Page 37 of Aria

Shaking my head pathetically, I carried on with the mundane task of picking up wrapping paper. I’d been so focused on my efforts, I hadn’t noticed when Chelsie slid up next to me, tossing her own wadded clumps of paper into the bag. She gifted me a smile, her rose-tinted lips one of the many distractions keeping me from successfully cleaning the damn living room.

“I thought it would go faster if I helped you.” She followed me around the room, helping me collect the discarded tissue paper.

I huffed in response, uninterested in her help. I was still reeling from Sam’s picture, and Chelsie’s presence was only making it worse. “I got it. And whatever I don’t get, Rosa will.” My tone was gruff, causing her to wince, and I wondered if I should apologize or tell her to get lost. It was a decision I struggled with on a regular basis when it came to Chelsie Combs.

“I’ll take the hint.” She dropped the paper, then turned her back to me and strolled over to the couch. Chelsie leaned over Devon, whispering something into his ear.

Meanwhile, I tried to ignore the perfect curve of her ass as she bent over the sofa.

“We’re going to head out,” Chelsie said. Devon rose to his feet beside her and stretched his arms. “You’re probably stressed out with the post-party chores, so we’ll get out of your hair.”

I felt a little bad about the way I’d reacted to her, so I was about to ask them to stay, but Sam beat me to it.

“No, don’t leave yet! I didn’t show you my race cars.”

I shrugged. “He didn’t show you his race cars.”

Devon pulled out his phone to check the time. “I don’t know, man, we should probably get going. I have a meeting with Sean tonight to finalize details about the Grammy’s.”

Chelsie’s head popped up. She gave her boyfriend a pointed glare. “What do you mean? I thought you made reservations for dinner?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, watching the budding lover’s quarrel as I reached for my invisible popcorn. I knew they’d had dinner plans because Devon had mentioned it the day before. Devon was about to be in the doghouse.

“Jeez, Chelsie, I’m sorry. I completely forgot. I can take you out tomorrow, instead.”

Chelsie’s features crumpled with disappointment. “I work the next three nights.”

Sam piped in with his own thoughts on the matter. “Oh, I know! Miss Chelsie can stay here and watchToy Story 3with us while we eat popcorn and have tickle fights.”

Ooh, real popcorn. I’m sold.

It was a brilliant idea, but I concealed my true feelings with a dismissive shrug. “You’re welcome to stay,” I offered.

Chelsie looked as though she were about to laugh it off, but then she hesitated, biting at her lip. “I guess I don’t have anything else going on now.” The trace of resentment in her tone did not go unnoticed.

Devon leaned back on the balls of his feet, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Babe, I’m really sorry. This is important business. It’s theGrammy’s.”

“I know, Devon. It’s fine,” Chelsie relented. “You’re right, it’s important. Dinner can wait.” She reached up on her tiptoes to plant a chaste kiss on his lips. “I’ll hang out here and take an Uber home.”

Sam danced around in circles. “Yay!”

I resisted the urge to dance around in circles and say,“Yay!”

Instead, I said goodbye as the final group of guests left for the evening, including Devon. “Let me know how it goes, Dev,” I told Devon as he stepped out onto the porch. “Text me later.”

Devon gave me a mock salute in reply. “Will do.”

My caretaker, Rosa, strolled into the living room, draping a shawl around her shoulders as she tucked a purse under her arm. Her face was round and kind, her hair black with silver threads. Mauve lipstick was smeared along her chin, more noticeable when she sent a smile my way. “You behave now, Noah,” Rosa said, placing a motherly hand against my cheek. “She’s a nice muchacha and doesn’t need any corrupting from the likes of you.”

I rolled my eyes and pulled Rosa in for a hug. “Thanks, Rosa. You know very well she’s a takenmuchacha. She’s with Devon.”

“Oh, I know that. But I also saw the way you were looking at her today. I know you’re lonely, cariño, but you’ll find the one.”

My jaw tightened, but I chose to ignore the insinuation as I walked her to the door. Rosa was full of wise words and unsolicited advice. “Thanks for all your help, Rosa. Today and always.”

The older woman blew a kiss as she stepped outside, and I shut the door, turning around to find Sam and Chelsie cuddled up on the couch together.

Damn.It was a sight that tugged at my jaded heart strings. I was realizing more and more how much Sam needed a maternal figure in his life. Before Chelsie had come into the picture, a woman was the last thing on my mind—it was all about the band, non-committal flings, and providing a cushioned life for my son. But seeing how well a woman could fit into our lives was making me reconsider everything.

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