Page 28 of Saving Emily
Dr. Miller’s smile competes with Jacob’s when she whispers, “Isn’t Emily beautiful, Noah?”
My confusion switches to glee when Noah’s lips tug into a smirk. It isn’t his panty-dropping grin, but it’s most definitely a smirk—a perfect smirk.
“He’s smiling?” I lock my watering eyes with a pair just as wet. “He’s smiling, Jacob.”
“He is,” Jacob agrees with a grin. “He’s smiling about you.”
“During our twice-daily sessions the past two weeks, I’ve been striving to replace Noah’s last memory of you with a happy, less confrontational one.”
Dr. Miller joins us on the other side of Noah’s bed, where she gives my hand a gentle squeeze, aware the past two weeks have been as tough on me as they were for Noah.
“I’ve been asking him questions about your relationship before sharing stories about my marriage. I’m still a little unsure what’s going on in that head of his, but I’m happy with his progress.”
“Me too. That’s amazing.” My love for Noah highlights my tone, his strength too wondrous for an uninspired response. “He’s coming back. The old Noah is coming back.”
“This might help him.” Jacob pulls out a razor and a can of shaving cream from a bag on Noah’s side table. “Do you want the pleasure, or shall I do it?” he asks while wiggling the goodies in his hand.
As happiness rains down on me, I grin a blinding smile. "I'll do it."
When Jacob empties Noah's water jug, Dr. Miller advises me she will be back later. Jacob snickers about her being a stickler for protocol while bringing the jug full of warm water to my side of the room.
After checking the coast is clear, I dip my hands into the water jug, then scrub them over the scruff on Noah's jaw. Once a decent amount of foam covers his scrumptious jawline, I snavel up the razor.
Jacob grimaces anytime I place the blade near Noah's face and neck. "Stop staring; you're making me nervous."
The mortified expression on his face doubles. “Don’t worry about me; watch what you're doing!”
I attempt to hand him the razor. "Do you want to do it?"
He shakes his head, mortified by my offer.
“Then shut up!” His chuckle nearly drowns out my next set of words, “I’ve done this before, you know.”
When Jacob’s brows shoot up his face, my mind drifts. . .
While pacing into Mavericks, I’m anticipating to see the battered floors filled with patrons eager to watch Rise Up perform for the last time, so you can imagine my shock when “Surprise!” is screamed at me when we break through the warped wooden doors.
With my heart last seen near my shoes, I scan the room. Everyone I love is in the one space. My parents are near the snacks table, Lola and Jacob are mingling by a dark corner, and Jenni and Nicole are sprinting my way. There are more people to peruse, but I lose the chance when Jenni and Nicole issue their birthday wishes with lung-hogging hugs.
While returning their greeting, I reprimand them for organizing my party. I loathe being the center of attention, and they’re more than aware of that.
They’re quick to inform me my near heart attack wasn’t caused by them. When confusion crosses my features, Nicole jerks her chin to Noah, who’s standing to my left, smiling his panty-dropping grin.
“So much for him hating surprises,” Jenni whispers in my ear, her mood remarkably upbeat. “Maybe he likes surprises more than he’s letting on? Perhaps you should test the theory?”
“Perhaps indeed,” I reply as Noah strolls my way.
“Happy birthday, beautiful.” Goosebumps rise on my skin when the prickles on his chin graze my neck.
I spin around to face him, my eyes sparkling with happiness. “Thank you… But it’s not my birthday until tomorrow.”
He arches his brow. “I had to do it tonight, as on your birthday, you do nothing but spend the entire day in your birthday suit.”
I poke my index finger into his chest. “Ha! I thought the birthday girl was supposed to get presents on her birthday, not you.”
“Don’t you worry; I’ll give you a present, all right.”
His reply makes me hot all over. “Would it be rude if we left now?”
