This is a really short chapter but I'm kind of stuck at the moment and I really just wanted to focus on Eli and Grace because I'm really into Shane West at the moment, especially since finding out he's joining ER and I've been listening to his band. So, here's a juicy chapter for you to eat up.

Chapter twenty-three

Eli is lying on his back in his bed and one arm is placed underneath Grace's shoulders with his hand holding one of her hands and his other hand is intertwined with Grace's hand, placed on her stomach. Grace has her head on his upper chest and every once in a while she softly kisses him.

"How's your music going?"

"I haven't been playing much lately. And Coop and Dave have been busy with college," Eli shrugs and kisses her on the forehead.

"I miss going to your gigs," she murmurs and kisses him softly on the mouth.

"I miss playing."

"So, play."

"It just doesn't feel right at the moment," he shrugs again and moves his hand from Grace's stomach as he searches for the joint on his bedside table.

"I hope it feels right soon."

"Nothing feels right at the moment," Eli sighs as he picks up the joint and a lighter and then lights up.

Grace coughs a little and waves her hand.

"I thought you stopped."

"Guess I haven't," he shrugs.

Grace sighs and moves a little away from Eli.

"This won't help, Eli."

"What will?"

"We can help each other," she murmurs as she takes the joint out of his hand and looks at it.

"This just eases the tension a little," he states as he gets out of bed and puts on a pair of boxers.

Grace contemplates taking a puff and does without really think. Eli smirks a little as he throws on a t-shirt and then lies down on top of the bed with his head resting on his arms. Grace laughs a little.

"Hopefully I won't freak out as much as last time."

Eli grins and takes the joint from her hand and takes a puff.

"You're cute when you're stoned."

"You just want to take advantage of me, Mr Sammler," she laughs.

"Of course I do, Ms Manning," he smirks and hands the joint back to Eli.

"I've missed this."

"What?" he asks as he watches her take a long puff.

"Hanging out in your bed, talking, touching," she says after letting out the smoke.

"Me too."

Eli takes the joint, has one last puff and crunches the joint in an ashtray. Grace smiles serenely and places her hand in his and Eli moves up towards her.

"Well, we're just gonna have to do this more often, babe," he smirks and kisses her on the mouth and gets up from the bed.

B/W Eli: I used to be this total clueless rebel and got with heaps of chicks. (small smile)

Eli gets up from the bed and starts to get dressed.

"If you get back into the music then there'll be more of this," smirks Grace as she pulls up the blanket and covers herself up.

"You're such a teas!" pouts Eli and then he jumps back onto the bed and pretends to cry.

Grace cups his face into her hands and softly kisses him on the mouth. Eli closes his eyes and slightly moans.

B/W Eli: And now I'm this sappy goof. (slight groan and then laughs)

"You rock my world, Grace," Eli murmurs.

Grace kisses him once again and then takes his hand and pulls him up towards her.

"Can't we stay here all day?" Grace whines.

"Well..." Eli looks at his watch and thinks for a minute.

"We have another hour or so..." he smirks and nibbles her ear.

"So what are you waiting for?" Grace smirks and pulls off his t-shirt.

Eli throws the t-shirt onto the floor, presses play on the stereo and throws himself on top of Grace.

"Do you love me?" Grace asks.

"You know I do," Eli says and strokes her face.

"Well, if you love me you'll be kind enough to get me some food," Grace smirks.

Eli groans and pretends to slap her but gets up and walks to the door.

"What will it be, mam?" Eli raises his hand to his forehead and salutes and then bows.

Grace laughs and throws a pillow at Eli.

"Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate."

"Coming your way soon," he says and bows again.