Page 59 of Aria

“It’s cool,” he finally said.

Eyes narrowing, I waited another moment, assuming he had more to say.

More silence.

“Damnit, Noah… is that all? I’m trying here.”

Noah dipped his head and let a smile slip. “It’s cool. We’re cool,” he said, shaking his finger between us. “We don’t need to hug it out or braid each other’s hair.”

“I mean, your hairisgetting kind of long,” I teased, reaching out and fiddling with a strand of his hair. It was almost beginning to curl at its ends. Hints of gold had been sprinkled into his dark locks, thanks to the autumn sun, and his eyes held flecks of gold as well.

Had they always been there?

Suddenly, I felt his hand wrap gently around my wrist to lower my arm. Color flooded my cheeks when I realized how intimate the moment had become. “Sorry,” I said softly. I expected him to release me then, but he lingered.

And that damn look was back in his eyes.

I inhaled a sharp breath when his thumb brushed delicately along my wrist, as if tracing the intricate pattern of my veins. Tiny goosebumps scattered across my skin.

“You two look cozy.”

Noah dropped my arm, and I jolted in place, clutching my wrist with my opposite hand and massaging away the tingling sensation. I looked up in time to see Devon breeze by us, heading toward the bathroom and deliberately bumping shoulders with Noah as he passed.

Neither of them said a word, and Noah was already on his way back to the table when Devon disappeared into the restrooms.

Faltering, I glanced down at my wrist.

What the hell was that?

* * *

The rest of the evening passed by uneventfully, filled with band talk, Devon on his phone, and Julia all over Noah like she was trying to earn herself a damn rose onThe Bachelor.

My alcohol buzz escalated as I finished my champagne.

“It was so great hanging out with you, Chelsie,” Lisa said, sliding her chair closer. “I know you’ve been busy, but I’ve missed you. We’re not even on the same shifts at work anymore.”

I pursed my lips with disappointment. “I swear Jerry does it on purpose. He’s such an asshole.”

“I know. I’m surprised you still work there since you’re basically a celebrity now.”

“Should I come out with my own line of lip gloss or something?” I teased. “Or better yet… nametags! I hate those damn things. I can bedazzle them.”

We giggled as we finished picking at our dessert.

“Please tell me I’m coming home with you tonight,” Julia whispered to Noah. One of her hands was resting on his thigh as the other trailed up the front of his chest.

My stomach soured for unknown reasons, so I drew my eyes away.

“I’ve got Sam.”

Devon interrupted with a brittle laugh, his eyes lowered to his cell phone. “Please take her up on it. You need to get laid, man.”

Lifting an eyebrow, I glanced at Noah as he downed the rest of his whiskey.

“Thanks for the vote of encouragement, but I think I do okay for myself.”

“I mean, you clearly need a distraction,” Devon muttered. “Something to redirect you from my girlfriend.”

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