Page 45 of Aria

Normally, I’d laugh, but I was in no mood this morning. "This isn't funny, Noah. This could ruin Devon and me. I have no idea what to do." Sliding down the bathroom wall, I crumpled to the ground with a groan.

"Well, first off, good morning. Second, happy birthday. And third, get used to it," Noah said. "Your name is going to be smeared all over the media whenever a promising story comes to light. You’re the girl dating America's favorite rock star. You're going to be the villain no matter what."

"But we didn't do anything wrong," I insisted. "I would never cheat on Devon… especially with you. No offense."

A brief silence followed, and I wondered if I’d offended him.Oops.

"Cute," Noah sniffed. "The feeling is mutual, of course. And don't worry about Devon. He’s used to being in the public eye, so he knows what he’s getting himself into. He trusts you. You two will be fine."

"Maybe you're right.” I worried my bottom lip between my teeth, wiggling my pastel pink toenails. "This whole thing just sucks. Happy birthday to me."

"We can commiserate over birthday drinks later. Until then, try not to think about it and just enjoy yourself," Noah said.

Exhaling a calming breath, I let a smile slip. "Thanks, Noah. I'll try." I paused, tapping my finger against the phone. “Are you coming tonight? Is Rosa going to watch Sam?"

"Yeah, the little monster is all taken care of. I wouldn't miss your birthday party… especially now. Since we're dating.”

My eyes rolled as I tried to hold back a grin. "Funny. You know how much I enjoy your unsolicited attempt at humor."

"Attempt?" Noah huffed in reply. "I'm hilarious. Don't try to deny it. I can practically see your smile through my cell phone right now. Hold on, we're going to video chat so I can actually see it and prove how damn funny I am."

A burst of laughter betrayed me. "Okay, okay, I'm smiling. Happy? No need for visual conversation. I just got out of bed and I'm a hot mess."

"I'm sure you're pretty as a picture, as usual. See you later?"

"I'll be there with bells on. Thanks, Noah."

"Happy birthday, Combs."

I clicked off the call, the ghost of a smile on my lips. Noah always had an eerie tendency of cheering me up. It was odd, considering how good he used to be at pissing me off.

Well… hewasstill pretty good at that. Noah was a man of many talents.

A knock sounded at the bathroom door, so I rose to my feet and pulled it open, greeted by my sleepy-eyed boyfriend. I threw my arms around his neck and leaned up for a kiss. “Good morning!”

Devon gave me a gentle squeeze in return. "Mornin', babe. Who were you talking to?"

“Oh, just Julia. She called to wish me a happy birthday.” I shoved my cell phone into my back pocket, knowing I should probably mention the tabloid cover to Devon, but not wanting to start my birthday morning off on a bad note. I’d bring it up later. "You're up early, huh? Did I wake you?"

He yawned, scratching his chest. "Nah, I just wanted to be the first to tell you happy birthday. Guess I was too late," he said with a pout.

"You're so sweet. Don’t worry, you can still make it up to me." The wink I sent was full of implication.

"Oh, really?" Without another word, Devon scooped me up and carried me back to the bedroom, then tossed me onto the bed and climbed over me, his eyes full of mischief. "Happy birthday."

I wrapped my fingers around his neck and pulled his forehead against mine. "Thank you," I whispered. I let the rough start to the morning dissipate as I lost myself to the handsome man above me. Devon peppered kisses down my neck, collarbone, shoulder, and chest, while I arched my back and ran my fingers through his messy bedhead. Closing my eyes, I savored the moment. Maybe it would be a memorable birthday, after all.

The rest of the morning passed by uneventfully, which I was duly grateful for. Devon had left to run errands, and I was getting ready to visit Sam, having promised that I would stop by to eat birthday cake with the littlest Hayes. I wondered if going to Noah's house was the brightest idea, considering we were currently the paparazzi's golden couple, but I knew our relationship was completely innocent. People were going to believe what they wanted, regardless of the truth.

I reached for my phone to message Noah I’d be leaving shortly, only to find a missed text message from Devon. My insides twisted with anxiety when I read his text.

Devon:Thanks for the heads up about your other relationship. I really wanted to find that out from a bunch of reporters with cameras in my face.

Wincing, I cursed myself for not being upfront with Devon. He must have talked to Noah. I hesitated briefly before dialing his number.

No answer.

Tossing my cell phone onto the couch cushions, I buried my face into my lap before letting out a miserable sigh and standing up, heading to the bedroom to throw on fresh clothes. I needed to visit Noah—Sam was always a good distraction when my spirits were down.

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