Hannah put on her black, Badgley Mischka dress.
“Baby, you look hot,” Brett said as he stood behind her with his hands on her hips, kissing her neck. The dress only crossed one shoulder, and she noticed he was having trouble keeping his lips off her exposed neck. She matched it with her favorite Louboutin heels.
“Thanks, you look hot, too.” Brett wore khaki’s with a crisp maroon button up shirt that hugged his biceps just right and a blazer.
“Babe, you don’t have to wear that jacket. Don’t you think it’ll be too warm in the house?” she asked.
“I want to wear it,” he answered. She thought Brett seemed nervous all day and worried it was because he was still uncomfortable living in a house he wasn’t paying for.
She was excited about the housewarming party they were throwing that evening. It felt like a new beginning for her and Brett. Aside from the deep love they felt for each other, there hadn’t been any more bumps in the road, and they were determined to keep it that way.
“It’s just us!” Chelsea yelled as her and Austin entered the new home. Hannah went running to greet them.
“Thanks for coming,” she said giving them hugs.
Her girlfriends had seen the inside of the house, but the guys had waited. The Masons had spared no expense to furnish the home. When Hannah would insist on Brett’s opinion about decorating, he would answer, but otherwise, he left most of it up to her, Chelsea and Lorna.
There was only one room he wanted a say so in, and that was a rec room they could use for hanging out with their friends. It was equipped with a seventy inch TV and leather furniture. There was also a bar and pool table.
***
“Are you all ready to leave? We’ve been waiting two months to see this house, so let’s go,” Matt said, groaning. He loaded up in the car with Cody and Dylan and drove to Brett and Hannah’s house. Matt rang the doorbell when they arrived.
“Brett’s definitely a douche bag. That’s OK though, because one of these days I’ll have Taylor,” Dylan said.
“Good luck with that. That woman’s made of ice,” Matt said.
Hannah answered the door.
“Guys, come on in.”
“You look amazing, Hannah,” Matt said.
“Thank you.” She was quite shocked to hear that from Matt. He spoke to her a lot more than he did before her assault, but he’d never given her a compliment.
“Dylan, Cody, oh my gosh!” Hannah was in shock.
“I know. Don’t make a big deal out of it,” Dylan said.
“Oh yes, I’m going to make a big deal out of this. You two look awesome. I mean it, really handsome.”
Dylan and Cody were wearing dress pants and button up shirts. They didn’t have their ball cap on, so Hannah was able to see their hair. She thought Cody’s short blonde hair shined, and she loved seeing Dylan’s thick brown hair that had a natural wave to it. She’d only seen them without ball caps a few times.
Jasmine and Morgan showed up while Hannah and the guys were still at the door.
“Dang, Cody. You look hot,” Jasmine said after she walked into the house.
“You always look hot, Jasmine,” he whispered in her ear while giving her a hug.
A few of their other friends including Taylor had arrived and were mingling with everyone.
Brett’s parents, sister and brother-in-law were present, having come into town for a couple of days. Hannah couldn’t understand why his family insisted on staying in a hotel when their home had so many bedrooms. Lorna and Todd were back on tour but had flown in for the party, too.
***
Dylan was the only one in the kitchen when Taylor walked in. “Hi, Taylor. How are you this evening?” Dylan smiled at her as he leaned against the counter before taking a drink of his beer.
“Good, and you?” she asked while getting a beer out of the refrigerator.
“I’m great. You look hot in that dress, by the way.” Taylor was wearing a silky, black dress that made a deep V in the front and the back that she paired with black high heels. He was surprised when he noticed part of a tattoo showing out from her dress on the back of her shoulder. He wished he could see all of it.
Taylor rolled her eyes.
“Don’t start with me, Dylan.”
“I’m not trying to start anything. I paid you a compliment, but I see we still can’t have a normal conversation without you treating me like I have an STD or something.”
“How am I supposed to know you’re giving me a compliment when you always have that grin on your face, and everything that exit’s your mouth is a big joke?”
“So, I’m penalized now for smiling? That’s one I hadn’t heard yet. I guess I’m royally screwed on finding a woman if guys aren’t allowed to smile anymore.”
“That, right there. That sarcastic thing you do,” she said, pointing at him and making circles with her finger.
I swear this woman should just let me fuck her. She’d feel so much better.
Dylan walked up to her and leaned in inches from her face, gazing into her dark brown eyes. The sexual tension rose between them.
“I’ve been trying for over two months to get to know you, but I’m done wasting my time. It’s obvious you don’t know me, or you would know there’s definitely more to me than my sarcasm, but you won’t give any of us a chance to show you who we are,” Dylan said indignantly. He walked out, leaving her alone.
A few minutes later, Hannah walked into the kitchen.
“Taylor, I’m so glad you’re here tonight. What’s wrong? You look upset,” Hannah said, giving her another hug.
“I wouldn’t miss your party, but I have to admit, I just can’t relate to the guys. I don’t know what I keep doing wrong.”
Hannah grabbed Taylor’s shoulders. “You need to let your guard down and not be so defensive. I swear they are great if you’d give them a chance to show you. I know it’s always been hard for you to be around people who haven’t grown up our way, but they treat me like any other girl, and they would do the same for you if you’d let them.”
“It’s hard for me because of Dad, and they’re nothing like the guys I grew up around.”
“You mean they’re not conceited assholes? I’ve went through a lot of the same things with Mom as you have with your dad. I know your father being the most famous rock guitarist hasn’t made life easy for you, but I’m telling you that you can trust these guys.
“They wouldn’t care if we were all dirt poor. They’re not around us for the money or fame, and they don’t treat us like we have either one. They’re just perfect to me,” Hannah said, smiling.
“I’ll try harder. If they’re like Brett, then I know you’re right,” Taylor said.
“Good, now I need to find Brett,” Hannah said as she walked out of the kitchen.
Dylan saw her approach Brett in the great room, so he went to speak to them. They were kissing by the time he approached them.
“Don’t you all get enough kissy face time now that you’re alone together every day? Can you not refrain for five minutes?” he asked, smirking.
“You just wait, Dylan. I’m going to harass the piss out of you and your girlfriend when you ever get one. Full—on—harassment. Payback’s a bitch.”
“I think it’s going to be a while before you get a chance at that,” Dylan said as he glanced to Taylor across the room.
“You’ll find a great girl when you quit sleeping with all the trashy ones from The Stables,” Hannah said.
“Come on now, what’s the fun in that?” he asked, grinning.
Jasmine and a few of Hannah’s other friends from college walked over to them. Jasmine looked at Brett and Hannah. “Will you two go with me to show them the awesome rec room?”
“Sure,” Hannah said as she waved her arm for them to follow her and Brett.
Dylan was now standing alone when he saw Taylor approaching him.
“What do you want, Taylor?” Dylan asked with irritation.
&nbs
p; “I umm ... I want to say I’m sorry about earlier. Thank you for complimenting me on my dress,” Taylor said timidly before she turned to walk away.
Dylan grabbed her arm and turned her back around. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest. Even though she drove him absolutely insane, he wanted her. She was all he could think about most days, so he was not about to let the opportunity pass him by.
Dylan’s light green eyes that burned with desire gazed down at her. He cupped her face and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “You’re welcome, Taylor,” he whispered seductively.
He heard her swallow hard.
“Um … I better go.” She pulled away and quickly left the room. Dylan smirked.
There’s still hope for her. I might break through that shield after all.
***
Brett gave his parents and friends a tour of the house and the backyard. The yard was spacious with a covered deck, a bar and an in ground pool.
Everyone was going back inside when Matt called out to Brett. “Can I talk to you out here for a minute?”
“What’s up?”
“Are you doing alright, bro?” Matt asked.
“Yes, why?”
“I know this has to be killing you. I know because it would be killing me, and we’re not that different.”
“It’s extremely uncomfortable, but it’s not killing me. It’s going to take some time to accept what is. I want Hannah, and this is part of the package. I have to admit that I can see myself getting use to some of it. It’s better than the alternatives.
“Once I have my career it won’t sting so badly. I don’t know why we’re discussing it because we both know I don’t have a choice, and do I need to remind you that if you and Morgan stay together, you’ll be dealing with some of the same issues? Her family is pretty wealthy.”
“We aren’t that serious, Brett.”
“You two spend a ton of time together, and I know you love her.”
Matt’s dark eyes flicked away. Brett could see how uncomfortable he’d made him.
“You have told her, right?”
“No I haven’t told her because I don’t love her.”
Brett hung his head and shook it.
“You’re going to lose her sooner rather than later. You’ve been with her for like five months now. I can’t believe she’s stuck around this long without you saying it. You need to let her go if you really don’t love her or plan on staying with her. She’s a sweetheart.”
“Enough about me, I know this is what you have to do to be with Hannah, and ... I think she’s worth it. I just wanted to tell you that, and tell you that when you need to bitch about all this …” Matt said, holding his beer up toward the house and the rest of the backyard.
“You know where to find me. It really sucks having to referee the guys by myself, so it would be nice to have you around some.”
“Damn, the estrogen’s getting to you, too,” Brett said, smirking.
“Shut up, asshole.” Matt punched Brett in the arm.
“Seriously, thanks for being a good friend, now let’s get inside. I don’t want Hannah mad at me tonight. I have a big surprise planned,” Brett said.
“Do I even want to know?”
“No, probably not. I didn’t tell you because you’ll definitely declare me certifiably nuts for this one.”
Brett locked eyes with Hannah as soon as he walked inside. He was wrapping his arms around her in seconds, soaking up her warmth.
She flashed him an alluring smile.
“You’re so sexy. I love everyone being here, but for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about you kissing my neck again and removing this dress from me.”
“I like the way you’re thinking,” Brett said, whispering in her ear and nibbling on it. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Brett went upstairs to their bedroom. He reached in his blazer pocket and pulled out the ring box. After inhaling two big breaths, he got the nerve to open it. He’d purchased it two weeks prior and had not looked at it since.
It was a stunning two ct. cushion cut, round pave, platinum ring. Looking at it again, he realized he had no doubts about what he was going to do. His hands started shaking as he dropped the box back into his pocket.
When he entered the great room, his parents looked his way and smiled. He knew their families would want them to wait until they were older to marry, so he’d discussed his plan with them prior to the party. Brett felt his heart rate increasing and felt heat spreading through his body. He went to the kitchen to get another beer and drank about half of one in a minute.
“Babe, there you are. Are you OK? You look a little hot. You should take your jacket off,” Hannah said.
“I will in a few minutes.” Brett took her hand.
“Come with me, shortcake. I should make a toast.”
Brett walked into the great room with Hannah’s hand in his. He’d only given a toast one other time at his sister’s wedding. It wasn’t his thing, but he had a feeling he was going to be doing it often, being with a Mason.
“Everyone, I’d like to give a toast. Hannah and I are very fortunate to have such supportive friends and family, so we want to thank you for coming to see our home, and we’re looking forward to entertaining here often.
“Let’s toast to great times shared with family and friends … cheers.”
Everyone held up their drinks as they said “cheers” loudly. Brett squeezed Hannah’s hand as sweat beaded on his forehead. After a minute, everyone became quiet and looked at him.
Brett turned to face Hannah and saw the curiosity in her sparkling bluish green eyes as he began to speak.
“It’s no secret what we went through to get to where we are today. A greater force brought us together, and I don’t want to spend one day of my life without you. I know we’re young, but if you’re willing, I would like us to make that promise to each other. Then when we’re older, I want to make it official.”
Hannah’s eyes widened as her body started to tremble.
Brett pulled the box out of his pocket and got down on one knee. Everyone gasped including Hannah as she covered her mouth.
“Hannah Ray Mason, will you please one day marry me, so I’ll have the privilege of loving and protecting you the rest of our lives?”
Hannah’s head nodded yes as tears sprang from her eyes. She finally caught her breath.
“Yes, Brett. I would love to one day marry you,” she said, grinning.
Hannah was practically jumping up and down as Brett slid the beautiful ring on her finger. She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He closed his eyes and held her head to his chest, praying he’d never lose her.
All their guests cheered, and the girls ran over to see the ring. Brett’s friends walked up to him and gave their congratulations.
“So, go ahead and give it to me. I can take it,” Brett said.
“No, you’ve been through enough, so we’ll save the ball busting for the wedding,” Dylan said.
Everyone seemed happy as they spent the rest of the party mingling.
***
Brett shut the door after his parents left. He turned around and walked over to Hannah. Lifting up her left hand, he gave it a soft kiss.
“We’re alone, and this is why my family saw it best to stay at a hotel.”
“That was a good decision. You’re so getting lucky tonight,” she said, beaming up at him.
“Then we need to hurry and get this cute little ass upstairs.” Brett swooped her up into his arms.
“Brett!” Hannah squealed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m taking you to bed, baby. I need to make love to my fiancé. Thank you for making me the happiest man ever,” he said softly, leaning his head against hers.
“I love you, Brett. I feel bad because I know you paid a fortune for this ring.” She held her hand out to admire it.
Brett started walking through the house.
“Don’t, I’ve b
een saving the last three years to put a down payment on a place when I graduate, but I have a home, so I spent it on you.
“I wanted you to have something from me, from money I earned. When I see it on your hand, I’ll be reminded of how hard I worked to give it to you, and I’ll also be reminded that in time, you’ll be my wife.”
Brett started up the stairs toward their bedroom.
Hannah looked at him, her arms wrapped around his neck and legs dangling over his arm.
“Can we please get married the summer after I graduate? I can’t wait any longer. Oh, and I want two or three kids. Do you have a problem with that?”
Brett chuckled. “Surely you’ve figured out by now that I’m putty in your hands, Hannah. I’ll marry you on the date of your choosing, and if you want two or three kids, then that’s the number we’ll try for.”
Brett stood her up by their bed.
“Now, I need to remove this dress, make love to you, and get you under those sheets, so you can spoon with me. I’m eager to wake up in the morning with a fiancé. I can’t think of a better way to start my day … or the rest of our lives. I love you, shortcake.”
End Notes
Thank you for reading Brett and Hannah (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 2). The Mermaid and Her King will be released September 2013. I’m also looking forward to sharing Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 3) due to be released October 2013. If you haven’t read A Week for Love to Bloom, the first book in the Soul Mates 101 series, please check it out!
For the latest release information, teasers and discussions follow me on the web at www.scarletwolfe.com
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An Excerpt from Dylan and Taylor
(Soul Mates 101 series, Book 3)
Author Scarlet Wolfe
Dylan
“Sorry, Dylan, but I told you four o’clock, and I meant it,” Bob says.
Brett and Hannah (Soul Mates 101 Series) Page 19
