Page 42 of Aria

Truthfully, I was also excited to see her, but I wasn’t quite as obvious about it. Sam didn't realize how lucky he was—everything he did was socially acceptable.

"Yeah, well, I'm sure it was a tough decision." Chelsie carried Sam back to the never-ending stream of ice cream patrons, joining me in line.

"I don't know,” I shrugged, hooking my thumbs into my belt loops. "I think I've taught him well. Pretty blondes always win out over ice cream." I reveled in the way a rosy blush crept up her neck and into her cheeks.

Chelsie slapped me on the arm, refusing to look me in the eye. “Don't be a pig.”

“A charming pig.” I studied her as her skin continued to flush pink. My eyes traveled down the length of her petite frame, settling on her denim shorts. They were short enough to make me grateful that I’d fathered a son.

After we finally placed our orders, the three of us sat down at a nearby table with our midday desserts. I smiled as I wiped Sam's face, the ice cream dribbling down his sticky chin.

"So, I actually wanted to discuss something with you," Chelsie said. She placed her arms on the glass table and clasped her hands together.

My interest piqued as I swallowed back a bite of mint chocolate chip. “Shoot.”

"Okay, I don't want to step on anyone's toes… well, Rosa’s toes. I mean, you can certainly say no, and I would totally understand. But… you see, I was wondering if you'd let me watch Sam sometimes when you and the band travel for your shows. Or… for any reason, really."

Her nerves were evident as she stumbled over her words and refrained from eye contact. Pretty fucking cute. I grinned, nodding. "Of course. Just tell me when."

Chelsie opened her mouth to speak, but faltered as if she hadn’t heard me correctly. "Really?"

"Yeah, sure," I shrugged. "Why do you look so surprised? You're great with Sam and he adores you. I think it's a good idea.”

“Oh.” Chelsie relaxed, exhaling the breath she was holding in. "Thanks, Noah. Are you sure Rosa won't mind?"

“Rosa needs a break. I work that poor woman to the bone. I'm sure she'd be thrilled to have some nights off."

Chelsie nodded with a thoughtful expression. "I always wanted younger siblings when I was growing up," she explained. "When that didn't happen, I yearned to be a teacher or a counselor. And when… well, when my life fell apart, that dream fell apart with it. So, now I'm just a waitress dating a musician." Chelsie sighed and tipped her head, making light of her life choices. "But spending time with Sam has sort of rekindled that passion. It feels good to make a difference, even if it's a small one."

I wondered why she felt the need to explain herself—I was more than happy to have the help, and I knew my son would be thrilled.

I couldn’t lie, though. There was something incredibly endearing about the way she cared.

Clearing my throat, my gaze softened as I took another bite of ice cream. "Hey, making a difference is no small feat. That means something." There I was, getting all mushy again. I didn’t know why this girl brought out such a sappy side to me.

Chelsie beamed from ear to ear. "Thank you,” she whispered before turning her attention to Sam, who was oblivious to the conversation. He was far more concerned with how much ice cream he could fit into his mouth without getting a brain freeze. "What do you say, kiddo? Do you think I can hang out with you more often?"

Sam shot up in his seat, his eyes popping with excitement. "Oh, yes!We'll have so much fun. Can Miss Chelsie sleep over, Daddy? Can we have a sleepover party for her birfday? She can sleep in my dinosaur sleeping bag."

My heart clenched. I relished in the look on my son's face as Sam bounced in his chair. “I think Miss Chelsie has other plans, Sammy, but maybe another time.” I glanced at Chelsie, watching as she sucked a bite of ice cream off her spoon. “You excited for your birthday?”

"Yep, can’t wait.” She plunged the spoon back into her dish. "You'll be there, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it. You're practically my BFF now,” I winked.

Chelsie snorted under her breath. "Yeah, okay. We're twelve, I see."

"Where's the party happening, anyway? I vote Marley's… where it all began."

"You mean our loathing introduction and hostile banter?" she quipped. "I hope you know I almost punched you."

A chuckle escaped me as I leaned back in my seat. "I was more referring to your sickeningly sweet romance with Devon, and our… well, I suppose loathing introduction sums it up. Thanks for not punching me, by the way." I offered her a smile that she instantly returned. "But I gotta say, I do miss our hostile banter. Good times."

Chelsie raised an eyebrow. "You did seem to enjoy it in an unhealthy way."

"I know. You're cute when you get all fired up." I observed the way the blush returned to her cheeks as she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, and I idly wondered if I'd taken our friendly chit-chat into the dreaded “flirting territory.”

"Daddy, look, that man wants to take our picture. Cheese!"

---