51. Noah
NOAH
NOVEMBER PRESENT DAY
While I’ve been waiting for her to come back, I remembered that part of my plan has been finalized.
I figured out exactly what I’m going to do to help her remember who I am.
I don’t want to just tell her because what if I am part of a locked-up memory and telling her outright could hurt her worse, as Jeremy said?
I need her to see it. I need her to remember.
I’ve been talking with the owners of her parents’ old house ever since I saw her in that elevator.
I’ve been emailing back and forth, negotiating a price to buy the house and property.
In the end, he agreed to sell the house and barn and the acre and a half that it sits on, but the rest of the land he wanted to keep for farming. Fair enough.
He asked why I wanted that old house so badly, but I ignored his question and just added another twenty thousand dollars on top to shut him up.
The money was transferred, and the documents were signed electronically last night.
Anything can be finalized faster than it’s supposed to be if you know the correct people to incentivize.
The house is officially mine.
He said that since no one has been in that house for so long, he wasn’t even sure what needed to be cleaned out, but I assured him I would take care of everything. He wouldn’t have to lift a finger and never had to go there again.
“We’re ready to move you to the other room now, Mr. Anderson.”
“She’s not back yet. Can you have someone go get her?”
“Sir, we will get you moved, then someone will go and get her.”
The young nurse seems irritated, and it’s only causing my agitation to get worse from having to be stuck here all night.
As she starts to wheel me out of the room, I finally see Willow walking down the hall.
I can’t even hide the smile on my face from how happy I am, even from just the mere sight of this woman.
And judging from the way her face blushes when she smiles looking at me, I think she might feel the same way.
“Hey,” I say as she steps closer and walks beside the bed.
“Hey, yourself. How’re you feeling?”
“A bit tired still, but other than the pounding headache, I’m fine.”
“What is your pain level at?” the nurse asks as we turn another corner and then wait for the elevator.
“Body? Like a four, but my head is at least an eight.”
“The meds aren’t helping?” Willow asks as she takes my hand.
Sparks tingle across my palm, and I know she feels them too as she squeezes my hand tighter.
“Not really. It’s fine, though. I hit my head, so I’d assume I’d have a headache for a while.”
“Yes, but the medication we’ve been giving you should be easing some of the pain. I’ll talk to the doctor and see what he thinks we should do.”
I can see the worry on Willow’s face, so I give her hand a gentle squeeze before kissing the back of it. She releases my hand as the nurse wheels the bed into the elevator then she steps inside as well.
“I’ll be fine, Willow. Don’t worry. It’s nothing serious.”
“It could be, sir. So you need to stay relaxed and not do anything overstimulating.”
I can see in the reflection of the elevator’s wall as she side glances at Willow before looking back down at me.
It’s more of a glare, but Willow completely ignores her, which only seems to piss the young nurse off more.
I wonder if now that I’ll be on a different floor, I won’t have to have her as my nurse.
The older one was kind, but this one always seems to have an attitude since she saw Willow cuddled to my side.
“I’ll be fine,” I huff.
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t just let me ride in a wheelchair up to the room.
She said something about the risk of a seizure, but I feel fine.
Once we’re out of the elevator, Willow returns to her position next to my bed and takes my hand.
I love that she’s basically staking her claim on me.
Is my little rabbit feeling a bit protective? It’s kind of hot.
“Here’s your room,” the nurse says as they wheel me into a spacious room that looks almost like a hotel suite, if it weren’t for the multiple machines that they are about to hook me up to.
“Thank you.”
“Did you need anything else, Sir? The doctor highly recommends that you not leave the bed. If you need to take a shower, please let one of us know, and we can come to assist you.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be out by morning,” I say confidently, but she grimaces.
“Sir, if your pain level is still high tomorrow, they will recommend you stay longer. You have a grade two concussion. It’s more severe than you realize.”
“I’m aware. I played football in high school. I’ve gotten a concussion before.”
“You did?” Willow asks.
“Yep. I think I’ve had two grade one concussions.”
“I meant you played football,” she laughs.
“Oh, yeah. I was a wide receiver. The one who runs down the field to catch the ball.”
“I know football, Noah. My grandpa was a huge Cowboys fan. I watched almost every game with him.”
“Oh wow. Well, good. That’s another thing we have in common.”
I can barely hear the nurse scoff as she leaves the room, and Willow just laughs.
“Did you know her or something?” she asks.
“No. Not that I know of.”
I wonder if Jeremy dated her before and she recognized me. That would make sense with how many people he’s dated.
“She probably just thought you were hot,” she teases as she pulls the chair closer to sit next to me.
“What are you doing?” I ask, and she looks up at me, stunned.
“What?”
“Get over here,” I say as I grab her wrist and gently pull her up onto the bed like before.
She fits so perfectly in my arms. She tucks herself against my body, resting her head on my chest as I rest my head on top of hers.
“Noah, do you think this is moving too fast?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Do you?” I ask her with genuine concern. I don’t want to rush her if she’s still hesitant.
“I…I don’t know.”
We sit in silence for a moment as her fingers run up and down my chest. My heart rate monitor keeps spiking higher, and I can tell she’s enjoying the effect she’s having on me. The only problem is that my head is starting to hurt worse. Maybe the nurse was right.
“I don’t think it’s too fast, Willow. We don’t have to put a label on it or anything. We’re still getting to know each other. Are you happy?”
Please say yes. For fuck’s sake, if she even hesitates…
“Yes, I’m happy with you, Noah. Honestly, I feel happier than I have in a long time.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
She sighs, and I can feel her fingers grip me tighter.
“I’m scared,” she finally whispers.
“Why?”
“Before Jeremy came in, you had asked me about my parents. Well, let’s just say that my past is one of the reasons I’m afraid to get close to anyone.”
My heart breaks for her. Has she never let anyone even get close to her in all these years? Does anyone even know the real her?
“Willow.” I tilt her face up to look at me. “I swear to you that I will never hurt you. I promise that no matter what, I will always take care of you.”
“How can you promise that? We just met.”
She tucks her face back against my shirt, and I know my plan has to happen sooner rather than later. I need her to see that I’d do anything for her. Anything.
“Because, Little Rabbit, I feel like I’ve known you for a lifetime.
I know this isn’t moving too fast because it feels right.
Being with you is perfect, and just being able to be near you, seeing your smile, hearing your laugh…
That’s all I want. I’m willing to take this as slow as you need, but promise me something. ”
“What’s that?”
“You won’t hide from me. I want to know you, all of you. The good and the bad. Promise me you’ll be honest with me, and I’ll do the same.”
She looks up at me before leaning to kiss me. It’s a slow kiss, enjoying the feeling of the connection between us before she breaks away staring into my eyes.
“I promise.”