Noah got dressed for the day with great difficulty, his mind still trying to decipher Aria's intentions behind leaving the clothes unattended. On one side, he wanted her desperately. He wanted to kiss her, caress her and make love to her. But on the other hand, he did not want to do anything Aria was not ready for.

Noah sent out the day's orders to his assistant with conflicted thoughts, though more than half a day had passed. Since the time Joshua had been shot, he had not attended his office, throwing all his work to his assistant, Shane. Though the poor man was overworked, he could only swallow his complaints, for he knew the situation his Boss was in. Moreover, Shane knew that his Boss would give him the long overdue vacation once everything returned to normal.

Noah was dressed in just a pair of black jeans and a dark blue shirt, and it was enough for Ivy to drool at him. She was setting up the dining table when she saw the birthday boy walking down looking like a model straight out of a fashion magazine.

Noah noticed his sister-in-law's star-struck gaze, and he chuckled lightly. "Ivy, control yourself. What will happen if Joshua finds out?" He teased, taking his seat.

"I can't help it. You look so suave and sexy, and hey, I have my right to ogle at charming men." Ivy winked at him, making Noah shake his head. "By the way, a very happy birthday. May you give me lots of nieces and nephews soon."

Noah sighed as soon as he heard her words. They were no different than what his grandfather had asked him. He wondered if everyone had joined hands to tease him about babies. "No duffer. This is the hint as to what you should do next. It is time you take your relationship to the next level and make love to your woman." A voice echoed in his mind, and this time, there was no angel of demon advising him.

"You want her. Accept it and take her to bed. I am sure the girl wants it too." The voice continued, garnering Noah's attention. "Take the lead. But if your woman is not ready, you can always back off." Noah nodded, accepting the advice at once.

Ivy frowned seeing the man's strange behavior. She snapped his fingers before him, startling him. "Hello, Earth to Noah. Are you alright? Where are you so lost?" She queried, placing a plate in front of him.

Noah's eyes widened seeing the dish on the plate. Instead of answering her, he returned with a question of his own. "Ivy, what is this?"

"I did not know what to gift you on your birthday. So, I thought of preparing a small cheesecake just for you. This is one of my best dishes, and Aria loves them. Take a bite and tell me how it is." Ivy urged, and Noah did as he was told, only to moan in delight.

"This is so good, Ivy. I have never had cheesecake as good as this before." He chimed, taking another bite of the delicacy.

"Isn't it? I knew it. Aria loves them like crazy. So, I thought of preparing this for you. I knew you would like it."

"Yes, it is very delicious." Noah looked around him when he found Oliver and Maggie missing. "By the way, where are Mr. West and Maggie?"

"Dad and Maggie are working on something."

"And, didn't you join them?"

"I was waiting for you. Hey, hey, you need to eat lunch too. Don't fill your stomach with just the dessert." Ivy added, and Noah nodded at her.

"Why were you waiting for me?" Noah queried with a frown, filling his plate with the fried rice Ivy had prepared.

"If you remember, Mister, we were supposed to go to the hospital in the morning. But the birthday boy decides to be late today." Ivy glared at him, making Noah chuckle. "I could not even leave on my own. Your guards forbade me from leaving without you."

"They did a great job. They deserve a raise." Noah commented, licking his lips. "Where is Ian? You could have gone with him." He shrugged as though he was mocking Ivy for not thinking about this option.

"I would have if he had come down. Just like you, he too is yet to come out of his cozy room." Ivy muttered, and just on cue, Ian walked out, stifling a yawn. "Here comes the lazy man."

"Was someone scolding me just now? I could hear it even in my sleep." Ian muttered, pouring himself a glass of water. "Her curses were so loud that my sleep broke." Noah chortled, hearing Ian tease Ivy, while all Ivy could do was glare at the man.

"Very funny." She scrunched up her face in anger, and this only left the two men in splits. "Noah, can you finish your dinner soon? I want to go to Joshua as fast as I can."

"That reminds me." Noah swallowed the food in his mouth before staring at Ian questioningly. "Why didn't you go to the hospital today?"

"Did you forget what I told? I am taking Aria's shift today until the day after tomorrow. I need rest to survive a day and a half in the hospital." Ian sat on the chair beside Noah and helped himself to some fried rice.

"I see. So, Aria is on leave tomorrow too." Noah mumbled to himself in glee, once again his thoughts running wild, thinking all he could do to her. But he shook his head at once, clearing them when he realized where he was.

Ivy waited until Noah finished eating, and without even waiting for him, she stood up. "Let's go." She chirped, picking up her bag she had prepared beforehand, and even before Noah could respond, she was out of the dining hall.

"Looks like someone is eager to meet her man," Ian commented, seeing the girl run, and Noah nodded at him, for he too was in a similar condition. Just like Ivy, he too wanted to meet his woman.

"I'll see you later." He nodded at Ian and walked behind Ivy, a smile gracing his lips.

"Come fast, lover boy." Ivy waved at him. "We are already late. Your woman is eagerly waiting for you." Her last words were enough for Noah to pick up his pace and hurry towards his car.