Page 12 of Emily's Essence

“Thank you.”

He listened for a moment to hear the shower start before turning away.

“Someone order pizza!” he yelled.

“I already did,” Brick said. “I got several different kinds, so hopefully, she’ll like something. I also sent Grizz to get beer and pop.”

“Good man,” Hawk said. He lay down on the bed, grabbed one of the pillows, and stuffed it under his head. Someone turned on a stupid game show, but he watched it because it was the only thing on, and he didn’t want to talk.

The shower turned off, and then he heard the blow-dryer. The last place didn’t have one, so she went to bed with wet hair the night before. He grinned when he remembered how it looked when she woke up the next morning.

The pizzas were just coming in the door when she walked out of the bathroom. He could tell she had colored her hair black, making her look even paler than she was. He was starting to see her features as the swelling went down, and he liked what he had seen so far.

Everyone sat on every available surface after they grabbed a piece of pizza and beer.

Hawk got a napkin before looking at her. “Pepperoni, meat lovers, or cheese?”

“Cheese, please.”

“Beer or soda?” Brick asked.

“Soda, please.” She sat beside Hawk on the bed and enjoyed the pizza. He watched her smile a few times when the guys razzed each other.

“Hey, Emily, do you want another piece?” Doc asked.

She shook her head. “No, thank you. This was plenty.”

He looked at her when she tugged on his vest.

“I’m going to brush my teeth. Where am I sleeping tonight?”

He nodded at the bed they sat on. “Right here with me.”

“Oh.”

He waited for her to say something else, but she just walked away.

The guys that were sleeping in the other rooms left, leaving him, Brick, Emily, and Doc.

Hawk pulled back the blanket while Brick took over the other bed, and Doc pulled out the sofa bed.

He watched her stop.

“Come on and get into bed. I’m going to shower, and then I’ll be out.”

“I’ll take one after you,” Brick said.

“I’ll take one in the morning, but I do need to brush my teeth,” Doc said.

Hawk came out with his jeans on but unbuttoned. It was damn uncomfortable for him to wear them to bed because he was used to sleeping naked or in his boxers.

Emily was lying on her side with her hands tucked under her cheek listening to the other two talk.

He pulled the blanket up, turned off the light next to the bed, and slid in. They still had the light from the TV, so he was able to see her face.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m still achy, but I think I’ll feel better tomorrow.”

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