His New Jam by Shannyn Schroeder Read Free Book Online Page B

rushed across her skin. She knew she couldn’t hide anything. That was why she liked to keep her distance. She licked her lips and tasted his kiss. “I don’t want this. I just got done telling you ten minutes ago that I won’t be one of your playthings.”
    â€œAnd I thought I was clear that I don’t treat women like playthings. I date women. I’ve dated a lot of women. Nothing stuck.” He threaded his fingers into her hair, tugging until she looked at him. “I’m not playing games. I want you. Let’s see where this goes.”
    Crap. This was more bizarre than she’d considered. She figured him for wanting a quick roll. Exploring with him put her far out of her element. “Not a good idea.”
    â€œYour kiss tells me otherwise.” He yanked her zipper up higher. “You want me to go warm up your car for you?”
    Huh? The offer jolted her. No pressure to stay and continue what they’d started. No urging to commit to something. Just a gentlemanly offer to warm her car. “No, thanks. I’ll be fine.”
    He stepped away and opened the front door for her. She shuffled to leave, confused by everything.
    â€œHey,” he called as she stepped into the hall.
    When she turned, he held out her bag. She reached for it, his fingers grazing hers, sending yet another surge of desire through her. Oh, man, did she have it bad. “Thanks.”
    â€œSee you tomorrow at practice.”
    â€œNot if I see you first.” She tried for a grin, but had a feeling that she looked more crazy than funny.
    He waited in the chilly hall until she was out the front door. She resisted the urge to look back once she got outside. She needed to get away from him to gather her senses. Maybe she should suggest they only do lessons in the practice rooms at school. Surely that would prevent anything from happening between them. Coming to his apartment and being alone with him wasn’t smart.
    She wouldn’t lie to herself and say she wasn’t attracted to him. She just needed to control it. By the time she got home, it was late, but Trish was waiting up.
    â€œWhere have you been?”
    â€œI told you I was practicing with a new band. I’m going to be filling in for their drummer for a few weeks. Then I gave a drum lesson.”
    â€œHmm-mm. What’s his name?”
    â€œWho?”
    â€œThe guy who kept you out late on a school night.”
    â€œI’m fine, Mom.” She knew Trish would be irritated by the comment. She prided herself on being the cool big sister.
    â€œI’m not scolding you.”
    â€œUsing a word like scold totally ruins your credibility as cool. You know that, right?”
    â€œWhatever. I’m glad you’re finally venturing out. Is he cute?”
    â€œVery.” Crap. She hadn’t wanted to say it out loud.
    â€œHa! I knew it.” Trish patted the couch beside her. “I want details.”
    â€œNo details. His name is Hunter. I know him from marching band. He needs drum lessons and a drummer for his band. I fit the bill.”
    â€œMaybe that’s how it started, but you have that look. The one that says much more happened.”
    Sydney let her bag slide to the floor with a sigh. “He kissed me before I left. But it was nothing. I told him I wasn’t looking for anything like that.” She added a nod as if it would make it all more convincing.
    â€œWhy would you do that? You need to go out, Syd. Have fun. Just don’t let it get out of hand.”
    Like last time. The words went unspoken, but they hung in the air. The problem was, she didn’t know if she could have fun without it getting out of hand. Especially with a guy like Hunter. “I am having fun. This is a great opportunity for me to play in a real band, making money. And if I’m successful with the drum lessons, I have one more way to earn cash.”
    â€œThere’s more to life than making