Page 84 of Hard Rock Tease

"Millions of copies? That's some ego you've got."

"Soon your ego will be just a big as mine."

"No one's going to know it was me who wrote the song, remember? I'm going to get rich, not famous."

"Oh. Right." Noah ran his hand up and down my spine, stroking me in a sensual motion. "Maybe I can get you producer credits or something."

"That would be great if I wanted to be a producer, but I want to work on the composing and songwriting side." I looked him in the eyes. "It's fine. The royalties will be way more than enough to pay off my student loans. Can't get much better than that."

"I'm sorry. I just don't want anyone knowing…" he trailed off, avoiding my eyes.

Noah still didn't want to admit to anyone he needed help composing. He didn't want to admit he needed help at all, from anyone, ever. Noah didn't want the world knowing he couldn't do it alone.

I put my hands on his cheeks. "If you really want me to get fame as well as fortune, maybe I can help the band write a song on your next album?"

"That won't be for another few years."

"I'm okay waiting that long if you are." I realized what I'd said and held my breath, waiting for his response.

Noah looked at me intently. He nodded. "Sure. I'll bring you in to work on a song for the next album."

Noah was thinking of us in the long term. And he seemed okay with it. He wasn't shutting me out. A little thrill of glee thumped through my chest. Maybe I was finally getting somewhere with Noah. Maybe His Royal Highness was finally letting his guard down.

"I should probably start looking for a real job, though." I switched topics before Noah could realize exactly what he'd agreed to and change his mind. "We're done with the song so technically I'm unemployed now. I've got nothing to do."

"Nothing?" He placed a kiss on my neck. I shivered, need coursing through me. "I thought you were my sexual muse."

"Is that my job now?"

"It's the most important job in the world. Succumbing to my whims."

"I don't ever recall succumbing to your whims."

"Do I need to give you a reminder?"

Footsteps sounded down the hall. I parted from Noah reluctantly. "That's probably Naomi. Don't want to get caught sucking face."

"She's the manager for Darkest Days. She's seen worse."

I pushed him away and wrinkled my nose at the thought.

When Naomi walked into the room, she gave us a no-nonsense smile.

"Show me what you have," she said, getting down to business.

I stood behind Noah while he played the song for song for Naomi on the piano. I twisted my hands together, shaky with nerves. She didn't change her expression in the slightest. A million thoughts raced through my head.

She hated it.

She was going to fire me on the spot.

I'd get blacklisted from the industry and would never work in music again.

Butterflies threatened to spew out of my mouth. I felt sick to my stomach.

Noah finished the song and turned to her.

"Well?" he asked impatiently.