Page 37 of Hard Rock Tease

"Who isn't?" I said, faking a breezy tone.

As much as I admired Noah, I couldn't deny being overwhelmed by the drummer. He composed all of Darkest Days' songs, and wrote songs for other bands as well. He played multiple instruments and was personally involved in producing not only their albums, but also helped produce other artists.

Whereas Noah was a literary genius, August was a musical prodigy. I hoped to one day be as good as Noah. I knew I'd never in a million years be as good as August Summers. No one could.

"Which song is your favorite?" August's ice blue eyes pinned me down. Was it a test of some kind? I answered immediately.

"Beyond The Lies. Of course, that's one of the earlier songs from your first indie album. Your sound has matured quite a bit since then. If I had to choose something more recent, I'd go withThe Time Has Come."

One of the twins laughed out loud. "Really?"

"Something wrong with my choice?"

"Nope." Brilliant green eyes flicked over to Noah, a smirk crossing his face. Noah glared at him. I looked from one to the other, lost. "It's just that those are Noah's favorite songs."

"I don't have favorites," Noah said flatly.

"Sure you do," Cameron chimed in. "Those are the only two you don't bitch about singing for the millionth time." Cameron kicked Noah's shin. Noah grunted and kicked him back.

The two of them bickered the whole way, Cameron needling Noah and Noah sniping back at him. I sat in silence, trying to ignore the evil grins the twins shared over my head and the contemplative look in August's eyes.

We pulled up at the club. I shifted in my seat to follow the others when they filed out, but Noah's grip on my arm stopped me.

"Stay here a minute."

I turned to one of the twins, who had his hand out to help me out of the limo. "I'll just be a second."

Whichever twin it was flicked his eyes inside, seeing Noah's hand on me. A knowing look crossed his face. "Cool. Have fun, kids. See you inside." He slammed the door behind him.

I was left alone in the limo with Noah.

"You weren't really serious about quitting on me, were you?" His eyes pierced mine.

I gnawed on my lip. "I think I was just overwhelmed by your performance. You're…" I couldn't even put into words what Noah was. What he meant to me. "…really good," I finished weakly.

"Jen…"

He was silent for a moment before continuing.

"Don't leave."

Chapter Thirteen

Imet Noah's eyes, surprised. He looked sincere.

I still couldn't believe this sexy, gorgeous man, a man who seemed to dislike everyone around him, even his fellow bandmates, would willingly spend time with me. He could have fired me any number of times, like he had his previous "consultants."

Was it only because I had become his sexual muse? Was he just using me for my body? He had to care for me at least a little. He kept on reassuring me, trying to help boost my self esteem. Surely he wouldn't do that if he didn't care.

"I'm not quitting on you," I told him. "I just don't know if my help is going to be enough."

"Your help is the only one I want."

"Because you don't want the rest of the band to know you can't compose."

"Because you're good at what you do and I need someone with your talent."

"You keep saying that, but—"