Page 108 of Aria

Energy crackled, sparks flew, heat mounted. I could feel her heart beating swiftly through our layers of clothing. I could smell lavender and lilacs in her hair.

I could practically taste her.

“Thank you!”

The photographer snapped the photo and moved along to his next subjects, forcing me to drop my arm and step back.

A chill whispered down my back at the loss of her.

“I should go find Devon,” Chelsie rushed out, fisting a white clutch between her hands. The tips of her fingers were painted a deep berry. “You’re going to do great tonight.”

My mouth quirked with a semblance of a smile. “Thanks.”

She hesitated, and I wondered what she wanted to say. I could see the words climbing up her throat, stopping just before they touched her glossy lips.

I wondered if those words echoed my own.

But Chelsie said nothing. She gave me one fleeting glance before pivoting away, disappearing into the myriad of flashing lights.

Beth leaned back against the wall, taking in the scene. “You like her,” she said.

Frowning, I removed my gaze from Chelsie’s retreating back. Beth had her arms crossed over her chest, but she didn’t look angry. She looked objective. “I likeyou,” I countered.

“Not the same way you like her.” There were no jealous undertones or bitter inflections. Just facts. “It’s okay, Noah.”

I ran a hand over my face and let out a sigh of resignation. I was going to protest, but I couldn’t seem to find the words. The truth was, Ididlike Beth—she was refreshing, funny, and exactly what I needed in my life.

Her only flaw was that she wasn’t Chelsie Combs.

“Walk me to my seat?” Beth held out her arm with a faint smile.

I nodded, deciding not to address her statements. There was nothing I could say that she didn’t already piece together.

A few minutes later, we parted ways with our women, making our way backstage and getting ready to play.

“Break a leg, boys.”

I glanced up to see Steven Tyler giving us a friendly wave, and I nodded my thanks.

“Hey, where’s Devon?” Tad asked as we tweaked our gear.

I noticed the lead singer was no longer trailing behind us. “Bathroom break?”

“Cuttin’ it close,” Miles scoffed.

“Just had to take a piss. Shit.” Devon hobbled over from the bathroom looking jittery and strung out. “Let’s fucking rock this.”

“Did you seriously just get high?” I frowned, stepping closer to my front man. “Right before the show?”

Devon was sweating, wiping at his nose. “I’m good, man. Let’s do this.”

“Fuck you.” Getting right in Devon’s face, my anger spiraled to the surface. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

He pushed defensively at my shoulders. “Back the fuck up, Hayes.”

I shoved back.

“Jesus Christ,” Miles shouted, jumping between us. “You seriously think this is the time for this shit?”

---