Page 46 of Aria

Twenty minutes later, I was sitting in Noah’s kitchen, licking frosting off the back of a fork. “I feel like sugar is becoming a recurring theme here,” I mused. “Are you trying to make me fat?”

Sam giggled as Noah plopped another piece of chocolate cake onto my plate.

“Ooh,Curious Georgeis on, Daddy!” Sam jumped down from his seat and dashed into the adjoining living room. Only cartoons could pull that kid away from cake.

I watched him with a peaceful expression. “I knew your little guy would make me feel better,” I said, setting down my fork and pushing the remaining dessert away.

Noah sat beside me and snatched my plate, digging into the cake. “Tell me what happened,” he pressed. “Devon just freaked out on you?”

“He sent me this accusatory text message, then dodged my calls. I don’t know what to do. Did you talk to him?”

“Well, yeah,” Noah admitted. “Sorry. I assumed you’d told him about it.”

I released a deep breath. “No, I know. It’s not your fault. It’s only natural to assume I was a responsible girlfriend and told Devon the truth right away. I just… wanted to enjoy the day. I was afraid he wouldn’t take it very well and think the worst of me. I wanted a memorable birthday for once. I guess that totally backfired.” I ran my hands through my uncombed hair and rested my forehead on the kitchen table. Moments later, I felt a comforting hand rubbing my back. I let out a slow breath, my body relaxing to his touch.

“Hey, listen,” Noah said. “You’re going to party like a fucking rock star tonight. I’m going to see to that. If Devon wants to get his panties in a twist, let him. But don’t let him ruin your day. You deserve a celebration.”

My head lifted. “You know, you’re right,” I nodded with renewed optimism. “I’m sure this thing will blow over soon and I’ll regret being grouchy on my birthday.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Noah’s hand left my back, causing a chill to sweep through me at the loss of contact. “Thanks, Noah. You’ve really been there for me lately, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Noah dismissed me with the wave of his hand. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

“Come watch, everybody!” Sam shouted from the other room. “This is the part where he makes areallybig mess and it’s super funny.”

I shared a grin with Noah, and we abandoned our cake to join theCurious Georgeviewing party.

* * *

Noah

I was hesitant to move, let alone breathe too hard, as I didn’t want to wake the sleeping woman in my lap. Sam was sprawled out in the recliner, sound asleep for his midday nap, and Chelsie… well, she was also sleeping, only her head was resting on a small pillow between my legs. Some may think it was odd that my friend’s girlfriend was passed out in my lap, but the oddest thing about it was how natural it felt. We’d been discussing a new television series when Chelsie decided to curl up next to me and lie against my shoulder.

“Here, get comfy,” I’d told her, plopping a pillow on my thighs with all the nonchalance in the world. I’d been expecting a death glare, an elbow jab, or even a fit of hysterical giggles—I had not expected Chelsie to accept the invitation. She hadn’t even hesitated to situate herself on my legs with a content smile on her face.

I, on the other hand, was far from content. There was a gorgeous, off-limits blonde snuggled far too close to my groin.

When I shifted slightly, Chelsie stirred, her head slipping off the pillow and settling centimeters away from my dick—which wasalsobeginning to stir.

I sucked in a deep breath. I had to admit, I was thrilled Chelsie was becoming so comfortable with me and my son. We had a unique friendship that couldn’t be explained. There were times when I would literally crave her company because Chelsie had the type of aura that made people gravitate toward her. Sam spoke of her daily, always asking when she would return for a play date or a sleepover. No one fit into our lives quite like Chelsie Combs. It was both refreshing and… alarming.

“Mmm…”

I froze when a soft murmur escaped her lips. She moved her head closer to my neither regions, and the pillow fell forward off my lap. Chelsie lifted her head and glanced up at me. “Sorry,” she croaked out.

I was surprised she hadn’t jumped off me instantly and run for the door. “Sorry?” I wondered.

“Sorry for falling asleep on you.” Chelsie rolled onto her back, resting her hands on her stomach, making herself even more comfortable as she peered up at me with sleepy green eyes.

My body hummed from her proximity, and I resisted the urge to remove a rebellious strand of hair off her forehead. I opted for being offensive instead—I was better at that. “Hey, no complaints here. I welcome pretty females to make themselves at home between my legs.”

Chelsie flew off my lap. I couldn’t contain my laughter as she scurried away.

“Charming,” she said, picking up the pillow off the floor and flinging it straight at my head.

“Ouch,” I protested. “I resent that.”

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