Chelsie shared an affectionate smile with Noah. “I do love it,” she replied. “I bet you spend a lot of time in here.”
“Yes!” Sam pulled out a giant stack of construction paper and Crayola markers. “Now you can play wif me, too. I like having friends over.”
Chelsie wondered if Sam’s “friends” were primarily adults. He seemed to distance himself from the other children at the party.
“Daddy, will you and my new friend draw pictures wif me?” He held up a crumpled piece of purple paper with innocent, wide eyes.
“Your new friend is Miss Chelsie,” Noah reminded. He sat down on the colorful rug and glanced at Chelsie, prompting her to join him.
She did. She took a seat next to Noah and their knees touched, sending a curious tingle up her spine. Chelsie frowned and inched away.
Sam sat down at his coloring table which was much too small for the two adults. “Miss Chelsie is really pretty, Daddy. I like her.”
Chelsie ducked her head. She refused to make eye contact with the man beside her. She already knew there was a knowing smirk dancing across his chiseled features.
“You’re right, Sammy. She’s very pretty. Your Uncle Devon is a lucky man.”
“Oh, thank you,” she managed to squeak out. Chelsie could feel the blush climbing up her neck, so she raised her hand to hide it.
“Why, Daddy?”
“Because Chelsie is your uncle’s girlfriend,” Noah explained.
“Are they married?” Sam inquired.
“No, Sammy. They are dating.”
“What is dating?” Sam asked. His tongue peeked out between his lips as he began to draw stick figures on the violet-colored paper.
Noah leaned back on his hands. “That’s what people do when they like each other.”
Chelsie could tell he was trying to simplify the situation as much as possible.
Sam looked to be deep in thought as his marker traced uneven lines along the construction paper. “So, are you and Miss Chelsie dating, too, because you like each other?”
Chelsie cleared her throat. “No… no, sweetie. Your Daddy and I are just friends.”
“Like you and me?”
She nodded with a smile. “Yes. Like you and me.”
This seemed to please Sam and he continued drawing, concentrating hard on his masterpiece. “Done!” He held up his artwork with pride.
Noah sat up and took the paper from his son’s hands. He held it toward Chelsie so she could see it as well.
“This is lovely,” Chelsie said. Sam grinned at his accomplishment. “You’re a great artist.”
“Sure is, tiger,” Noah agreed. “What is it a picture of?”
They were leaned into each other, shoulder to shoulder, studying the picture. Sam rocked in his chair as he explained his vision. “It’s me and Daddy and Miss Chelsie! We’re a family and we live together in a big tree high in the sky with birds and baby squirrels. Do you like it?”
Chelsie’s heart skipped a beat and she looked at Noah. His eyes were focused on the picture, but the sparkle in them had dulled. Chelsie raised a tentative hand and placed it on Noah’s shoulder, as if to tell him he was doing a good job – because he was. Sam was smart and full of life. He was a breath of fresh air. Just because Sam didn’t have the stereotypical childhood, didn’t mean Noah was failing him. Chelsie wondered if her gesture conveyed all the things she wanted to say.
If it did, Noah did not show it. He cleared his throat and handed the picture back to Sam. “It’s great, Sam. How about we get back to your party?”
“Okay!”
Chelsie watched as Noah stood up and followed his son into the hallway. She maintained her place on the rug for a minute longer and picked up Sam’s drawing to give it a thorough look-over. She imagined the grand schemes that had crept through his vivid imagination as he detailed his thoughts onto paper. Her gaze was pulled to two stick figures standing beside a smaller stick figure. The two “adults” were holding hands. Chelsie let out a wistful breath as she set the picture back down. She wished she could be the stick figure in the drawing for Sam’s sake, but her heart was with someone else.
***
Noah picked up piles of shredded wrapping paper and stuffed them into a garbage bag as partygoers began to disperse. His living room was filled with new toys, a neon green bicycle, Toy Story bedding, action figures, and Hot Wheels accessories. But the man of the hour wasn’t interested in his hoard of birthday treasures – no, he was sitting on the lap of Chelsie Combs, completely captivated by every word that came out of her mouth. She was telling him a story about how she and a group of grade school friends had gotten lost in a cave when she was on a Girl Scout trip. It was a run-of-the-mill childhood story, but the way Chelsie told it made it that much more compelling. Noah found himself straining his ear to find out how it ended.
“Great party, Noah. Take care, buddy.” Noah smiled at the father of one of Sam’s friends and shook his hand before he left.
“Wow! Cool story, Miss Chelsie.”
Crap. He missed it.
Noah’s eyes would linger on Chelsie every now and then as he continued cleaning the room. Her baby blue, polka-dotted sundress was a mix of sexy and sophisticated. Her hair was swept back into a loose ponytail, though a few rogue strands graced each side of her pretty face. Her strappy heels showed off her slender legs, and Noah had to remind himself this was Chelsie he was checking out. This was his bandmate’s girlfriend. The reminder sunk in when Devon reached over and pulled Chelsie to him, his fingers tracing mini designs along her bare shoulder. Her shoulder was speckled in tiny, sun-kissed freckles.
Noah mentally slapped himself. What kind of guy notices shoulder freckles? He shook his head and carried on with the mundane task of picking up wrapping paper. Noah had been so focused on his efforts he hadn’t noticed when Chelsie slid up next to him, tossing her own wadded clumps of paper into the bag. She smiled at him, her rose tinted lips one of the many distractions keeping him from successfully cleaning the damn living room.
“I thought it would go faster if I helped you.” She followed him around the room, helping him locate the discarded tissue paper.
Noah huffed in response, uninterested in her help. He was still reeling from Sam’s picture and her presence was only making it worse. “I got it. And whatever I don’t get, Rosa will.” His gruff tone made Chelsie wince. Noah wondered if he should apologize or tell her to get lost. It was a decision he struggled with on a regular basis when it came to Chelsie Combs.
“I’ll take the hint.” Chelsie dropped the paper and turned her back to him. She strolled over to the couch and leaned over Devon, whispering something into his ear.
Noah tried to ignore the perfect curve of her buttocks as she bent over the sofa.
“We’re going to head out,” Chelsie said flatly. Devon rose to his feet beside her and stretched his arms. “You’re probably stressed out with the post-party chores, so we’ll get out of your hair.”
Noah felt bad about the way he’d reacted to her, and was about to ask them to stay, but Sam beat him to it.
“No, don’t leave yet! I didn’t show you my race cars.”
Noah shrugged his shoulders. “He didn’t show you his race cars.” He noticed Devon pull out his cell phone to check the time.
“I don’t know, man, we should probably get going. I have a meeting with Sean tonight to finalize details about the Grammy’s.”
Chelsie’s head shot up and she gave her boyfriend an accusatory glare. “What do you mean? I thought you made reservations for dinner?”
Noah crossed his arms over his chest, watching the budding lover’s quarrel. He knew they had dinner plans because Devon had mentioned it the day before. Devon was about to be in the doghouse.
“Jeez, Chelsie, I’m sorry. I completely forgot. I can take you out tomorrow instead.”
Chelsie’s shoulders sagged in disappointment. “I work the next three nights.”
Sam piped in with his ow
n thoughts on the matter. “I know! Miss Chelsie can stay here and watch Toy Story 3 wif us while we eat popcorn and have tickle fights.”
Noah thought that sounded like a brilliant idea, though, he concealed his true feelings with a dismissive shrug. “You’re welcome to stay,” he offered.
Chelsie looked as though she were about to laugh it off, but then she hesitated. “I guess I don’t have anything else going on now.” The bitterness in her tone did not go unnoticed.
Devon leaned back on the balls of his feet and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Chelsie, I’m really sorry. This is important business. It’s the Grammy’s.”
“I know, Devon. It’s fine,” Chelsie relented. “You’re right. It’s important. Dinner can wait.” She reached up on her tiptoes to plant a chaste kiss on his lips. “I’ll hang out here and take an Uber home.”
Sam danced around in circles. “Yay!”
Noah said goodbye as the final group of guests left for the evening, including Devon.
“Let me know how it goes, man,” Noah said as Devon stepped out onto his front porch. “Text me later.”
Devon gave him a mock salute. “Will do.”
Rosa draped a shawl around her shoulders and tucked her purse under her arm. Her mauve lipstick had smeared onto her chin. She had black hair with silver streaks and a round, kind face. “You behave now, Noah,” Rosa said. She placed a motherly hand against his cheek. “She’s a nice muchacha and doesn’t need any corrupting from the likes of you.”
Noah rolled his eyes and pulled Rosa in for a hug. “Thanks, Rosa. You know very well she is dating Devon.”
“Oh, I know that. But I also saw the way you were looking at her today. I know you’re lonely, cariño, but you’ll find the one.”
Noah chose to ignore the insinuation as he walked her to the door. Rosa was full of wise words and unsolicited advice. “Thanks for all your help, Rosa. Today and always.”
The older woman blew him a kiss as she walked outside. Noah shut the door and turned around to find Sam and Chelsie cuddled up on the couch together. It was a sight that tugged at Noah’s heart strings. He was realizing more and more how much Sam needed a maternal figure in his life. Before Chelsie had come into the picture, a woman was the last thing on Noah’s mind. It was all about the band, non-committal flings, and providing a cushioned life for his son. But seeing how well a woman could fit into their life was making him reconsider everything.
“Dad, we’re waiting for you!” Sam called out. He beckoned his father toward the couch.
Noah realized he’d been lost in thought, standing in the entryway looking like a deer in headlights.
“I think he’s in a cake trance,” Chelsie teased. She winked at Sam and then directed her eyes at Noah.
Noah sprinted to the sofa, catching his son off guard. “I was just waiting to make my move,” he said, picking Sam up and hurling him under his arm. He tickled him with his opposite hand and the boy flailed helplessly under the attack.
“Put me down!” Sam pleaded. He kicked his feet to try and escape the tickle onslaught. His laughter betrayed his request and Noah only tickled harder.
“I’m going to laugh so hard when he throws up all over your shoes,” Chelsie said with a smirk.
“All right, all right,” Noah conceded, flipping Sam back around and plopping him down on the couch. He collapsed beside him. “Please don’t throw up on my shoes.”
They settled down, and Toy Story 3 lit up the television screen. Five minutes later, Sam was snoring in Chelsie’s lap.
Chelsie stroked the young boy’s hair with a peaceful smile. “And he’s out,” she whispered.
The gesture was not lost on Noah. He could get used to moments like this. He pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and laid it on top of the sleeping boy. “That didn’t take long. I guess the busy day took its toll on him.”
Chelsie had a look of contentment on her face. “It was a really great party. You outdid yourself.”
“I can’t take all the credit. Rosa did most of the work.”
Sam began to snore, and Noah chuckled under his breath. "I'm going to get the little monster to bed. I'll be right back." Noah felt Chelsie's eyes on him as he picked up his son and left the room. He entered Sam's bedroom and placed him in his bed. "Goodnight, Sammy," Noah whispered, leaning over and giving him a kiss on his forehead. "Love you, buddy." He turned on his Buzz Lightyear nightlight, closed the blinds, and turned to leave the room. Noah stopped when he saw Chelsie standing outside Sam's doorway.
She ducked her head with a smile. "Sorry," she said, wringing her hands together. "You're just so sweet with him. It's a side of you I don't see very often."
Noah studied her beneath the soft glow of the hallway light as she fidgeted with her ponytail. She was waiting for him to say something, but Noah had been rendered speechless by how natural she looked standing at the top of his staircase, watching him tuck his son into bed. "You better not tell anyone. I have an image to maintain.” Noah gave her a reassuring wink.
Chelsie relaxed. "Your secret's safe with me," she said.
Noah made his way down the staircase, catching a whiff of her lavender perfume as he passed her. "Hey, I have some popcorn if you want to watch a movie that doesn't involve talking potato heads," he suggested. When they reached the living room, he turned around to gauge her reaction. Chelsie glanced at the doorway, then back at the couch. She was conflicted.
He decided to make it easier on her. "I also have ice cream."
"Sold."
***
Chelsie licked chocolate ice cream off the back of her spoon as she watched the credits roll on the screen. They had decided on a movie called ‘Kill List’. "I didn't see that coming," she said, breaking the post-movie silence. She glanced up at Noah, who had been highly engrossed in the film.
His eyebrows pulled together as he leaned back against the sofa cushions. "What the hell did I just watch?"
Chelsie snickered at the bewildered look on his face. She yanked the blanket up to her shoulders and set the empty ice cream container down on the table. "I don't know about you, but I loved it.” She raised her feet up onto the couch, accidentally tickling his leg with her toes.
Noah flinched, but didn't pull away. He turned to her with a nod of approval. "Me, too. Good choice. I didn't peg you for liking this sort of stuff."
"What, you thought I only watched Disney movies and romantic comedies?" Chelsie placed a hand over her chest, appalled. "I'll have you know I'm a cinematic wonder."
Noah perked up. “Favorite movie.”
"Easy. Citizen Kane."
Noah shook his head in disapproval. "Pretentious."
Chelsie gasped in mock horror. "Are you kidding me? It's a classic. Name something better," she challenged.
"Fight Club. Apocalypse Now. American Psycho. I could go on.”
"Wow, could you be any more of a stereotypical guy?" Chelsie shot back. A playful smile tugged at her lips.
Noah's smile mirrored her own. "Those are great films. You can't deny it."
"Fine, but Citizen Kane is better."
"Please. It's contrived and highly overrated," he argued.
Chelsie threw a pillow at him in response.
Noah tossed it back at her. "See? You have no argument, so you have to resort to violence."
Chelsie was about to pick up another pillow, when a small figure appeared before them. They jumped up as if they were two teenagers who'd been caught making out on their parent’s couch.
"Daddy, I can't sleep. There's a monster in my room."
Noah pulled Sam in for a big hug. "Monsters, huh?"
"Just one monster, Dad. He's –"
"Let me guess," Noah interrupted. "Under your bed."
"No, that's silly! He's in my closet."
Chelsie's heart fluttered as she watched the father and son interaction. She approached them and ran her hand through Sam’s hair. "I can get him back to bed if you want.”
"I want Miss Chelsie to tuck me in," Sam nodded. "Please, Daddy? She can scare the monster away."
Noah raised an eyebrow at this assessment. "I don't know, Sammy. She's not very threatening," he teased.
Sam looked confused. "What does 'thwetting' mean?"
They both laughed and Noah nodded his head toward the staircase. "Never mind, Sam. Chelsie can tuck you in if that's what you want."
"Yay! Let's go," he squealed, grabbing Chelsie's hand and pulling her toward the stairs.
Chelsie noticed a fleeting look in Noah's eyes as she followed Sam. She didn't know how to describe it.
"My closet is super, super scary, Miss Chelsie," Sam warned as he leaped into his bed at full speed and hid under the covers. "The monster has yellow eyes and sharp teeth. He might eat you."
"Don't worry, Sam. I'm very brave. I'll go talk to him and tell him to find another closet."
Sam peeked over the edge of his blanket. "What if he eats you before you can talk?"
"I promise he won't eat me." She stepped toward the closet door and reached for the knob. Chelsie swung the door open and let out a theatrical sigh of relief. "Your closet is monster-free, Sammy," she said. She held the door wide open so the young boy could investigate.
Sam climbed out of bed and tiptoed over to the closet. His eyes lit up. "Wow, you did scare him away! Thanks, Miss Chelsie." Two tiny arms enveloped her in a tight hug.
Chelsie returned the hug and guided Sam back to his bed. "Now, it's time to get tucked in," she told him. She watched as he scurried under his bed sheets and snuggled a raggedy, brown bear close to his chest.
"This is my teddy bear," he told her. He held up the floppy animal friend. "His name is Bear, and he sleeps with me every night."
Chelsie held her hand out to 'Bear' in greeting. "Hi, there. You'll watch over Sam tonight and make sure no more monsters get in, right?"
Sam nodded the teddy bear's head.
"Good." Chelsie leaned over and pulled the blankets up over Sam's small frame. "It was very nice meeting you today, Sam. I hope we can see each other again soon."
"Maybe next time we can read books together and you can tell me more stories."
Aria (Duet Series Book 1) Page 8