Page 5 of Hard Rock Tease

"I assume you know who this is." Naomi motioned to him with a wave.

Noah stiffened, shoulders tensing, the only indication of his surprise. "You?"

I straightened my back. I wasn't going to let him know I was rattled. Or aroused. Again.

Naomi looked confused. "Do you two already know each other?"

Noah stayed silent, not bothering to explain, so I did.

"We've met."

He ignored me and turned to Naomi. "Why is she here?"

"She's here to interview for the job."

"She's barely out of school," he said flatly.

"Sheis actually called Jen," I cut in. He was trying to needle me. Trying to throw me off balance, maybe. I didn't know why. His very presence was enough to do that. "I'm not a student. I've graduated college." Only weeks ago, but he didn't need to know that.

"I know seeing Noah Hart must come as a surprise," Naomi told me as we sat down at the conference table. "But we don't want to let interview candidates know too much about the position before they sign a NDA and are officially offered the job."

I resolved to put aside my feelings. I needed to act professional. I couldn't let him get to me. I wanted to get off on the right foot with Noah.

Although I had a feelingon the wrong footwas the only way Noah Hart knew how to interact with people.

"As the manager for Darkest Days, it's my job to interview candidates for this position," Naomi said.

I wondered why Noah Hart was part of the interview process. He didn't seem to want to be here at all.

"The professor who recommended you sent us some samples of your work," she continued. "We were impressed. But I'd like to learn more about you personally." Naomi turned to Noah, who was still leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. "Sit."

He glared, but did what she said. He turned his head toward the wall, away from me.

"How much do you know about Darkest Days?" Naomi asked.

I forced back a nervous smile. I knew everything about Darkest Days.Everything. I didn't know what this had to do with the job, but if they wanted an answer, I'd give it to them. I turned away from Noah and focused on Naomi.

"They're one of the biggest rock groups to come out in the last few years. They've gone Platinum multiple times over. Their latest album won a dozen awards." I wondered how much else to say. Naomi gave me an encouraging look, so I continued. "Industry insiders often remark on their ability to take multiple music genres and blend them together into a hard rock sound that's still commercially accessible. Some say their influence is redefining rock music itself."

"You're familiar with the band and their music," Naomi nodded. "Good. And what about you? Tell us about your musical background."

My hands went cold and clammy again. I tried to remember the interview tips I'd read online. They all said to sell yourself. I didn't think I had very much to sell. I was sure nothing made me stand out from all the other applicants they'd probably interviewed. I wasn't an expert in anything. I just fooled around with a lot of different instruments. Maybe that could be enough to impress.

"I've been playing my whole life. I started with piano and violin as a child. Later on I learned the cello and harpsichord. I can also play guitar and bass."

Noah shifted, staring at me out of the corner of his eye. When he saw that I caught him, he immediately looked away.

"I'm also a fan of the hammered dulcimer," I continued, starting to feel self conscious. I started playing it because no one else at my academy did. I didn't have anyone to compare myself to. No one to feel inadequate next to. If I was only mediocre it didn't matter as much.

"I'm not an expert by any means, though," I continued. "I wouldn't call myself an expert in any of them, but I can play well enough, I suppose."

"And what about composing?" Naomi asked. "You write your own songs, yes?"

"Yes, although I only started composing in high school." Most of the students at my music academy had been writing music since they were kids. I almost felt embarrassed to have only started in my late teens in comparison.

"A few of your compositions have been performed professionally, your professor told me."

"Those were mostly songs I worked on with other students. I can't take all the credit."