Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series) (8 page)

“I bet that’s what every one of you think, isn’t it?”

“Come on, Dylan. Can you honestly blame us?” Brett replies.

“To clear things up here, I’ve never tried to have sex with Taylor, and I sure as hell ain’t waitin’ around to, either, so are we going out tonight? I really need to find a chick that can get out of her own damn head for more than five minutes.”

“We’re going out, but you don’t need to be looking for a woman. I’m sure whatever’s going on between you and Taylor is just a misunderstanding,” Hannah says.

I glance at her. “I bet that’s not what you thought when Brett was dicking you around.”

“What the hell was that comment for?” Brett asks.

It’s the damn truth. Brett screwed around with her head, but then he saved her damn life and treats her like a princess, so I have no right to say shit now. “I’m sorry, man.” I knew my week was going to be messed up from Taylor coming here.

Revelations

Taylor

I promised Hannah I would try harder to fit in this week, so even if I can’t talk to Dylan, I need to spend time with everyone else. After showering, I pile my hair into a messy bun and put on red skinny jeans paired with a snug, black and white striped top. I go downstairs to get something to eat, and Hannah quickly finds me in the kitchen. “Can we talk?”

“I have a feeling I don’t get a choice,” I reply. The guys are in the game room, so we sit at the dining room table.

“What the hell happened with Dylan?”

I see I’m going to have a conversation with Ms. Mason the therapist. “I screwed up again. We kissed last night, and I inadvertently gave him the impression this morning that it didn’t mean anything to me. I’m scared to tell him how much I care about him. I guess there’s still a part of me that’s afraid of getting hurt.”

“What your parents put you through when you were young was awful. Sam treating you like shit and dumping you was no better, but you can’t punish yourself and be alone forever because of what they did.”

“It’s too late. He said he’s done trying.”

“He’s been trying hard to show you how much he cares about you, so I imagine he feels rejected. He’s probably going to do something stupid tonight to make himself feel better if you don’t make things right, and it won’t be because he doesn’t care. It’ll be because he does.”

“He’s been nothing but kind to me since we got here. Honestly, he’s always tried to be that way, but I would pick fights with him, so he wouldn’t be nice. I knew I’d fall for him and was afraid of getting hurt.” I sit up straighter and shake my head. “None of that matters now. He said it’s too late, so it’s done.”

“He’ll forgive you in a split second if you tell him how you feel. Now, let’s go plan out our evening.”

I follow Hannah into the great room. We’re pretty isolated in this area of Tennessee, but I find a bar that has a DJ and a dance floor, so I reserve a section for us since we have a large group. I also reserve a Hummer stretched limousine to take us out.

Late in the afternoon, Jasmine and I are watching a chick flick, and Cody and Dylan are in the game room. Our other friends are in their bedrooms napping. That’s what they’re calling it, anyway. I wish Dylan and I were curled up in my bed.

He comes into the great room, and I hope he looks at me, so I can try to speak, but he walks right past me without even a glance. I feel the pain in my chest. I want fix things with him, but it’s too late.

Cody is following him, but instead of going upstairs, he comes and stands near Jasmine, pulling his hat farther down on his head. I’ve noticed he and Dylan show their nervousness by messing with their hats. It’s really cute.

“Jasmine, would you want to hang out in my room?”

She glances at me. “Taylor, would you care if I went upstairs?”

“Of course not. I’m good,” I reply in an upbeat tone. It’s not true, but I’m trying not to ruin everyone’s week. I guess I should get used to being alone again since it appears I’m headed back to that lifestyle after this trip. I sit alone on the couch, trying to concentrate on my movie, but all I can think about is how Dylan and I are the only ones alone, and it’s my fault.

After the movie ends, I go upstairs, but before I get to my room, I hear Dylan playing his guitar. Desperately wanting to listen to him, I tiptoe to his door and sit down against the wall with my knees up to my chest. I’ve heard every famous guitarist play live and can play very good myself, so I quickly realize that Dylan is gifted.

His playing is sublime, and I feel I’m hearing something rare and special. I believe he writes music, too. I’m a music junkie, able to recall almost any song and artist, and this is nothing I’ve heard before.

Brett comes out of his bedroom, so I jump up. He’s walking toward me, grinning ear to ear. I am so busted. I’m terrified he’s going to say something to me, and Dylan will hear, so I place my finger over my lips, signaling him not to speak.

He goes on by with a smirk on his face. I have to do damage control, so I follow behind. I don’t want him to think I’m just stalking outside of Dylan’s room for any reason other than to listen to his brilliant music.

“Umm, Brett, I just want you to know I was only sitting there because I heard Dylan playing his guitar and wanted to listen,” I say on his heels as I follow him into the kitchen.

He turns around. “Taylor, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’m sorry I grinned, but it was funny seeing you sitting there. Dylan’s usually the one pursuing girls, so it was just surprising to see you hovering outside his bedroom.”

“Like I said, I was listening to him play. He has a rare gift, and I don’t think he knows it. I mean, his chord progression is unreal, and he adds a bluesy sound to some of his riffs. I’m surprised you all tolerate the loudness.” I gasp for air.

Brett looks at me suspiciously. “We’re used to it. The girls may not like it, but it doesn’t faze us anymore.”

“Then his legato and tremolo—”

“Whoa, whoa, take a breath, girl. How the hell do you know all this?”

I become extremely nervous as I realize what I’ve done. So much for damage control. “Umm ... I play guitar.”

“I’m sensing from how nervous you look that there’s more you’re not telling me, and you need to spill it. I’ll just get it out of Hannah if you don’t.”

“Well, I don’t know if I’m ready to do that. Can’t you just leave it alone for now?” I watch Brett study me even more, and I know I’m not walking away with my secret intact.

He rubs his chin. “Hannah said something about your driver not being able to bring you here, so that leads me to believe your parents are very successful like hers, yet she’s never mentioned a word about your family. I’m sensing that has something to do with this, so you need to tell me.

“Dylan’s my friend, and I want to know what’s going on before you mess with his head about his guitar playing. He’s self-conscious about it already.”

“OK, I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to say anything. I want to tell Dylan when I think it’s the right time. I don’t even know if he’ll touch his guitar again in this cabin once he knows who I am, so I haven’t wanted to say anything that way he’ll keep playing.”

“OK, I won’t. The suspense is killing me, so spit it out already.”

“My father is Vincent Page,” I say very quickly before I look away from him. Brett stands frozen, and I feel his eyes on me.

“Vincent Page … as in the Vincent Page from Strip it Off?”

I slowly look back at him and nod.

“You’re fucking kidding me? Us guys, our world has been turned upside down since I carried Hannah up those basement steps last May.”

“Look, I’m more private about my family than Hannah is. When guys find out, they always act intimidated by it.”

“Anyone who likes rock or guitar idolizes your father. I can see now why you keep to yourself more than the other girls. It always surprises me that Hannah isn’t more like that.”

“I went through a lot of shit growing up, which affected how I am when it comes to trusting people. I’m sure you’ve heard about my dad’s early ways. I’m really not the bitch you all think I am.”

“I know you’re not a bitch, and we all like you. It’s obvious Dylan cares about you, and I can say with a hundred percent certainty that he doesn’t know who your dad is.”

“Aside from my girlfriends, people I meet either avoid me once they find out I’m Vincent’s daughter, or they use me to get to him. I needed to trust that all of you liked me for me. I’ll tell the guys, but Dylan and I are in a rocky place. I need to see what happens first. I don’t want the news to influence his feelings for me in any way.”

“I thought Dylan knew every detail of that man’s life. I guarantee he knows he has daughters. He just doesn’t know you’re one of them, and he’s going to be shocked. He’s made it obvious that he likes you, Taylor, so you should already see that you can trust him.

“I unintentionally messed with Hannah’s head before we got together. It wasn’t for long but long enough to hurt her. All I ask is if you like him, then give him a chance, but if you don’t, then leave him alone. This whole thing is wild because Dylan’s been saving every extra penny he makes to pay eight thousand dollars for a Les Paul signed by Vincent.”

“Are you serious?” I’m stunned he would spend that much for something signed by my dad, but I’ve heard of stranger things when it comes to Vincent Page.

“Yep, and I know he has over half saved. I can’t believe none of the girls told us.”

“They promised me they wouldn’t.”

“Word of advice, tell him soon because if Jasmine gets drunk enough, she’ll spill it.” Brett grabs a couple of waters out of the refrigerator and walks away before turning around at the stairs. “I’m sure people always act shocked, but because of Dylan, this is pretty crazy.”

“I’ve figured that out. He’s good enough to play professionally. He needs to be convinced of that at some point, so if Dylan and I can’t be friends, then I need you to tell him.”

“No, Taylor, he needs to hear that from you, regardless.” Brett turns around and walks upstairs. How am I going to tell the guys, especially if Dylan and I aren’t speaking? How will he react?

Hannah

Brett went to get us waters, and he’s been gone forever. One of the guys must be downstairs. He finally opens the door. “What took you so long?”

“Taylor just told me who her father is.”

I anxiously jump off the bed. “Why? Did she tell Dylan?”

“No. I caught her sitting outside his room listening to him play. She talked to me about it in the kitchen and knew way too much about guitars and playing, so I was sure something was up and got it out of her. I can’t believe your friends haven’t leaked it. I told her she better tell him and not mess with his head.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she’d tell him soon. There’s a surprise at every turn with you women. Are there more things that you haven’t thought were a big deal to tell me?”

He sounds irritated. He probably wants to protect Dylan from what we went through early on. “I’m sorry I never told you about Vincent, but since my mom’s famous and we’re around celebrities a lot, it isn’t a big deal to me, and a lot has happened since Taylor returned to Nashville.”

“I guess I can understand that. I’m a little worried. I know Dylan well, but I really can’t say what he’ll do when he finds out. I don’t know if he’ll want her more or run for the hills.

“Dylan slept in bed with Vincent Page’s daughter and probably messed around with her, too. She needs to tell him before it goes any further. That may be a line he doesn’t want to cross. I never thought I’d say that about Dylan, but this isn’t just anybody’s daughter. Vincent is his idol.”

“I’m trying, Brett. I’m trying to get her to trust him.”

“I know, shortcake, and I’m not coming down on you about this. I just don’t want Dylan getting hurt. I knew about you in the beginning, but he’s falling for Taylor blind.” He hugs me. “You’re so determined to help everyone. It’s one of the many reasons I love you.”

I have the best fiancé. “I love you, too, but give yourself some credit. You’re looking out for a friend right now. He’s really going to need you if things work out with Taylor.”

An
Old Flame

Dylan

I’m downstairs, and one by one my friends show up to wait for the limo. A year ago, I never thought I’d be taking limos to bars, but the girls do it every chance they get. These women are a handful sometimes, and it stresses me out.

They dress up like they’re going to a damn wedding, and us guys usually have on jeans. I’m wearing them with a black shirt, but I’m going without my ball cap to make the girls happy. They say chicks would die for my hair. Really? That’s a scary thought since I’m a dude.

I have my back to the stairs when I see the guys looking past me with their mouths hanging open. I turn around, and there she is, Taylor, looking sexy as hell. Her long hair is pulled over one shoulder, and she’s wearing black leather pants that hug her little ankles, black high heels, and a red, long sleeve blouse.

She looks really nervous and turns to go to the kitchen. I imagine it’s because my friends are looking at her like she’s in heat.
Jesus
, there’s no back to her shirt. One little ass button at the top holds it all together until you reach the ass of her pants.

Her flawless back is all exposed. I’ve been up close and personal with that soft skin, and I don’t want other men seeing it or touching it. I should stay here. I might have to hurt someone tonight.

We’re within feet of each other in the limo, but it’s as if neither of us exists to the other. It may appear that way, but it’s not true for me. I wish I didn’t want her. I wish it so damn bad. When we arrive, the place has a big section marked off for us. From what I heard, Taylor arranged everything for tonight.

Brett frowns at Hannah. “I was kind of hoping they wouldn’t let you girls into this place. I just have that feeling I’m going to end up punching someone for touching you.”

“I have an engagement ring on, and you know you shouldn’t fight after the assault. I think I’m safe.”