Page 36 of Hard Rock Tease

He looked taken aback, before a dark look crossed his face. "Why the hell not?" he bit out.

I gestured helplessly. "You're Noah Hart. You're the lead singer and lyricist for Darkest Days, one of the biggest, most influential rock groups to come out in years."

"I know who I am. You don't have to tell me."

"I'm just another average music student. There's nothing special about me."

"I thought you weren't a student," he snarked. "Didn't you tell me you already graduated?"

"That doesn't matter." I clenched my fists in my lap. "This is my first real job in the industry and I'm going to fail."

"No you're not."

"How do you know?"

"I won't let you." His leaned over the table and took my face in his hands, forcing me to look at him. His eyes burned into mine. "I told you. You're talented. We're going to write a song together and it's going to be fucking fantastic. Okay?"

I blinked back tears. "Okay." Our eyes locked for long moments, the same way they had when he'd been on stage. His gaze dropped to my lips. I wet them unconsciously. "Thank you for trying to cheer me up."

He snorted and released me, going back to reclining on the sofa, looking deceptively casual. "Wasn't trying to do anything like that. Just don't want a depressed weepy girl crying all over me."

"You can be sweet sometimes, you know that?"

He looked at me in a panic. "Don't say shit like that out loud!"

I couldn't help but smile. "It'll be our secret."

He grumbled and looked away. "The guys are heading out to another club. Cameron's got us a VIP lounge. You in?"

I had been planning on going home and wallowing in misery, but Noah's words had managed to cheer me up. "Sure. I could use a drink."

He stood and grabbed my hand. "Let's go."

My heart immediately ran into overdrive as Noah dragged me out back. Noah had taken to holding my hand more often. It was such a small thing, such a tiny gesture, and yet it made my heart flutter like a thirteen year old girl with a crush.

The other band members were waiting near a limo, standing around talking and joking with each other.

"Hey lovebirds." Cameron smirked and nodded at our joined hands.

Noah dropped my hand and jerked away as if I were on fire. I tried not to be insulted. He clearly didn't want anyone to know there was something between us.

Not that there was anything between us. Not really.

"There's only one of you?" one of the twins asked.

"His Royal Highness said you were bringing some friends," the other said.

"I guess we'll just have to share," they both said at the same time, identical wicked grins on their faces.

I flushed and laughed at the same time, bringing my hand to my mouth to hide it. What a perfect nickname. Almost as good as Mr. Cranky Pants.

Noah grunted and pulled open the limo door with a sharp yank. "Are we going stand around all night or are we going to party?"

We piled into the limo one by one. I ended up squished between the twins somehow.

It dawned on me that I was in the presence of the entirety of Darkest Days. I was surrounded by all five rock star gods. It was hard not to be overwhelmed. I clasped my hands together, trying not to let them shake. When that didn't work I shoved them under my thighs.

"So Jennifer." August spoke my name in a questioning tone as he stretched his long legs out. "Naomi said you were a fan."