“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.”
“I don’t understand why you can’t wait until you’re twenty-one to go to bars.” Brett’s almost impossible to be around when he’s out with Hannah. He was protective before she was hurt, but now he’s over the top.
“There’s nowhere for us to dance besides a bar,” Chelsea says before she sits down at our table.
The place fills up quickly and a DJ starts playing. The girls finish their first drink before they go out to the dance floor. Except for Cody, my friends and I stay at the table and watch the girls closely. He tries to get me out there, but I have no interest tonight. I’m finishing beers faster than I should, trying to numb myself.
Austin looks at me from across the table. “Man, what’s up with you? I’ve never seen you this serious when we’ve been out.”
Matt points at me. “We’re not going on the roller coaster ride we were on with Brett and Hannah, so you better get over her now.”
Brett’s eyes flash to Matt. “Thanks, asshole.”
“I’m telling it like it is, and you know it. I’m not in the mood for a repeat. We’re only going to get out of so many fights.”
I watch Taylor’s every move and see that she’s starting her second drink. It’s early yet, so I’m worried as I think back to how drunk she became last night after three. Matt might as well get over it. With Taylor looking as good as she does tonight, I know I’m going to be in a fight. I feel it.
Hannah
Chelsea and I go to the restroom, leaving our girlfriends and Cody on the dance floor. As soon as we exit the restroom door, Chelsea totally freaks. “Oh shit, oh shit—”
“What, Chelsea?”
“Look who’s here.” Chelsea points to a group of guys who just entered the bar.
“Oh no. I don’t know if she can handle this.” It’s Sam, the only serious boyfriend Taylor’s ever had. He roughed her up several times, and shortly after she gave up her virginity, he dumped her and moved on to someone else.
She was only sixteen, and I know she hasn’t seen him since our high school graduation. He tore her already fragile heart apart. I have to get her out of here. He’ll mess with her head and screw up every bit of progress we’ve made with her. Chelsea and I hurry back to the table.
“Brett, we need to leave.”
“Who touched you?”
“Nobody. There’s a guy here Taylor cannot see.”
“Baby, everyone shouldn’t have to leave. Shouldn’t she decide if she wants to stick around? You need to take a break from trying to take care of everyone and enjoy yourself.”
“I guess, but you don’t understand what this could do to her, and I finally think she’s coming out of her shell again.”
Dylan stands up. “I’m telling you now, if any guy is here to hurt Taylor, they’re going to have to go through me.”
“No, Dylan. Sam’s mean. You’ll be in a fight for sure,” I say.
Matt takes a drink of his beer before he slams it down on the table and points to me. “I know where this night is headed. You girls are making me fucking crazy. It’s never nothing but trouble when we take you out, and now I’m going to be in a fight since Dylan’s going to be like Brett and act psycho jealous over Taylor.”
I ignore him. I think he’s already drunk, and he’s been kind of an ass this week. “Come on Chelsea. Let’s go tell Taylor.”
Chelsea takes hold of Taylor’s arm and leads her to the side of the dance floor. “We have to tell you something.”
Taylor glances back and forth between us. “What’s wrong?”
I take hold of her shoulders and look her in the eyes.
“Sam’s here.”
Taylor
I hear Hannah’s words, but she can’t be right. How could we possibly be at the same bar this far from home? Hannah still has hold of my shoulders, so I grab her arms as I start to sway. The alcohol is kicking in, and I’m beginning to hyperventilate. Chelsea and Hannah guide me over to the table.
Morgan walks up to us. “What’s going on? We saw the look on your faces?”
“Sam’s here,” Hannah replies.
Morgan’s eyes begin searching the bar. “How is that possible?”
Jasmine starts looking around, too. “Where is he? I’ll kick his ass. He’s not hurting Taylor again.”
Cody puts his arm around Jasmine. “You’re not fighting a man.”
“Hey, I can hold my own.”
Cody smirks. “I believe you, but I still couldn’t sit by and watch.”
“Morgan, go get Taylor some water.” I hear Hannah being mother hen as I put my head between my legs.
“Take slow, deep breaths, Taylor,” Chelsea says.
I sit up, and the guys seem unaffected by the whole event except for Dylan. He looks at me with a sad gaze. I have to look away. I want nothing more than to leave here with him and let him hold me. I feel safe in his arms.
I had every intention of telling him how I feel after I got a few drinks in me, but now I feel paralyzed. I drink the water, and my breathing slows. “I’m not leaving. If I see him, then I’ll deal with it. I’m going to the restroom.”
“Do you want us to go with you?” Hannah asks.
“No, I can handle it.”
As I look at myself in the mirror, the anger toward Sam I buried comes to the surface. I see the woman I’ve grown into and the changes I’m trying to make. I’m not that scared teenage girl who will take a beating.
I straighten up my hair and make-up and get my composure before walking out of the restroom. I’m halfway back to the table when I hear my name. I stop and slowly turn around. I know that voice, and I’m not backing down.
“Taylor, wow, you look amazing,” Sam says as he reaches out to hug me. I cringe but hug him back. My stomach knots as his hand slips across my bare back. I refuse to show him one ounce of pain, so I put on a fake smile.
It frustrates me how good looking he is with his light brown hair and hooded eyes. He’s tall and filled out, looking even more like a man. There’s no telling how many girls have been hurt by him, all because they were sucked in by his looks.
“Hi, Sam. What are the odds we would both be here tonight?”
“I know, right? My buddies and I rented a cabin for a few days to go skiing. It’s a last minute trip. What brings you here?”
“Hannah’s folks had a cabin built here a couple of years ago, so I’m staying there with her and several of our friends.”
“Is your whole crew here?” he asks.
“Yes, they’re all here with their boyfriends. I’m sure you’ll see them if you stick around long enough.”
He flashes me a wicked grin that matches his wicked personality. “I guess I’ll get back to my friends, but save me a dance.”
“Sure, see you around, Sam.” Before walking away, I glance over and notice the guys he’s with staring me down. Assholes. If they’re with Sam, then they’re assholes. As I walk back to the table, all I want to do is crumble, but I’m proud of myself for not showing him the mess he made of my emotions.
Hannah climbs off Brett’s lap and takes hold of my arm. “Taylor, you’re so pale, are you OK?”
“I just spoke to Sam.”
Matt shakes his head before drinking his beer. “And it’s on.”
I don’t know what Matt’s comment means, and I don’t care. I’m about to return to Nashville, so I can hide from all men. The girls drag me back to the dance floor, and I let go as the alcohol does its job. I enjoy my time with my girlfriends, trying to rid my mind of Sam.
Crash and Burn
Hannah
I go back to the table to sit with Brett. I’m in his lap when I hear Dylan and Cody’s conversation.
“Dylan, you’re depressing me. The next slow song, you have to ask a girl to dance. I can’t take the moping.”
“Pick her out for me, buddy. I trust you. Pick her, and I’ll ask her to dance.”
Cody points to a blonde with shoulder length hair and a pretty face. “There, her.”
“Good pick.”
Could this night get any worse? Sam’s here, Taylor’s putting away the alcohol, and now Dylan’s going to go make everything that much worse. I warned Taylor this would happen.
A slow song comes on, and I watch Dylan walk over to the girl. She smiles bashfully and takes his hand to dance. About that time, my friends come back to the table, and Taylor grins at me. “I need another drink.” That happy face is about to go away real fast.
“I don’t think you need more to drink, Taylor.”
“You’re no fun, Hannah Banana.” She turns back to the dance floor, and shit, I think she sees Dylan. Oh, great. Now, asshole himself is on his way over here. I lean down to Brett’s ear. “That’s Taylor’s ex.”
Sam takes hold of Taylor’s arm to get her attention. Morgan and Chelsea reluctantly get up from Matt and Austin’s laps to say hi to him, and Jasmine just waves from her seat, giving a faint smile. The guys never take their eyes off of him as he hugs on each of my girlfriends. I’m still in Brett’s lap, and Matt’s sitting right next to us.
“I don’t like how he’s hugging on Morgan. He better get his damn hands off of her.”
Brett eyes him. “Calm down, bro. Who’s the jealous one now? You better be glad Dylan didn’t hear that after the shit you gave him.”
“This guy didn’t have his hands all over Morgan then.” Matt continues staring at the girls and Sam.
Taylor has her deceiving smile in place as she introduces him to the guys. “This is Sam, we went to high school together.” The guys barely acknowledge him before he looks at me. The way I’m wrapped in Brett’s arms, I think he knows better than to ask for a hug.
Sam turns to Taylor and gives her a sly smile. “Can I have
that dance now?”
I just want to smack him. Surely, she won’t dance with him. There she goes!
Jasmine’s eyes widen. “Oh hell no. He’s not weaseling his way back into her life just so he can crush her again.”
“I know. This is infuriating. He’ll set her back another three years,” I say.
Matt looks up at Morgan as she sits in his lap. “Guys break up with girls every day. I know Taylor’s emotional, but come on.”
“He was physically abusive to Taylor and dumped her right after he took her virginity.”
“Morgan, Taylor wouldn’t want the guys knowing that,” I say.
“Matt needs to hear it, so he’ll stop being so insensitive.” She moves from his lap to a chair of her own. They are really having issues this trip.
Taylor
It’s bad enough I have to see Dylan dancing with another woman, but to have Sam walk up to me at the same time is too much to handle. The night just keeps getting worse.
“Taylor, can I have that dance now?” He’s gives me that grin that used to make me melt. At this point, I don’t see how it can be any more painful than seeing Dylan’s hands on another girl, and maybe it will make him jealous. I was so close to telling him how much I care for him.
Hannah warned me he might do something tonight. He wasn’t lying this morning when he said he was done. As Sam and I walk to the dance floor, I see that Dylan’s now sitting at a table with the woman and some other girls.
Sam pulls me closer than I am comfortable with and gazes down at me. I regret wearing this blouse as he rubs my back repeatedly. “Taylor, you’re even more gorgeous than I remember. I’ve felt for a long time that I shouldn’t have let you go.”
“I’m sure you’ve dated some great women since me. We were just kids.”
Sam tilts my chin to where my mouth is inches from his. “I haven’t met anyone like you, and we’re not kids anymore. It’s very obvious that you’re a woman, Taylor. You’re irresistible.”
Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series) Page 7
