"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.
Naomi nodded. "Fantastic."
I let out a sigh of relief, nearly slumping over. "Really?"
She gave me a small smile. "This is some great work, Jennifer. Exactly what I was hoping for. You worked wonders."
"It had its challenges," I admitted.
"Noah ran off all the others so easily." Naomi gave him an exasperated look. He stared back, unrepentant. "I'm glad you managed to hold your own against him."
"He's not that bad, underneath all that grumpiness and snark."
"Can you not talk about me as if I'm not sitting right here?"
Naomi patted Noah on the shoulder. "Your fans are going to love the song. Good job, you two." She turned to me. "Jennifer, when you've got a spare minute, I'd like to speak about some further work we may have for you."
A jolt of surprise went through me. "You want to hire me again?"
"What you've shown me so far is impressive. I believe we may have more work for you in the future. And of course I'd be more than happy to act as a reference for you."
I had to suppress a squeal of glee. When Naomi left, I threw my arms around Noah's neck. "Did you hear that?"
"Told you," he said with a smug grin. "I knew from the first moment we started working together in this room that you were talented."
