Free His New Jam by Shannyn Schroeder Page B

couldn’t even figure out what that meant. “How does he look at me?”
    â€œA cross between wanting to rip off your clothes and raise you on a pedestal.”
    â€œI agree with the first half. We have chemistry. You’re way off on the second, but there’s nothing to worry about. We’re having fun. That’s it.”
    â€œMake sure he’s on the same page. He’s my friend and I don’t want him to get screwed over.”
    Sydney’s skin prickled with awareness, so Hunter must’ve come back into the room. Jay stepped away, so she didn’t answer him, not that she had a clue what to say. Like she would ever have the power to screw Hunter over.
    Hunter tossed the water bottle at Jay. “What’s going on?”
    â€œNothing,” Jay answered. “See you tomorrow night.”
    Syd watched them leave and tried to process what felt like a warning from Jay. Hunter reached out, handing her a bottle of water, too. She took it, drank a few gulps, and then asked, “Ready for your lesson?”
    â€œIn a minute. What happened with Jay?”
    â€œNothing.”
    â€œYou looked spooked. Did he say something to upset you?”
    The flash of anger in his eyes made her realize he was gearing up to defend her again. “No. Actually, I think he’s trying to protect you. He asked what was going on between us. I told him we’re having fun and there was nothing to worry about.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œHe told me to make sure you’re on the same page. Why’s that? Do I strike him as the kind of person who lies or something?”
    â€œNot you.”
    She’d stepped in it now. Hunter ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back. She said nothing, unsure how to proceed. Luckily for her, Hunter continued.
    â€œI told you I’ve known Jay since we were teenagers.”
    Syd nodded.
    â€œIn high school, I had this girlfriend, Shelly. We were in marching band and concert band, so we spent a lot of time together and had all the same friends. I thought we were serious.” He sat beside Sydney behind the drums. Their thighs touched, sending more warmth through her body.
    â€œLet me guess: She didn’t think it was serious.”
    He nodded. “She broke up with me and took our friends with her.”
    Sydney laid a hand on his leg. “That’s shitty. But it was also high school. We all have crappy high school stories.” And some, like her, had mistakes that extended into college.
    â€œYeah. I’m over it.”
    He sounded sure of himself. Almost believable.
    â€œWait a minute.” She nudged his knee with hers. “So I just got a if-you-hurt-my-friend-I’m-gonna-hurt-you talk from Jay?”
    â€œI guess so.”
    â€œI don’t know if I should feel honored or threatened.”
    â€œHonored. Totally.” He wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her close for a quick kiss.
    She yanked back. “We’re not supposed to be doing this.”

Chapter 8
    â€œY ou agreed to explore.” When she was this close, he had a hard time remembering any of her objections. He took an exaggerated look around the apartment. “Part of the deal was that no one from band could know. There’s no one here.”
    She sighed, knowing she had no argument. He moved in for another kiss. This time, she didn’t pull away. With his hand at her nape, her hair brushing the back of his hand, he guided her to him.
    She kissed like she played drums: all in.
    It had only taken a few minutes with their lips locked, tongues tangling, for her to surge forward. She climbed onto his lap, notching herself against him.
    His dick fought against his zipper for release. Hunter kissed along her jaw and down her neck. Her pulse thumped against his lips, and he tasted her sweat. She rocked her hips and he groaned. God, he wanted her naked.
    Sydney yanked a fistful of his hair to grab his attention. He looked up at