Read Online His New Jam by Shannyn Schroeder - Free Book Online

first.”
    â€œI knew it.”
    They placed their orders for foot-long Italian subs, extra dressing. They grabbed a booth and as they unrolled their sandwiches, Hunter said, “Shoot.”
    Without looking up from his food, Free said, “There’s this girl, Samantha.”
    â€œKnew it,” Hunter said around a mouthful of bread and meat.
    â€œI met her at the coffee shop near the gym where I meet Cary.”
    â€œHave you talked to her yet?” With most guys, if they said they’d met a girl, he wouldn’t have to ask, but with Free, meeting could just as easily mean he’d seen her and made eye contact.
    â€œYeah. A couple of times.” He bit into his sandwich.
    Hunter waited, shoving more food into his mouth.
    â€œI even bought her a cup of coffee.”
    â€œWait a minute. You said you met her after the gym?”
    Free nodded.
    â€œSo you were wearing one of your crazy costumes.”
    â€œThat’s just it. Every time I’ve seen her, I’ve been coming from the gym. She’s only seen me in costume.”
    â€œHmm . . . I don’t know if it’s a positive or a negative. She’s seen you at your craziest: plus. If she’s not weirded out by it: minus.” Hunter knew Free’s motivation behind wearing the costumes was to help his brother while he worked out to lose weight, but to strangers, Free just looked crazy.
    Free shrugged. “I think she likes it. Even before I talked to her, I saw her watching me, like waiting to see how I’d be dressed. The last couple of times, she asked to take my picture.”
    â€œAre you sure she’s not a crazy?”
    â€œShe seems normal. She’s studying to be a social worker, so she’s in the area every day for volunteer work at some shelter.”
    â€œWhat’s the problem?”
    â€œShe’s only seen me in costume at the coffee shop. How do I move past that?”
    â€œThat’s your problem? Easy—ask her out.”
    â€œEasy for you, maybe.” Free picked at the lettuce on his sandwich.
    Hunter set down his half-eaten sub and wiped his hands on a napkin. “Are you seeing her today?”
    â€œHopefully.”
    â€œSo today, when you sit down to drink your coffee, tell her that although you like your brief meetings, you’d like to extend your time with her. Ask her if she’s free for dinner.” He felt sorry for Free. He couldn’t imagine being so afraid of women. Hunter had been a natural flirt his whole life. Free had always been unsure of himself.
    â€œJust like that? Tell her I want to go out with her?”
    â€œYeah. Did you think there was some magic to it? I just ask. She has no way of knowing how you feel unless you tell her. Maybe she’s thinking you’re a strange guy who likes to chat over coffee. I’ve seen you flirt. You can’t throw out a line to save your life. You need the direct approach.” He picked up his sandwich again. “The worst that happens is that she says no.”
    â€œThen what?”
    Hunter thought of Sydney. “If you really want her, you try again. Some women appreciate persistence.”
    â€œAnd some would call you a stalker.”
    Hunter laughed. “Hopefully, you get the hint before that point.”
    As they finished their meal, they talked about plans for the New Year’s Eve party, Hunter effectively shutting down Free’s annual idea of having a costume party. The guy needed to get comfortable in his own skin. His dad wouldn’t let him play dress-up at work. Getting used to life without costumes would be Free’s resolution.
    Hunter thought again about Sydney. What kind of resolution would she have? Then he decided she wouldn’t have one. She was the kind of girl who wanted to live without regrets.

Chapter 7
    S ydney unlocked the apartment door and found only the kitchen light on, which meant Trish was already in bed. She would never know Syd