Read Online The Boyfriend Project by Rachel Hawthorne - Free Book Online Page A

which was probably his ultimate goal in suggesting this. But he was right that it was for a good cause. Convincing Jeremy of that, though, was something else entirely.
    That night we met Avery and Fletcher at Joe’s Pizzeria. They had the best salad bar and pizza buffet in town. Avery and I focused on the salad while the guys loaded up on a variety of slices. Fletcher picked up the jar of Parmesan, sprinkled the flaky cheese on a slice, and set the jar off to the side.
    â€œSo something interesting happened at the shelter today,” I began, putting the jar of Parmesan back in the center where it belonged.
    â€œAll the dogs got adopted?” Jeremy asked.
    â€œI wish. Wouldn’t that be great? But no, we’re preparing for our annual Bark in the Park fund-raiser, and we’re adding a new element this year. A gun show.” I didn’t know why I grimaced, maybe because all three looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “It’s not what you think.” Then I went on to explain how it worked. I ended with, “So are you guys willing to show your guns?”
    Fletcher shrugged. “Sure.”
    The way his T-shirt hugged him, he was pretty much showing off his build now. I looked at Jeremy. He didn’t appear quite as eager. It was probably the lawyer in him, looking for loopholes, wanting to read the small print. He was the only person I knew who actually read licensing agreements. “So what? We just stand there?” he asked.
    â€œPretty much, I think. And, you know, show off the guns.”
    â€œShirtless?”
    â€œNot necessarily. I think it’s whatever you’re comfortable with.” Although I could certainly see Chase removing his shirt if he got competitive.
    â€œI guess it seems harmless,” he said.
    â€œAnd it’s for a good cause,” I reminded him. Reaching over, I stroked his arm. “I bet you’d bring in a lot of money.”
    â€œOnly if you’re saving your dollars and vote for me.”
    â€œOf course I’m going to vote for you.”
    â€œOkay, then, as long as I’m assured of making a couple of bucks so I don’t look like an idiot, I’m in.”
    Smiling brightly, I squeezed his hand. “Yay! And you’ll make more than a couple. I promise.”
    â€œGuess I’d better start saving my dollars for Fletcher’s jar,” Avery said with a challenge in her eye.
    â€œMight need to make it fives,” I countered, “if you want any chance of Fletcher beating Jeremy.”
    â€œOh, yeah? Maybe I’ll make it twenties.”
    â€œStill won’t be enough.”
    â€œWhoa!” Jeremy exclaimed. “You girls might need to take this down a notch.”
    â€œIt’s just a little friendly competition,” Avery assured him.
    â€œThat’s right,” I confirmed. “But it’s game on.”
    Fletcher laughed. “Do you know how competitive Avery is?”
    â€œOf course, I know,” I assured him. “We’ve been best friends forever.”
    â€œMay the hunkiest boyfriend win,” she said. She tapped knuckles with Fletcher. While I’d never been able to beat her at grades, this was different. This was a chance for Jeremy, who no one seemed to notice, to shine and stand out.
    â€œBy the way,” Avery said, “I know it’s kinda short notice but Thursday is when I’ll start house-sitting. Dotwill be back Sunday. Are you guys still in?”
    â€œI am,” I said, and looked at Jeremy.
    â€œShould be able to get a day off from work,” he said.
    â€œWould you mind driving?” she asked. “Don’t think we really need two cars.”
    â€œSure, no problem.”
    â€œWe’re going to have so much fun.”
    When Jeremy and I got to my house, we slipped into the backyard and stretched out on a lounge chair on the patio. I was pretty sure Mom knew we were home—she had to have heard the car