Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series)

  Dylan and Taylor

  Scarlet Wolfe

  Copyright © 2013 Scarlet Wolfe Books

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author.dpgroup The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  ISBN-13: 978-1492196556

  ISBN-10: 149219655X

  Contents

  Dedication

  Notes

  Do We Have To?

  A Storm is Brewing

  Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

  Hot and Bothered

  When Hell Freezes Over

  Change of Heart

  Partial Truths

  Release Your Inhibitions

  A Step in the Wrong Direction

  Revelations

  An Old Flame

  Crash and Burn

  When at First You Don’t Succeed ….

  One Step Forward

  Strip it Off

  One Step Backward

  Counting Sheep

  Paybacks

  Time for Change

  Turn the Page

  A Labor of Love

  All Bets are Off

  Cupid’s Arrow

  One Last Hurrah

  Virtual Reality

  Star Struck

  Is it Time Yet?

  Let’s Get Acquainted

  Moment of Truth

  Creature Comforts

  Little Brother, Big Advice

  Broken Dreams

  Drown Your Sorrows

  One’s Heart Stands Still

  You Want Me to What?

  Fifteen Minutes of Fame

  Band Together

  Flirting with Temptation

  Ray of Sunshine

  The End is Just the Beginning

  There’s No Place like Home

  End Notes

  An Excerpt from Matt and Morgan

  (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 4)

  Acknowledgements

  Dedication

  To all the music bands and sweet guys who don’t get the credit they deserve.

  Notes

  This novel is written from the point of view of

  Dylan, Taylor, Hannah and Nate.

  Do We Have To?

  Dylan

  “Sorry, Dylan, but I told you four o’clock, and I meant it,” Bob says.

  I impatiently tap my foot on the floor as I look at the clock on the wall of the electrical company I work for as an apprentice.

  “Bob, we’re dead. That’s three more flippin’ hours.” Why have I wished college away? In about five months, I’m going to have to do this shit full-time.

  “Yes, and we could get a call before then. Look, I have too much paperwork to do. If someone calls, you’re going on the run,” Bob says as he sifts through invoices on his desk.

  “I’d like to go on a run right out of here,” I mumble as I dig my phone out of my pocket to call Brett.

  “Brett, it’s Dylan.”

  “Hey, man, what’s up?”

  “My boss won’t let me out of here until four, so have Hannah send me the address, and I’ll drive down when I get off work.”

  “Can do, my friend.”

  He’s always in too good of a mood. “I know Hannah’s great and all, but I don’t know how you’re still this chipper after living with her for four months.”

  “It’s love, man and a lot of sex.”

  “Douche bag, total douche bag.”

  “If you’d stop nailing and bailing, you’d be having lots of sex, too.” Brett laughs loudly.

  “Like I’ve told you every other time you’ve given me shit about this, when I find the right girl, I will.”

  “Like I believe that, man. Hannah wants to talk to you.”

  “Hannah, what’s up?”

  “Are you riding with us?”

  “No, I just told Brett I’ll have to ride down this evening.”

  “Well, how much do you love me?”

  I instantly hear Brett in the background telling her not to ask that. He’s still so fucking jealous.

  “Why? What do you want?”

  “I need a huge favor. Can you give Taylor a ride here?”

  “That would be a big fat no. I don’t love you that much.”

  “Please, Dylan. She can’t come otherwise.”

  “And that’s a bad thing? I thought I was having a break through with her at your housewarming party, but then she added chains to that wall of hers. I’m tired of Taylor acting like us guys are beneath her. She’s not like the rest of you girls.”

  “I know you still like her, Dylan. She’s sweet. She just hasn’t shown you yet. I’m hoping she’ll lighten up if she spends this much time with all of us.”

  “I do like her, but I’ve been trying for months to get over that damn woman, so I don’t need to be trapped in a car with her for almost four hours.”

  “She planned to ride with us, but she can’t leave early, either. You both have to come at the same time, so please, please, please, Dylan? Do it for me, not for her. I’m renting an Escalade for you to drive, so you can’t tell me no.”

  “You’re renting us a car?”

  I can never tell Hannah no. I try, but it’s useless. She’s too sweet.

  “Dammit, fine. What do I have to do?”

  “I’ll text you her address and the address for where we’re staying. Just tell the guard at the gate that you’re there to pick up Taylor.”

  “You owe me for this. She better not ruin our week.”

  “You’re the best, Dylan.”

  Taylor

  I can’t believe I agreed to ride with Dylan. He drives me insane. No guy deserves to be that hot. I’ll have to spend almost a week trying not to ogle him every minute he’s near me. I just know it’s bullshit under all that charm of his.

  He’s the last man I should trust. I can’t even begin to imagine the number of girls that have dropped their panties for him, and if I hadn’t already wised up to the ways of men, I’d probably fall for his shit, too. This isn’t going to work. While packing my suitcase, I decide I have to call Hannah.

  “Hello,” she says.

  “Hannah, I can’t do this. I’ll just rent a car.”

  “No, you need to ride with Dylan. It isn’t safe for you to drive all that way by yourself.”

  “Hannah, I’ve lived in New York City. I think I’m capable.”

  “I already rented the vehicle, and Dylan’s probably already on his way to your house.”

  “Ugh. I can’t believe I have to be in a car with him for that long.”

  “When are you going to see how great he is?”

  “Never.”

  “Taylor, you said you’d try to get along better with the guys. You promised.”

  I sigh. “OK, sorry. I’ll try harder.”

  “That’s my girl. We’re making good time, so I think we’ll be there in a little over an hour. We’re going to have a blast this week, so I’ll see you tonight.”

  My sister walks into the room as I’m hanging up.

  “Can I please go?” Tory asks.

  “No way. I never get time like this with my friends. I’ll feel like I have to babysit you the whole time.”

  “Sis, I’m almost eighteen. I don’t need babysitting.”

  I love Tory, but I’m jealous of her social
skills. She gets along with others almost too well. If she goes, she’ll make me appear even more anti-social.

  “You can’t go. It’s going to be stressful enough dealing with Dylan.”

  “How bad can he really be?”

  I stop what I’m doing and look at her. “He’s dangerously charming.”

  “That’s hot.”

  “You’re going to be in so much trouble when you start college, Tory. Help me finish packing.”

  Dylan

  I pull up at Taylor’s mansion around five in the evening. How the hell is her house bigger than Hannah’s? Before knocking on the door, I take a deep breath. I’m certain the next several hours will be hell if not the whole week.

  Hannah’s parents own a monstrous cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The town butts up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hannah and Brett invited our whole group of friends to stay there with them for five nights over our winter break from classes.

  It’s been in the works for a couple of months, and all nine of us have been pumped about it. Actually, Taylor makes ten, but she’s probably dreading it. I don’t think that girl even knows the meaning of fun. A middle aged lady opens the door.

  “Hello, I’m Brenda, Taylor’s mom. Come on in.”

  “Hi, ma’am, I’m Dylan. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Please call me Brenda. Taylor should be down in a minute. Please take care of my girl for me, and tell Ms. Hannah to come see me soon. I need to get a look at that engagement ring of hers and meet her fiancé.”

  “OK, will do, and I’ll do my best to get Taylor there in one piece,” I say, smiling.

  If I don’t throw her out of the vehicle first. I can’t help but notice how attractive Brenda is. She has blonde hair and a great figure. I imagine she has the money to keep herself looking good indefinitely. I guess Taylor got her dark hair from her dad.

  This mansion is immaculate, and the foyer alone is bigger than my living room. What do these people do to make so much dough?

  I hear Taylor speaking loudly to another female as they both come around the corner. Taylor appears hurried and out of breath. She gives her mom and me a warm smile, and I’m taken aback by her friendly demeanor.

  “Wow, who are you?” the girl with Taylor asks.

  “I’m Dylan,” I say, grinning. This has to be a sister. She’s hot like Taylor, but she has golden blonde hair.

  “I’m Tory, Taylor’s younger sister, but I’ll be legal in just a few months,” she says all flirty.

  “Taylor, why didn’t you tell me how hot Dylan is?” Tory asks, not taking her eyes off of me.

  Oh, this is going to be fun. I grin and look at Taylor.

  “Yeah, Taylor, why didn’t you tell Tory how hot I am?”

  Taylor rolls her eyes. “Sorry, it never crossed my mind.”

  A response I’d expect from her. “Dang that was cruel. Is she always this ruthless?” I ask, pointing my thumb toward Taylor.

  Brenda pats me on the shoulder. “You’re so funny and cute. You need to come over for dinner sometime.”

  “Thank you, Brenda. I’d love to come for dinner.”

  Tory stands up on her tiptoes and claps. “Yayee, I can’t wait.”

  This chick has some energy. I glance to Taylor and see that her eyes are as big as silver dollars. I’m loving every minute of this.

  “We need to leave. We’re already getting there late,” she says.

  Her suitcase is by the door, and she has a large purse over her shoulder. Taylor gives her mom a hug.

  “Bye, Mom. I’ll text you when we get there.”

  I pick up her suitcase.

  “You don’t have to carry it,” she says, reaching for it.

  I quickly pull it away and look her in the eyes.

  “Yes, I do.” I turn my attention back to her mom and sister. “It was nice meeting you both.” I flash them a big grin before I go out the door.

  Taylor

  We’re in the Escalade, and it’s quiet for several minutes. I don’t know what to say to him.

  “Your sister’s cute. Is she always that forward?”

  I roll my eyes. I imagine I’ll be doing it a lot this week.

  “Yes, she’s always the life of the party. Somehow my parents are oblivious to her ways. I can’t imagine what she’s going to be like in a few months when older guys can legally date her, and I’m sure she’ll start trying to get into bars if she hasn’t already.”

  Dylan glances over at me. “Have you eaten?”

  “Yes. Have you?”

  “I ate a little bit when I went home to shower.”

  The second we were in this vehicle I knew he showered. He smells delicious. Some of his wavy hair under his ball cap is still damp, too. There’s several more minutes of awkward silence.

  Dylan turns on the radio to a rock channel and turns it up. I’m surprised. I pegged him as a country music only fan because of how he dresses and due to his strong country accent, not to mention the fact that Cody is his best friend. He’s about as country as it gets. I realize I’m majorly stereotyping, so I snicker and look out the side window.

  “What was that for?” he asks.

  “What?”

  “Do you find something funny? Is the rock music burning your country ears?”

  I let out a loud laugh. “Hardly, I figured you were the one who only listens to country music.”

  My father is Vincent Page, the lead guitarist for the famous 80’s band, Strip it Off. They’re still putting out hits today, and my dad is considered one of the most famous guitarists of all time.

  I’d say for sure I have Dylan beat when it comes to what we know about rock music. He has the radio up too loud for me to sleep. I’m tired, so I let out a loud sigh and lean my head against the window.

  “What now?” he asks.

  “Nothing.”

  “It’s something, so just spit it out.”

  I don’t know why he can’t say things in a nicer tone.

  “Can you turn that down a little? I want to rest.”

  “Sure, and I ain’t buyin’ that you like rock music.”

  “Trust me, I’m pretty fond of that genre of music.” I find my phone and send Hannah a text message.

  Me: Have you told any of the guys who my father is?

  Hannah responds quickly: No, but you need to!

  Me: I’ll tell them when I’m ready.

  Hannah: You need to tell them on this trip. It’s a big part of who you are! Actually, now that I think about it, Dylan would absolutely freak if he knew. Aww, he would love you even more.

  Me: Real funny, Hannah Banana. It’s obvious he can’t stand me.

  I throw my phone back into my bag. I thought Dylan was messing with me because of my dad, but now I see he’s being genuine about his music interests.

  “I grew up listening to rock music. It’s pretty much all my parents have ever listened to,” I say.

  “My parents prefer country, but I’m definitely more of a rock fan.”

  I look over at him. “Who do you listen to?”

  “Mainly the old stuff, but I’ve grown to like a lot of the new rock that isn’t really mainstream. They play it a lot on satellite radio. Hey, we have that in this vehicle.” He excitedly starts looking for a channel.

  “Well, when you find it, would you please not turn it up too loud?”

  “Sure, sunshine. I wouldn’t want you to lose your beauty sleep.”

  “God, this is going to be the longest trip of my life. It’ll probably feel longer than flying to Europe,” I say, groaning.

  “I’m sorry that I’m so repulsive.” He sounds pissed.

  “You’re not. Can we please just drop it? I promised Hannah I’d get along with you, so could you at least try to make it easier for me?”

  “Of course, here we go with the ‘I’m better than you, and I’m the one having to tolerate your shit’.”

  “You’re so fucking exhausting sometimes, Dylan. I’m going to sleep!”
>
  “You’re welcome, sunshine.”

  I let out another groan before making my head as comfortable as possible against the window. I swear I’m telling him off the next time he calls me that.

  ***

  Dylan’s voice wakes me. His hand is wrapped around my upper arm, and he’s stroking it with his thumb. It feels good, and now I’m embarrassed, so I sit up quickly. “What are you doing?”

  He lets go of my arm. “Sorry, I said your name, but I couldn’t get you to wake up without touching you. I guess you’re not a light sleeper.”

  “Why are we stopped?” I notice we’re parked outside a restaurant.

  “You’ve been sleeping awhile. I need to use the restroom, and I cringed thinking of you going into a rest stop bathroom. I’m going to try not to stop again, so you should probably go, too. I’d prefer it if you don’t stay out here by yourself, anyway.”

  “Oh, OK.” It’s nice that he’s looking out for me. He’s so different when he’s not being obnoxious. I can’t understand the different layers of his personality. I think about Brett protecting Hannah and wonder if all her guy friends are that way.

  Dylan barely has the volume up on the radio when we get back on the interstate. “You can turn the volume up. I didn’t mean for you to turn it down that much.”

  He reaches over and barely adjusts the knob. Am I that scary? I realize the song playing is from the band Halestorm. I’ve seen them in concert and love their female vocalist. There are some bands I desperately want my dad to play guitar with, and this is one of them.

  “I really like Halestorm. Lzzy Hale is a cool chick. I think she’ll eventually be viewed as one of the best female vocalists of all time,” I say.

  Dylan snaps his head in my direction. He looks very surprised by my comment. “I agree. I saw them in concert at a real hole in the wall before they were well known.”

  “I did, too,” I say excitedly, a little too excitedly. “I think Maria Brink from In This Moment is great, too. Her songs are um … what’s a good word to describe them? Um, sensual.”

  “Damn, Taylor, I know their songs. Is there a side to you that you’re not sharing?” He glances over and winks.

  I feel my face flush and turn my head toward the window. Why does he have to be so sexy? I have to change the subject. “So is it true you professed your love for Hannah while she was with Brett?”