Page 23 of Aria

"If it makes you feel any better, I can tell Devon likes you. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

My teeth gnawed at the inside of my cheek as I looked up at Noah. I would have thought he'd do anything to get me out of the picture—but here he was, giving me a little bit of hope.

"That does make me feel better," I replied softly. "Thanks." We sat in silence for a beat before I asked the inevitable question every blacked-out drunk girl asked. "Did I do anything… um, embarrassing?"

His eyes flashed with something.

Something I couldn’t pinpoint.

What was he hiding?

I buried my blushing face into my palms, coming to the only logical conclusion. "I totally puked, didn't I?"

Noah laughed, the mysterious look melting into familiar teasing. "No, you danced for most of the night," he shrugged. "I mean… there was the occasional falling on your ass. And we can't forget the passing out in a bathroom stall."

I cringed. "Oh God."

"Yeah, I had to carry you out.You were basically unconscious."

"You carried me?" My tone was incredulous. I was appalled by my behavior.

"Well, yeah. Unconscious people can't walk. Don't worry, though… you'll probably see pictures of it in the tabloids tomorrow."

More whimpers of humiliation escaped me. "I'm such an idiot. Noah… that's not me, I swear. I didn't even drink in college."

His lips curled into a half-smile. "Hey, we've all been there. No need to apologize."

Noah’s change in attitude was alarming. He’d taken care of me at the club, carried me out, slept on the floor, and now he was engaging in pleasant conversation. Was he up to something?I was reluctant to let my guard down, but the new Noah was one I hoped would stick around.

IfImanaged to stick around, anyway.

"Thank you… really." I couldn’t hide the sincerity in my tone as I spared him a look of gratitude. “I know we haven't been on the best of terms, but I do appreciate you having my back."

Noah shifted on the bed and scratched the collar of his neck. "It's cool,” he mumbled, clearing his throat. “So, should I have the limo take you home? I have some family stuff to do today."

I stood up, rummaging for my shoes and purse. "Sure, yeah. I'll get out of your hair." As I searched around the room for my personal belongings, I tried to make idle conversation. "Does your family live around here?Did you grow up in New York?"

Noah glanced at me, his green gaze flickering with surprise at my interest. "Um… yeah, actually. I have a house not ten miles from here."

"A house? Why did you get a hotel room, then?"

"I assumed Julia was leaving the club with me last night."

"Oh." My cheeks heated. "Why not just take her to your own place?"

Noah blinked, glancing away, and I could sense that he wasn’t used to talking about his personal life.

"Sorry," I said, slipping back into my shimmery heels and wincing. My ankles were sore and swollen from the previous night’s adventures. "I didn't mean to pry."

He didn’t answer right away, taking his time lighting a cigarette before returning his attention to me. “I have family staying with me.”

I watched as he blew smoke toward the ceiling, running a hand through his tousled hair. I could tell he wasn't revealing everything. There was something mysterious about Noah that intrigued me.

And what had that look been all about when I’d inquired about my embarrassing behavior?

What was he not telling me?

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