Free His Dream Role by Shannyn Schroeder Page B

maybe a little. “I think you did okay.”
    â€œWhat would happen if I didn’t?”
    â€œI’d have to dump you and burn your number, of course.”
    â€œVery funny.” He leaned in and kissed her. His lips were soft, and he tasted like the beer he’d drunk.
    She sighed into him, wishing for more. A horn honked outside.
    Free pulled away. “That’s your ride.”
    â€œCoffee Monday?”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    He stood at the door and watched until she was safely in Jess’s car. She smiled and waved as Jess pulled away.
    â€œHow long have you known this guy?”
    Sam shrugged. “A few weeks I guess.”
    â€œYou have it so bad.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œAnd he’s no better. The two of you sitting at the table tonight ... I don’t even have the words. It was like you were part of the group, but all you cared about was each other.”
    Sam squinted at her friend and replayed the night at the bar. “Free talked to his friends all night.”
    â€œBut he was touching you, checking on you, making sure you were good in between each sentence of conversation.”
    Sam couldn’t argue. “Given that my past boyfriends had a habit of forgetting I was around, I kind of like it.”
    â€œI’m not saying you shouldn’t. It just seems like you’re falling really hard really fast.”
    She was. She felt it every time she looked at Free or talked to him. Was that a bad thing? Keeping her thoughts to herself, she looked out the window and watched the city fly by.
    Jess had her best interests in mind. Sam knew she fell fast for guys, but this felt different, mutual in ways it hadn’t in the past. She didn’t need any seeds of doubt planted in her new relationship.
    She resolved to let it go at its own pace.

    Free’s weekend had gone as well as he’d expected. Opening weekend was always exhausting and exhilarating. The only thing that would’ve been an improvement would’ve been if he’d had more time with Samantha. But he’d get to see her for a bit this afternoon after Cary’s workout. Maybe they could go to dinner since he didn’t have to worry about rehearsal.
    His classes were almost over, with only one final to take this week. He walked into his dad’s downtown office. He loved coming here, especially knowing that in a few short months he would have a permanent spot. He waved at his dad’s secretary, who was on the phone. She nodded and waved him to the office door.
    Free knocked once to announce himself and then eased the door open in case his dad was on the phone, as well.
    â€œFree, glad you could stop by.”
    â€œIt felt a little more like you were expecting me, not inviting me.”
    â€œYou’re funny.” He pointed to the seat in front of the desk. “You were dead-on with the reports I gave you. Can’t wait to get you on board.”
    Free unbuttoned his coat and his dad looked at the costume he wore. He’d left the Zorro mask and hat in the car, but the all-black outfit was still telling. “Going to work out with Cary?”
    Free nodded. “What did I need to come here for?”
    â€œI know you’re busy with the play until Christmas, which your mother loved by the way. She can’t stop singing your praises to everyone.” He leaned his elbows on his desk. “I want you to come to the office holiday party this year.”
    Free opened his mouth to refuse, but his dad stopped him with a hand in the air. “The party is on the twenty-ninth, so it won’t interfere with the play or the party you throw with the guys. You need to start networking with our clients.”
    Free hated the thought of networking. He excelled with numbers and money. Having to sell himself to people was not a strong suit. It was part of why he wanted to work for his dad instead of finding another firm. No interview required.
    â€œI don’t