His New Jam by Shannyn Schroeder Read Free Book Online

year.”
    He spun with two bottles of beer. “Are you old enough to drink this or am I going to get in trouble for contributing to the delinquency of a minor?”
    She snatched the bottle. “I’m old enough. Wanna card me?” She twisted the cap off and took a swig. “I took some time off so I’m a year behind.” Sitting in one of the two chairs at the table, she decided that was enough of an explanation.
    â€œIs that why you don’t want anyone from band to know about our arrangement?”
    She nodded. “You’re leaving. A few more practices and a game and you’re done. I have to come back for another year.”
    â€œI won’t be here, so what’s the problem?”
    â€œI’m going to offend you if I say it.”
    â€œI don’t offend easily.”
    â€œYou have a reputation for being a man whore. I don’t want anyone looking at me like I’m one of your playthings.” The partial truth dried her throat, so she drank quickly.
    For a moment, he said nothing, just watched her with his warm, friendly eyes. He really wasn’t offended.
    â€œFair enough.” He dragged the other chair closer to her, close enough that his knees almost bumped hers. “Between you and me, I date a lot. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But I’m far from a man whore.”
    She wanted to believe him. She didn’t, but she wanted to, which was a whole level of disturbing she didn’t want to pick apart. “How long have you and the band been together?”
    He sat back in the chair, stretching his legs out in front of him, so one passed between hers and settled beneath her chair. “Me, Jay, and Lance have been together since high school. Our drummer took off to California. I met Kevin freshman year.”
    â€œWow. You guys have been working together since high school?”
    â€œWe didn’t actually work back then. We wanted to impress girls. We didn’t start paying jobs until college.”
    She turned her bottle in slow circles. “Why not play professionally?”
    â€œWe do. We’ll probably continue after graduation, but this is a hobby for us. I want a steady job with a real paycheck. If I had to rely on music to take care of me, I’d probably grow to resent it. Playing wouldn’t be fun anymore. I don’t like to do things that aren’t fun.”
    â€œHuh.” She hadn’t thought about it that way. She couldn’t imagine not loving music.
    Hunter leaned forward, bringing his legs back and bracing his elbows on his knees. “What are your plans?”
    Her mouth dried once again with his proximity. She’d do much better if he kept his laid-back, I-don’t-need-anything distance. When he leaned close like this, she felt like nothing else in the world could capture his attention. It was part of his charm and she couldn’t afford to get drawn in.
    â€œAfter you do graduate?” he prompted.
    Great. Now she looked like an idiot who couldn’t hold a conversation. “I hope to put together my own band and play full-time.”
    He angled his head slightly, but didn’t move back. “Why college, then? You don’t need a degree to play.”
    â€œI promised my parents I would finish. My major is graphic design, so I can do freelance work while I build a reputation for playing.” The explanation tightened her nerves. She should be able to tell him. Of all the people she knew, Hunter would understand her need to play.
    â€œWhat is it?” he asked quietly.
    â€œI’m good at graphic design. I could make a living at it, but I’m afraid it’ll suck the life out of me. I want to play music.”
    â€œSo play. If it’s right for you, go for it.”
    She smiled and huffed a little laugh. “Sounds great, except I haven’t been able to put together a band much less get hired. Three times I’ve tried and