was a relief to be in a hotel with a gym and room service but there was a lot I hoped we could do around town if given the option. Our meal was delicious, though I would definitely go with the chicken tenders next time, and I appreciated having a lounge room of sorts.

We noticed a number of stores as well as some really nice looking restaurants nearby that I would love to check out. A nearby bakery seemed like it would be the perfect stop for coffee and a pastry in the morning so hopefully we get the okay from Aidan to explore a bit. Thanks to our disguises I had the feeling we would be able to at least get a couple hours where we can pretend to be free as a bird.

Cordy was curled up with her back toward me when I peeked into the bedroom.  The king sized bed really was huge so I knew I could handle this. I can be professional while so close to a woman that has captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on her.

Once I slipped under the covers I noticed she was pretty close to the edge on her side.  I imagined Cordy waking up after falling off the bed and choked back laughter, knowing she'd think it was hilarious if it happened.  I got the light shut off and stared at the ceiling while trying to process what to do next.

Fall asleep.

That's what.

I needed to fall asleep, then wake up in the morning and decide what to have for breakfast.

Every day we are on the run would be different, but the best thing I could do was attempt to stay positive. Maybe Cordy will want to work out before we eat like we do at home. As long as things are still calm we could explore the area a bit, too. Taking a long walk for a few hours around a new city with a lot to see would be a great distraction.

I needed to be vigilant while keeping open communication with Aidan as well as George.

Cordelia was all he had in the world.

I knew when I first met her that I was going to protect Cordy with all I have.

That accepting this job meant putting my own life on the line for a woman I barely knew.

Now that we have grown closer, I was positive she would do the same for me... and that taking this job was the best decision I ever made.

The room was full of light as I stretched, trying to get my bearings while my eyes opened.  I was alone in bed but saw Cordy's purse on the side table opposite me.