Free His Dream Role by Shannyn Schroeder Page A

by my dad.”
    â€œBet that was fun.”
    â€œNot.” Sam shook her head. “Believe it or not, of all the things my dad could’ve been upset over, it wasn’t Free being in my apartment.”
    â€œSeriously?”
    â€œHe didn’t like that Free’s an actor. But even that, he excuses because he assumes I’m playing around. He was more concerned that I won’t take back the car.”
    â€œTell him he can send it my way any time.”
    â€œYou’re funny.” Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she fished it out. “It’s from Free. He’s says he’ll meet us by the front door.”
    They gathered their things and walked down the aisle. Jess pushed the heavy door to the lobby open and Sam grabbed her arm. “Try to be nice to him.”
    â€œI’ll be nice as long as he is.”
    â€œThen we won’t have a problem because I don’t think Free knows how to be any other way.”
    They stood in the lobby for a few minutes before Free found them in the crowd. He got close and then hesitated, like he wasn’t sure if he should kiss her. She tilted her lips up in invitation. He pressed a quick kiss and then looked at Jess.
    â€œHi. I’m Free.”
    â€œJess,” she answered, as she looked him up and down.
    â€œMost of the cast is going out for a few drinks if you’d like to join us.”
    Jess looked at her. Sam slipped her hand into Free’s. “I have a paper I need to work on this weekend, but I don’t think a little time away would hurt.”
    â€œDo you need a ride?”
    â€œNo. Jess has her car. We can meet you there.”
    â€œI’ll text you the address as soon as I get it from someone.”
    Sam and Jess spent the next couple of hours in a bar with a rowdy crowd of actors and crew members. Sam couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun with a group of complete strangers. When she could no longer stifle her yawns, she leaned close to Free and said, “I have to get going. As much as I’d like to stay, I’m really tired and I still have homework.”
    He held her hand. “You want me to drive you?”
    â€œNo. Jess will take me home. Stay with your friends.”
    He stared at her for a minute. “We’re not going to see each other for the rest of the weekend, are we?”
    â€œYou’re performing and I have schoolwork, so probably not.” The thought made her stomach sink.
    â€œHow about Tuesday or Wednesday night?”
    Crap. “I work on Tuesday and I have plans Wednesday. Unless you want to come wrap presents for the shelter. We order pizza and have a wrapping party. It usually goes pretty late.”
    â€œTell me when and where and I’ll be there.”
    â€œAre you serious?”
    â€œWhy not? I get to spend the evening with my girlfriend. I don’t care what we’re doing.” He leaned closer and his breath tickled her ear. “I’ll only care what we do after the wrapping is done.”
    His suggestion sent tingles through her body. Was there really no way to have a date before then? Coffee together wasn’t enough anymore. She closed her eyes. Be an adult, Sam. Get your work done. “Call me tomorrow.”
    When she stood with Jess, he joined them.
    â€œI’ll walk you out.”
    Jess waved at them. “How about I go get the car and bring it to the door so I don’t have to witness any more lovebird crap.”
    Free laughed. “It was nice to meet you, Jess.”
    â€œYou, too.” She walked through the crowd and out the door.
    Free held her coat out for her to put on and told his friends he’d be right back. At the front door to the bar, he slid his arm around her back. “I’m glad you came out tonight.”
    â€œSo am I. I liked meeting your friends.”
    â€œDid I pass the test?”
    Sam smiled. “You mean Jess? She’s not a test.” Well,