“What does he want from you?”
“I’m not even sure. Today it’s about the car. He bought it and I gave it back to him.”
Free didn’t have a response to that. He knew the wrong words would make this conversation take an ugly turn.
“I know it sounds stupid. Trust me. He does it to exert control.” She stepped forward and laid her forehead on his shoulder. “I wish I could roll back the clock and be in bed with you.”
“Of course you do. I gave you a screaming orgasm and you gave me blue balls.”
His comment had the desired effect. She laughed. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “Be strong. Tell your dad what’s important to you.”
She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “That’s not a quote, is it?”
“No, but this is. We are who we choose to be. Spider-Man.”
He kissed her until her body relaxed and her skin was flushed.
“You taste like sex,” she whispered against his lips.
“I taste like you.” He licked his lips. “You’d better go. Your dad’s waiting and if you keep looking at me like that, he might come back here.”
“Call me later.”
“I will.”
While she was in the shower, he gathered the rest of his clothes and straightened up the bed. Samantha was dressed and ready faster than any other woman he’d ever seen.
She called out a good-bye from the door. He dashed over to catch her before she left.
“Hey. I know you’re in a hurry, but I wanted to ask you about New Year’s Eve.”
Her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “What about it?”
“If you don’t have plans, I want to spend it with you. My friends and I throw a party every year. Will you go with me?”
Her whole face brightened with her smile. “Of course.” She tilted her head up and kissed him. Then she ran out.
He had hours until he needed to be back at the theater for opening night. In Samantha’s kitchen, he found her coffee and made a pot and then took a shower. While he drank a cup of coffee, he cleaned up their dinner mess from the previous night. They’d been too busy to think about the remainder of food. He tossed everything and looked around.
He didn’t want to leave, but he shouldn’t stay. He wanted to be here when Sam got home, but she’d told him to leave. She might not want him here when she returned. They would definitely talk more about her family. She talked about school and work, but rarely her parents. Now he wondered what the deal was.
He packed his bag and carried his holster with blaster. When he got to the door, he decided he didn’t want to just leave, so he dug through a couple of drawers until he found pen and a piece of paper.
I had the best time. We have opening night tonight. Although you’ve seen it, I’m going to leave you a couple of tickets at Will Call. Bring a friend. The cast goes out after the play. Maybe you can join us. Hope to see you later.
—Free
For the first time in months, he felt good. He liked having a woman in his life, and Samantha eased in as if she belonged there.
As he left her apartment, he sent Hunter a text. I have a date for the party. Call off the craziness.
Sam sat in the restaurant and sipped her lemon water, waiting for her dad to lay in to her.
“You should’ve returned my calls.”
“It was one call. I’ve been busy with work for the end of the semester.”
“That’s never prevented you from calling me before. Maybe it’s this boy you’re seeing.” He shook out his napkin and laid it across his lap.
“Please don’t say it like that. Free is a good guy. He’s an actor, but he’s in college, graduating this spring.”
Her dad hmphed at that.
“Free had nothing to do with me not calling you back. I didn’t call because I didn’t want you to try to bully me into taking the car back. I don’t want it.”
“That’s ridiculous. Why wouldn’t you want a car?” He drank his water and waved the waiter over.
“Yes, sir.”
“Coffee, please.” He looked at Sam.
“Me, too.”
The waiter left and Sam folded her hands in her lap. “I don’t need the car, Dad. Living in the city means I have access to pretty reliable public transportation. I won’t have to worry about paying for parking.”
“There’s something else.”
“That car makes me feel like a snob.”
“It’s a good car.”
“I know. Try to put yourself in my shoes. I’m working in neighborhoods that make that car a target. I help people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. And then I drive off in a Mercedes. I feel like a phony and some of the people look at me like that.” Her mouth and throat dried as she spoke and she took a cooling drink of water.
“You shouldn’t care what they think of you. You’re helping them. That’s all that should matter.”
“I can help them and take the train.”
“I worry about you. You’re too trusting and naïve.”
“I’m not as dumb as you think I am.”
The waiter returned with coffee. Her dad waited until the man left before speaking again.
“I’ve never thought of you as stupid. You are too trusting. How many times has someone you’re helping stolen from you?”
Damn. It was like he had her followed. She couldn’t answer him or she’d lose the argument altogether. “I appreciate that you worry about me, but I’m okay. I take the train or bus, and if I’m in an unsafe neighborhood late or I feel uncomfortable, I call a cab.”
He said nothing.
She wrapped her hands around her coffee cup. “I need to start living my life and taking care of myself.”
He shook his head. “I’m not going to convince you, am I?”
“Nope.” Holy crap. Had she just won an argument with her dad? She felt like whooping and hollering through the restaurant. Not only had she won, but he’d actually listened to her. He might not agree with what she said, but he’d listened. “Thank you, Dad.”
“For what?”
“For trying to understand where I’m coming from.”
“The car will be in the garage if you change your mind.”
“I won’t. You should sell it.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to get going. I have a paper I need to finish this weekend.” She stood and left her napkin beside her cup.
He joined her. “Are you going to school or back to your apartment?”
“My apartment.”
“I’ll drop you off. I’m glad you haven’t tried to give up the apartment.” He tossed bills on the table.
She looped her arm around his. “I will, Dad. I just can’t swing it until I’m working full-time. I’m not going to live off of you forever. Don’t you want me to grow up?”
“Not particularly.” He kissed her head and she leaned into him.
When she got back to her apartment, part of her hoped Free would still be there, but as soon as she opened the door, she knew he wasn’t. It was a silly hope. He might’ve had class or work. He couldn’t sit around waiting for her all day.
Inside, there was a note stuck to the wall near her coat hook. She couldn’t help but smile. Free was a good guy. She held the note as she walked through the apartment. He’d left no overt sign that he’d been there, but he’d cleaned up the mess they’d left.
She would definitely go to the play tonight. Maybe Jess would be free to join her. Then she could see that he wasn’t a freak. But first she texted Free.
I’d love to see the play again. Not sure about going out after. I have a paper to finish this weekend. But maybe for a little while.
I’ll take whatever I can get. See you later.
As she thumbed through her contacts to call Jess, another text from Free came across.
How did things go with your dad?
Better than expected. I’ll tell you about it tonight.
Not just a good
guy, but considerate, too. It wouldn’t take much for her to completely fall for him. The thought was crazy; she’d only known him for a couple of weeks.
She called Jess to make plans for tonight and to get a dose of sanity.
“Hey, babe. What’s up?”
“You want to go out tonight?”
“Sure. Where do you want to go?”
“I have a couple of tickets to see A Christmas Carol.”
A long pause followed.
“Why?”
“It’s opening night and Free is leaving tickets for us.”
“This is your latest weirdo?”
“He’s not weird and I really like him. Plus, this’ll be your chance to meet him and check him out. Then you’ll see he’s not a weirdo.”
Jess groaned. “Okay. What time?”
That was one reason she loved Jess. The girl could complain like nobody’s business, but she always came through as a friend. They made plans to meet at the theater. If Free passed Jess’s test, Sam might think about bringing him to meet her parents. After the holidays, of course. Bringing someone home at Christmas spoke volumes about the relationship and they weren’t at that stage. At least not yet.
Chapter 7
When the curtain came down, Jess stood and stretched. “You were right. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.”
“Told you.” Sam reclined in the theater seat. “I don’t know how long it’ll take for Free to change, so we might as well stay here.”
Jess remained standing and looked across the theater. “Decent-sized crowd.”
“I thought they were good. Professional.”
Jess plopped back into the seat. “You seem mellow. Why is that? You’re usually nervous when I meet a boyfriend for the first time.”
“I’m not sure. Free is different. We’re comfortable together.”
“Seriously?”
“What?”
“You slept with him already.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sam dodged Jess’s stare.
“Spill.”
Sam leaned closer to Jess and lowered her voice. “So what? We slept together.”
“And?”
“It was sweet and fun. And before you ask, we talked about being exclusive. He’s totally on board.” She decided to keep his lack of condoms to herself. “He was kind of awkward at first, but he warmed up.” She thought about him going down on her moments before her dad barged in. “We were almost caught in the act by my dad.”
“Bet that was fun.”
“Not.” 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.”
“Seriously?”
“He 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.”
“Tell him he can send it my way any time.”
“You’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.”
“I’ll be nice as long as he is.”
“Then 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.
“Hi. I’m Free.”
“Jess,” she answered, as she looked him up and down.
“Most 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.”
“Do you need a ride?”
“No. Jess has her car. We can meet you there.”
“I’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?”
“No. 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?”
“You’re performing and I have schoolwork, so probably not.” The thought made her stomach sink.
“How 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.”
“Tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”
“Are you serious?”
“Why 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.
“I’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.”
“You, 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.”
“So am I. I liked meeting your friends.”
“Did I pass the test?”
Sam smiled. “You mean Jess? She’s not a test.” Well, maybe a little. “I think you did okay.”
“What would happen if I didn’t?”
“I’d have to dump you and burn your number, of course.”
“Very 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.”
“Coffee Monday?”
“Absolutely.”
He stood at the door and watched until she was safely in Jess’s car. She smiled and waved as Jess pulled away.
“How long have you known this guy?”
Sam shrugged. “A few weeks I guess.”
“You have it so bad.”
“What?”
“And 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.”
“But 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.”
“I’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.
“Free, glad you could stop by.”
“It felt a little more like you were expecting me, not inviting me.”
“You’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?”
“I 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.
“I don’t work here yet. I don’t see what good will come of it.”
His Dream Role Page 6
