Page 22 of When the Stars Rise

“Hayley. Over here. Are you and Noah back together?”

My gaze swings to the paparazzi charging toward us, snapping photos.

“Hey, Hayley. How do you feel about Noah being with Everly St. Clair in Fiji? Isn’t she your best friend?”

“Hey, Noah. Does Everly know you’re back with Hayley?”

Noah growls and charges forward, hands curled into fists. I grab his arm, trying to hold him back. “Let’s go.” From the corner of my eye, I see Chris and another bodyguard stalking toward the paparazzi.

Right behind them are Zoe and Dean, who is motioning to me. “Get on the bus,” he yells.

I pretend I can’t hear him, shove the helmet on my head, and yank Noah’s arm. “Noah. Come on,” I grit out.

His jaw is clenched, shoulders tensed, but he finally backs off and straddles his bike, revving the engine. I climb on behind himand urge him to go fast enough to lose them, but the damage is already done.

Our almost-perfect moment was ruined.

“How do you feel about Noah being with Everly St. Clair in Fiji?”

It’s the way they said it:Being with Everly St. Clair.

It sounds like they’re more than just friends.

CHAPTER NINE

Noah

Annoying Siblings Group Chat

Gracie: do u know how many people sent me photos of you with your tongue down Everly’s throat??!!?? about ninety billion

Levi: she looked hot tho… I’d do her

Gracie: eww ur disgusting. She’d never get near you, dog face *throwing up emoji* a girl would have to be blind and stupid to want u

Levi: shut up, bird brain… u calling ur best friend stupid??

Gracie: everyone was talking about it at the track today

Gracie: ru insane, dog face??!!?? Ella wants nothing to do w/u

Zane: …

Zane: tell H I hope she’s ok

Gracie: r u stupid??? how is she gonna be ok after that?!?! SMH

Gracie: I feel so bad for Hay-Hay… tell her I love her and miss her, k? xoxo

Gracie: and tell her it’s not my fault my brother is an idiot

Levi: ur so gross. Why u sending hugs n kisses to ur own damn brother????

Gracie: *three middle finger emojis*

Zane: miss you, bro. See you in Denver…

Gracie: We’re gonna see him in Nashville… pretty sure that’s before Denver