His Dream Role by Shannyn Schroeder

door. She wanted more of him.
    With a gentle hand on his chest, she pushed. “Tell me about your dad.”
    â€œHuh?” His gaze was unfocused.
    She scooted back on the couch to gain some distance and perspective. For days they’d been talking a lot, but mostly about her. He revealed very little about himself. “You don’t talk much about your family. Except Cary. I almost feel like I know him. What about your parents?”
    He shook his head as if to clear it and turned his body to sit straight. “My mom’s an actress, or at least she used to be. She’s still involved with the theater as much as she can, but she doesn’t audition anymore. My dad’s an investment banker. He has his own firm.”
    â€œAnd Cary works with him?”
    â€œYeah. Cary’s his right hand. As soon as Cary graduated from college, he started bringing in clients. He’s got a way with people. Everyone likes him.”
    Sam felt the undercurrent of what Free wasn’t saying. Everyone liked Cary, not him. Her bell rang and she jumped up. “I think the best thing about living in the city is getting whatever kind of food you want delivered.”
    She went to the door and paid the delivery guy. When she turned, Free was right behind her.
    â€œI would’ve paid for dinner.”
    â€œNo big deal. You can get it next time.” The words slipped easily from her mouth. Although they’d only been on one date, she felt a connection to him. They hadn’t had a serious conversation about exclusivity, but ever since their date, she hadn’t thought about anyone else.
    She handed the bag to Free. “If you take this to the living room, I’ll get us some pop to drink. Sorry, I don’t have anything else, unless you want water.”
    â€œPop is good.”
    She took two cans from the fridge and grabbed some silverware and napkins. By the time she got back to the couch, he had the food spread out on the table, chopsticks waiting. It was all very comfy and cozy. And so different from what she’d had with her previous boyfriends. Wait until she told Jess about this.
    They sat on the floor and ate out of the cartons, sharing food and chopsticks. She couldn’t quite figure Free out. He’d been pretty hot in the elevator and at the door, but now that they were alone and sitting on the floor eating Chinese food, he didn’t flirt or attempt to touch her in any way. He treated her like she was nothing more than a friend. He told her hilarious stories that had her crying with laughter.
    Looked like it would be up to her to move things along. She scooted closer to him until her leg brushed his. “So. How do you feel about sleepovers?”
    His eyes widened and he choked on his noodles. He continued choking, and Sam took the carton from him and set it on the table. His eyes started to water and he raised his hands high.
    â€œAre you okay?”
    He nodded, but coughed some more. He reached for his can of pop and took a gulp. He inhaled slowly, coughing a little more. He slapped his chest and laughed.
    â€œSorry about that,” Sam said with a smile. “I kind of thought that’s where we were headed.”
    â€œNo. I mean, don’t worry about it. And yeah, I was hoping we were headed there, too. You just took me by surprise.”
    She pressed closer, her boobs pushing against his arm, and ran her fingers through his damp hair. “Does that mean you prefer to take the lead with a girl?”
    â€œNo. I’m totally comfortable with you in charge. I wasn’t expecting it.”
    â€œGood,” she whispered and licked the shell of his ear.
    A shaky breath eased from his mouth.
    Sam twisted and straddled him, squeezing between him and the table. It was a tight fit and she liked the way their bodies notched together. She leaned over and kissed him. The heat between them lay thick with need.
    Free surged up, which caused her back to crash