His New Jam (2 page)

“Not all of the band came, and it was fun.” The drum line missed out, as usual, and only half the brass showed.

“Except for all the drunk bodies laying all over the place the following morning.”

Free held up his hands. “I can't say much about that since I don't live with you guys and therefore don't suffer those repercussions, but I agree that it was too crowded to actually have fun with friends.”

Adam pointed at Hunter. “And don't forget the catfight that broke out.”

“That wasn't my fault. I'm irresistible.” In truth, having two girls brawl because they each thought he somehow
belonged
to her hadn't been as cool as it sounded.

If he left it up to Free and Adam, the entire party would consist of the three of them and maybe five other people sitting around sharing a case of beer. His friends needed help and he'd always taken it upon himself to make it happen. In a flash, he knew how to get them to agree to a bigger party.

Hunter's gaze bounced between his friends. “Does that mean you guys are going to have dates this year?”

“Nope,” Adam answered, and Free dodged him.

Hunter sighed, even though it was the answer he'd expected. “You guys are pitiful. The epitome of nerds. You get dates, I won't tell everyone and their cousin to come to our party.”

He knew the chances of that happening were slim. He'd have his blowout party. Besides, the more people he invited, the greater
their
odds were for hooking up with someone.

“You have a date?” Free asked.

He thought of Sydney, who shouldn't even be in the running. “Not yet. I have plenty of time. Working on some options.”

And just like that, Sydney became a real option. He didn't know why he was willing to toss out his no-band-members rule for her, but he knew he wanted a chance.

The door opened behind him and Adam greeted the customer by name, but something about Adam's face made Hunter turn to look. A girl with dark hair stared at them with wide eyes before turning to look at comics. Hunter waved a hand toward the girl.

“What?” Adam whispered.

“Ask her, you idiot. She's cute.”

“She's not like that.”

Hunter shook his head. Adam needed more help than he'd thought. “Every girl is datable.”

Adam didn't respond. At the rate he moved, Hunter had no worries about the size of their party.

Chapter 2

W
ednesday morning was bitter cold and Sydney was late heading to practice. As she raced across the field, she hadn't even given Hunter a thought, until someone suddenly started playing “Sweet Child O' Mine.” It was a little rough, but she'd recognize the music anywhere. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Hunter leave formation to follow her. If he hadn't been section leader, he would've gotten in trouble.

As she neared the drum line, Daniel stepped forward and said, “Are you done playing with your boyfriend so we can get to work?”

She felt her face go fifty shades of red. The brass section snickered, which she clearly heard because Hunter had stopped playing. With her head down, she rushed to her spot.

“Hey, man, cut her some slack. We haven't started yet. I'm just having some fun.”

Sydney's mouth dried. Now everyone stared, wondering what was going on. She wanted to tell Hunter to go away, that she didn't need him to defend her, but the damage was already done. Anything she said would only make it worse.

“Have fun on your own time.”

Hunter stepped closer and although she couldn't hear what he said, she knew it couldn't be good. Heated words were exchanged and the crowd around her seemed to lean forward en masse to hear. Not her. She didn't want to know. She wanted to slink away without being noticed.

Then Hunter stepped back, pointed at her, and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “You don't even know how good she is because your head is so far up your ass.”

“You run your section your way. Leave my people to me.”

Oh God. Her stomach revolted and her Cheerios threatened a return trip. The bandleader called everyone to their spots, forcing Hunter and Daniel apart. He eyed the two of them, but didn't ask questions. As he took his place, Daniel glared at her. He didn't like being questioned. She'd learned that early on. All she wanted to do was keep her head down and finish school.

Practice was a mess. She couldn't stop thinking about Hunter, and not in a good way. Why the hell had he said anything? When she told him to play “Sweet Child O' Mine,” she figured he'd give up. Having him actually play it, knowing he learned it for her, made her warm and tingly. But sticking his nose in the drum line pissed her off. Now everyone thought they were together.

That she was one of his girls who couldn't help but fall for him.

Ha! Fat chance of that happening. She'd learned her lesson about guys like him. She'd already lost too much time trying to fix her life and create a new reputation for herself.

She might not be seen as the campus sweetheart, but she also wouldn't be considered the band slut.

As soon as practice ended, she ran off the field. Daniel would most likely want an additional practice today, especially since she was offbeat several times. She knew the drill and the music, but she'd been flustered by the whole scene with Hunter. She'd be better off practicing alone.

She needed to blow off steam, and she had an hour until class. Moving straight to the practice rooms, she hoped, since it was still early, that she'd find an empty space. She ducked into the first free room with a drum set and sat down. After a quick warm-up, she slid right into one of her favorite songs: “Bad Reputation.”

Halfway through, the door swung open. She hadn't checked the sign-up, so a sinking feeling hit her that she might have to leave. But Hunter strode through the door, an easy smile creasing his face.

She wanted to jab him with her drumstick. How could he smile at her like that after the trouble he'd caused? She fought the urge to throw a stick at him and continued to play. By the time she'd finished, her muscles were warm and her jaw hurt from being clenched.

Hunter stayed, leaning against the door, watching her every movement.

“What do you want?” she asked as she reached into her bag for a bottle of water.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay. You looked upset after practice.”

“I'm fine.”

He studied her face while she gulped water.

“No you're not. Now you're pissed again.”

She glared at him.

“What did I do?”

She pressed her toes into the floor to stop herself from running at him. “I don't need you defending me to Daniel or anyone else.”

“Daniel's a prick. I was trying to get him to lighten up.”

“Then why bring me into it at all? You singled me out in front of everyone.”

“You said yourself he never gives you a chance.”

He stepped away from the door. If he had any inkling of the anger vibrating through her, he offered no sign. He sauntered closer, like he didn't have a care in the world.

“First, it's not your problem. Second, did you really think
you
could change anything?”

He shrugged, which infuriated her more. He liked to stir up trouble and sit back and watch.

“Go away, Tenor.”

“Hunter. My name's Hunter.”

She knew but didn't want to care. He was within touching range now, and the tension between them was palpable. She raised an eyebrow to convey her indifference as she tried to ignore the electrified air bouncing between them.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Your timing sucks.”

“You're not the first person to say that.” He turned a huge grin on her. “In my defense, I was trying to be nice out there, not piss you off.”

She grunted at him, determined not to be swayed by the smile.

“I want you to teach me to play drums.” He fingered the edge of the floor tom.

“You know how to play. I've heard you.”

“I can wing it. I have a good ear, but I want to be able to really play.”

“I'm no teacher.” She gulped the rest of her water. She'd never thought about lessons, but it might be a way to make money.

“But you're good.”

“So is everyone else on the drum line.”

“But I like you.”

She snorted. “You like everyone.”

There was the careless shrug again. “You in?”

“What's in it for me?”

He leaned over the crash cymbal. “What do you want?”

He asked like it was a dirty little secret and it made her blood rush in ways it shouldn't. She couldn't afford to be attracted to someone like him, someone who wanted all the attention on him, someone who would make everyone stare at her like he had this morning.

“Nothing from you.”

He rocked back on his heels and nodded his head slowly. “How about a paying gig?”

“You're going to pay me to teach you?”

“No. But my band has a regular gig on the weekends and my drummer is going home for the holidays. Unless you're going somewhere?”

Her resolve to avoid Hunter began to dissolve like ice under rock salt. He offered the one thing she needed: experience with a band. She'd failed at putting together her own band numerous times, mostly because she expected too much from people or she rubbed them the wrong way.

She bit her lip. If she took this deal, she would be spending her entire break with Hunter. They would have band practice together and private lessons and work on the weekends. Hitching her chin up, she asked, “What kind of music?”

“Mostly covers of classic rock.”

Her heart sped. It seemed too good to be true. “How often does your band practice and how many lessons are you looking for?”

He started to shrug, but then seemed to think better of it. “My guy, Kevin, won't be leaving until after finals, but I think you should jump in early, if it suits your schedule. We usually practice two or three days a week.” The corner of his mouth flicked up again. “I'm ready to start lessons immediately.”

“I need to think about it. I'll let you know.”

“Okay. Don't take too long, though. I'm gonna need a replacement for Kevin.”

Then he spun on his heel and walked out. Sydney released air from deep in her lungs. Something about that guy did things to her and she didn't like it. Flirting with him on the field had been a mistake. She saw that now, regardless of what Emma had said. What would happen if she agreed to spend more time with him? Rumors would definitely start flying.

She slung her bag over her shoulder to go to class. Hunter had already taken up enough space in her head for one day.

Hunter walked into the apartment near midnight. “Adam?” No response. Where the hell could Adam be? It wasn't like he had a social life. Hunter had just gotten off from a night at Andy's Jazz Club. He loved playing there more than anything, so when he was asked to work an extra night tomorrow to fill in, he jumped at the chance. Great musicians surrounded him there, and he always learned something new. The passion they displayed had made him think of Sydney in the practice room.

He flipped on lights as he walked through the apartment and went to the kitchen. He kicked off his shoes under the table before reaching into the cabinet for some cereal. He shook the box. Damn, it was light. If he ate this now, he wouldn't have enough for breakfast. Then again, if he slept in, he wouldn't need breakfast. Satisfied with his decision, he sat at the table and scooped a handful of cereal into his mouth. A few flakes hit the table.

The front door opened and closed. “Hey,” Hunter called.

A minute later, Adam stood behind him. “At least you're not spilling on the floor this time. Why can't you make a bowl like a normal person?”

“Then I'd have to clean the bowl. This way, I don't dirty anything.”

Adam rolled his eyes and reached into the refrigerator for a beer. He held one out to Hunter. Hunter accepted it, even though he wasn't really in the mood for one. If Adam was offering, something was up. “Where were you tonight?” he asked as he popped the top on the beer.

Adam sank into the chair across from him. “Reese's apartment working on the comics.”

Hunter sighed. “So you had a whole night alone with a cute girl and you drew pictures.”

“And watched
Thor
.”

“That's progress, I suppose.”

“No progress. We're just friends.”

Hunter leaned forward and studied his roommate. “You act like you're just friends. You keep saying that, but that's not what you want. Did she shoot you down?”

“What? No. We're working together. That's it.”

“So that explains why you're so wound up you need to have a beer after being alone with her.”

“Look. Reese is cute. I'll give you that. But I'm not into her.”

Hunter slugged back some beer, not enjoying the taste mixed with sugary cereal one bit. “Then you won't care if I ask her out.”

“You can't go out with her.”

“Why not? She's cute and you don't want her.”

“Because it'd be weird. You going out with my friend. What if she slept over with you? No.”

The look of fear on Adam's face was worth playing this out. “I can keep it simple. We'll go back to her place.”

“I'll be stuck in the middle of a mess when you dump her.”

“Who says I'll dump her? Maybe she's the woman to tame me.” Okay, maybe he'd taken it too far.

Adam snorted. “How much have you had to drink? This can't be your first beer.”

“It is.” He pointed a finger at Adam. “I'm excellent at getting them to break up with me.”

“Fuck you. I don't want her pissed off at me because of something you did.”

Adam held back pretty well, but Hunter knew his friend. He just needed to press the right button to get him to admit it. “I'll invite her to the New Year's party.”

“You are not inviting my friend as your date. Get your own.” Adam chugged the remainder of his beer and tossed the can.

Now they were getting somewhere. Something was definitely bugging him. “What's going on?”

“Nothing. I'm going to bed.”

“Hey, man, you know I was just yanking your chain. I have enough of my own prospects. I don't need to poach.” He immediately thought of Sydney and how pissed off she'd been.

“Yeah, I know.”

“I'm here if you want to talk.”

Adam shook his head and left the room. Hunter poured the rest of his beer down the sink, sacrilege to most guys he knew, but he'd only taken the beer because he thought Adam wanted to talk. Without Adam in the room to distract him, Hunter was left thinking about Sydney again.

The way she'd played in the practice room was awesome. He'd been hesitant to interrupt her, but once he heard the passion in her music, he'd known that she would be an excellent coach for him. He knew the basics and could muddle through, but once he became a teacher, he didn't want to just muddle through. He wanted to be able to teach any student whatever instrument he or she wanted to learn.