I blinked. “What?”
Jayce shrugged, deceptively casual, but his eyes burned into me, dark and intense. “It’s new. We haven’t played it in front of an audience before. The execs weren’t sure, but Kell insisted.”
I had barely paid attention to the song, too wrapped up in our staring contest. I thought back to the bits I’d heard at the beginning.
“I liked it.”
“That’s it?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Fighting against all my instincts to swoon on the spot, I somehow managed to answer. “For all that you guys love flair, the song was surprisingly subtle.”
“Subtle?” His brows furrowed.
“I’m not saying it’s boring!” My inner fangirl was gibbering at me. My rock star idol was standing only a few feet away, asking my opinion on his new song. Was this really happening? “It was catchy. The chorus had a good hook.”
“But how did it make you feel?”
I struggled to think, contemplating his question for a moment. “It was… sad. There was a sense of loss. The song had an almost anguished feel. But there was an undertone of anger, too. Fury. No one could accuse you of clichéd teenage angst, though. There were complex layers to it.”
“Complex layers…” Jayce tapped one thumb against his bottom lip, eyes unfocused and staring off into the distance. “That sounds familiar.”
It was something I’d written about Feral Silence online before. All of their music had weight, a depth to it that should have been incongruous with their catchy hooks, but somehow they made it work.
“And of course, there was an undertone of seduction that’s unique to your sound.”
Eyes focusing back on mine, Jayce flashed me a considering look. I flushed, wondering if I shouldn’t have said that last part.
“And were you seduced?”
That rough voice turned smooth, the words crashing over me, turning my insides into liquid. I let out a small, choked noise, nearly swallowing my tongue. Jayce just laughed.
“Thanks for the insight.” He strolled toward me. The hallway was wide but he made sure to brush by close enough for our chests to nearly touch. I shivered, a wave of warmth rushing through me. “I’ll be sure to tell the guys we’ve got the approval of our fans.”
He pushed open the next set of doors and was gone. I collapsed against the wall, letting out the breath I’d been holding.
I’d told Jayce Evans of Feral Silence that I found him seductive.
No, I reminded myself. I told him I found his music seductive.
Same thing, a small voice inside me piped up.
I took slow breaths in and out. When I came back from my Jayce-induced stupor, I saw a flurry of text messages on my phone from Deena Malik. I texted back furiously, letting her know I was here and just trying to find my way around. I didn’t want my new boss to think I was late.
My head was still down, focused on my phone, when a voice spoke up from behind me.
“What are you doing here?”
I jumped and whirled around. Another person with a clipboard and headset frowned at me.
“I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be here. I just don’t know where to go.”
“Name?” She spoke in a clipped, harried tone.
I hoped I wasn’t still flushed from my encounter with Jayce. I pushed all thoughts of my rock star crush out of my mind. I was here to do a job.
“I’m Ailey. I’m probably on your list as Aimee Lee.”
She nodded, not consulting her clipboard as she motioned for me to follow, leading me away from the stage and through a side door. We walked without speaking, taking me through corridors that I assumed led backstage. I began to worry. Was the stage off limits during rehearsal?
The woman was on the short side, even with her black heeled pumps, dark hair pinned up in a messy bun, as if she hadn’t had the time to do more with it that morning. Her grey pantsuit looked a bit rumpled, but still professional. I’d tried to dress the same—professional but chic—in a black pencil skirt and white silk blouse. I wondered if I should have dressed up a bit more, maybe paired my shirt with a blazer.
“I’m sorry if I wasn’t supposed to see the band practicing. I’m looking for Deena Malik.”
“That’s me.”
I cringed, shoulders hunching over my ears. I’d already made a mistake at my new job in front of the band’s manager, who was also my boss. I’d screwed up on my first day. Anxiety pushed away the excitement Jayce’s gaze stirred up inside me.
She turned and gave me a smile. I relaxed, relieved I wasn’t in trouble.
“So you’re my social media intern.”
I straightened and held out my hand, determined to make a better impression. “Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ms. Malik. I look forward to working with you.”
“Just Deena is fine,” she said, returning the shake. “I’ll admit, I was surprised when I saw your application. An internship seems a bit below someone with your online following.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised she’d checked me out. It made sense. Deena would want to know whether I could do what I said I could. “Lots of online followers doesn’t always translate to employable skills.”
“It does in this industry. As a new music label, we need someone like you. Traditional PR isn’t enough these days. We need to be social. It’s your job to be our online hype girl. Give people a taste of our inner workings, help our musicians interact with fans, tease at our upcoming events and releases. That sort of thing.”
Deena led me to a private office, maneuvering through the dozens of people milling about, most with headsets, all with staff badges around their necks. I glanced around, trying to be discreet, but I didn’t recognize any other rock stars or musicians.
When we were alone, she shut the door and handed me a stack of papers.
“Standard non-disclosure agreement. You agree not to blab about things you’re not supposed to, et cetera, et cetera.”
“What things am I not supposed to talk about?”
Deena tapped the papers and handed me a pen. “Sign and you’ll find out.”
I quickly signed, not bothering to read it. I didn’t care if I was selling my soul. It would be well worth it. She filed them away in a folder.
“Sit down.”
I sat.
“Feral Silence is holding a secret country-wide tour this summer.”
I shot up straight in my chair, trying to calm my fangirl heart. “What about their next album?” I asked.
“That’s a misdirection. They’re already finished. They’ll be doing secret shows in a variety of cities. We’ll release clues online the days leading up. It will be up to fans to puzzle out where and when the concert will be.”
“That’s awesome!” I blurted out. “This is all to drum up attention for their new album, right?”
“Exactly. There will also be a film crew following them around. We’ll be shooting the concerts and some backstage footage. At the end of the summer, we’ll compile it together into a great behind-the-scenes video for our fans. We’ll release it online for free.”
“I’m sure they’ll love that.” I knew I would. “That’s some awesome promo.”
“This summer, your job duties will be as follows.” Deena held up a single finger. “One: post our secret clues and tease our fans with the answer. We need to make sure people actually figure them out in time for the shows. No one wants an empty venue. Two: Post teaser pictures to get our fans excited. Pics of our boys practicing, getting ready for rehearsal, hell, even sleeping in the back of the tour bus. Give fans a real behind-the-scenes look. Get creative with it.”
“Wait. I’m going to be with them on the tour?” I’d thought I’d be stuck around the studio offices, maybe attending the occasional concert.
“Of course. You’ll be following us around all summer.”
I swallowed heavily. Following Feral Silence as they toured across the country?
“Job duty number three: Mo
nitor user posts about the band and respond when appropriate. Let’s say someone asks Jayce a question. If it’s interesting enough, ask him to answer it and reply for him.”
“Ask him? Directly? I’m allowed to talk to the band members?”
Deena squinted, giving me a puzzled look. “Of course. You’ll be working closely with them. You’ll be the band’s connection to their fans.”
I tried not to choke on my own tongue. I’d thought I had been lucky enough to get a glimpse of Jayce even once all summer. I’d barely been able to keep myself together during the few minutes we’d spoken.
Now it turned out I was going to be interacting with him every day. Taking pictures of him. Asking him questions.
Maybe I really had died back there in front of the stage.
***
@POINTSHOOTNEIL: SO HOW goes your first day?
@AudioAiley: It’s awesome so far.
Do anything cool?
I can’t say.
You working for the CIA or something?
No. I had to sign an NDA. I can’t even tell you where I’m working.
So you’re a super secret spy, huh? That’s cool.
Even better.
Better than being the next Bond? Wow, you must have scored a sweet gig.
You don’t even know.
How busy are they keeping you? Can I still message you?
Of course! I’m not going completely MIA.
See, you’re already using code words. You sure you’re not a spy?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you.
***
I was dying to tell Neil all about my new job, but I risked being fired if I told anyone. The tour, the filming, all of it was hush-hush until the label decided to do a big marketing push.
I was allowed to continue posting on my own account as long as I didn’t talk about anything I shouldn’t. I was infinitely glad I’d never fangirled too hard about Jayce online. I liked to think I kept it mostly professional. I doubted I would have gotten the internship if they knew I was halfway in love with one of their rock stars.
“Here’s your new phone and tablet. It’s already set up with all the apps and accounts you need.” Deena handed me the latest model of both, shiny and sleek. “You’re only allowed to use these devices for work. Your own device is for personal use. No overlapping. We can’t risk a personal post accidentally ending up on the band’s account.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promised.
“We’ll be doing a show tonight, then taking off for our next city in the morning. The secret posts have already been sent out. You don’t officially start until tomorrow. We need you to show up at our offices at six a.m. sharp. We’ll be loading up the tour buses and taking off at seven. You know where we’re located?”
“Downtown at Maple and Front.” I nodded. “How much traveling will we be doing?”
“We’ll stay in each city for a few days, but we’ll be on the road for weeks at a time. I assume the travel is okay with you?”
“Yes! Yes, of course. I’m totally cool with traveling.” I got a little car sick sometimes, but there was no way I was telling Deena that.
“I think we’ve covered everything important. If you have any questions, ask. I’d rather you ask than do something wrong and have to fix your mistake. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that sending the wrong post at the wrong time could be a PR disaster.”
I shoved the phone and tablet in my purse. The tablet barely fit. It was one of those huge, laptop-sized ones, not a mini version. I’d have to buy a new bag before tomorrow.
Deena stood up and adjusted her headset, tilting her head, eyes unfocused as if listening to something. “Okay, rehearsal’s over. Time to meet the band.”
I let out a small whimper. Deena paused and gave me a reassuring smile.
“Nervous?”
“Just a little.”
“Don’t worry, the guys are cool. They’re not popular enough to have inflated egos—yet. Well, except for Kell.” Deena let out a small, exasperated sigh. “He’s always had a big head.”
I stifled a laugh. That was exactly what the rumors said. Typical frontman.
Deena took me to a closed, unmarked door, knocking twice before entering. The scene inside should have been casual, laid back, with clothes and bags thrown everywhere. The people I found inside made sure I felt anything but laid back.
The members of Feral Silence lounged on sofas and armchairs. The drummer Morris and the bassist Ren shared a sofa, each with a bottle of water in their hand. Morris wore the same clothes he’d worn on stage, but Ren had taken off his suit jacket and was sitting in his black pants and white shirt. The tie was off, and the first few buttons of the collar were undone. Much more casual than I usually saw on stage.
Kell slouched in an armchair, flipping through a stack of papers, running shoes propped up on a coffee table. I took a covert look around, but didn’t see Jayce.
“Guys, this is Aimee Lee. Oh, sorry.” Deena glanced at me. “You prefer Ailey, right?”
“Either is fine.” They could call me Oscar, and I’d be only too pleased to hear it from their lips.
“She’s our new social media coordinator.”
“Awesome, the internet girl!” Kell grinned, setting the papers on the arm of the chair. His million-watt smile eased some of my fears. Kell seemed just as friendly offstage as he did in interviews. Morris and Ren raised their bottles of water in greeting.
“Welcome aboard the crazy train,” Ren said. His long black hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Morris silently nodded his head. He had a reputation for being the quiet, scary one. He didn’t seem scary to me, just large. Very large. He was even beefier up close and in person. I was glad he was sitting down because I was sure he would tower over all five-feet-four-inches of me.
“I look forward to working with you all.” I was happy to hear my voice was steady.
“Ailey’s going to be the one following you around like a little shadow, so treat her nice. None of your stupid pranks, or she’ll post pictures of you asleep with your bedhead and drool.”
“Just so you know, I sleep naked.” Kell winked.
“What did I just say about teasing the intern?”
A voice behind me spoke up. “You’re the intern?”
Jayce stood in the doorway, brows furrowed.
I froze as he stared at me, no trace of that heat I’d seen in his eyes before. Instead, his full lips turned down in a slight frown. He looked on edge, as if something were itching under his skin.
“It’s bad enough having camera crews in our face all day,” he continued.
Despite that moment we’d had, I needed him to know I was going to be a professional. I gathered myself together, wanting to exude an air of calm and sincerity, not fangirl exuberance.
“I’ll try not to get in your way,” I said. “You won’t even notice I’m here.”
Jayce raised an eyebrow in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected me to talk back. “And what about snapping photos of us when we think we’re alone?”
“When you’re off stage, I’ll only take photos of you with your permission. I promise. No secret shots.”
Jayce looked doubtful.
“On stage is another matter, of course,” I added. “But you must be used to having cameras flashing in your face during concerts anyway.”
He didn’t say anything, just lifted the bottle of water to his mouth and took a swig, keeping his eyes on mine the entire time. The muscles of his neck rippled as he swallowed. My mouth went dry. He put the bottle down. “What about quotes?”
“Huh?” I blinked at his question, still dazed. His lips twitched upward, perfectly aware of the effect he was having on me. It was probably his intention. Jayce ensnared girls wherever he went, with ease.
“I just want to know if you’re going to take the stuff we say in private and broadcast it all over the internet,” he clarified.
If I hadn’t seen him break a thousand hearts with his s
moldering stares and melt the panties off hordes of fangirls with his flirting—including mine—I would have said he sounded almost worried.
“Absolutely not.” I didn’t want Jayce to get the wrong impression. I cleared my throat, straightened my back, and refused to let my inner fangirl win. I was going to be professional if it killed me. “I’m not some sort of paparazzi trying to make money off your private life. I’m here to promote your band and your music. I’m here to make you guys look good. If you want,” I added. “I’ll show you any message I post on your behalf before I hit send.”
As he looked me up and down slowly, I wondered what he thought of the sight. I was much shorter than him, even with my heels. All the members of Feral Silence were taller than average. I wondered if my neck would be perpetually cramped from having to look up all summer.
His eyes traveled from my face down my neck. I’d felt self-conscious when I first bought my blouse, wondering if the neckline was too low. A slow heat burned through me as Jayce’s eyes settled on my chest. All the hairs on my arms stood on end.
I flushed with embarrassment as my nipples hardened into peaks under that gaze. Could he see them? Did he know the effect he was having on me?
Jayce took another swig of his water and looked away. I could breathe again.
“I got her to sign an NDA, so she can’t talk about anything she sees or hears all summer. Your private lives will stay private.” Deena gave them an admonishing look. “This is for your own good. We’re doing great so far, but the public’s attention wanes so quickly. We need to keep people talking about us, and if that means posting your every move all summer, then so be it.”
“But it won’t be too obtrusive, I promise,” I added, not wanting Jayce to feel cornered again.
“We hired an expert,” Deena continued. “You do your job and let her do hers.”
“An expert?” Kell repeated, as if he were entertained by Deena’s words. “You’re just a baby.”
“How old are you anyway?” Jayce asked, sounding much more interested in the answer than his casual expression would belie. Wanting to make sure he wasn’t undressing an underaged girl with his eyes, no doubt.
Hard Rock Tease: A Rock Star Romance (Darkest Days Book 1) Page 21
