"Yes, that's right," he said as he leaned in against Shannon, hand moving to his side so it wouldn't get in the way. Still petting, Eli moved so that his mouth was next to his ear so that he could speak to him low and soft. "Just make yourself as comfortable as you can and try to relax. I'll be right here with you the whole time."

He's perfect content to stay up next to Shannon like this until he relaxes into this more, especially since this is their first time together after the mess that was Matheus walking in on them and Michelle ending up as a third part of their relationship. Eli's glad that things don't seem to be too awkward between them, but he is trying to be careful for Shannon's sake more than anything else.