Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series)
Page 24
She squeals before she wraps her arms around my neck. “Do you remember that place I’m talking about, sunshine? It’s that special spot of ours. The one where as long as we’re in it together … it’s home.”
“How could I ever forget? I love you, Dylan … forever.”
End Notes
Thank you for reading Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 3). A Voice for my Soul to Sing will be released November 2013. It’s the spin off to The Mermaid and her King and will take you on another journey with Bud’s friends and family, exploring the relationships between Andy, Brooke and Eric.
Matt and Morgan (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 4) will be released January 2014. Other books written by Scarlet Wolfe are A Week for Love to Bloom (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 1) and Brett and Hannah (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 2).
For the latest release information, teasers and discussions, follow me on the web at www.scarletwolfe.com
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An Excerpt from Matt and Morgan
(Soul Mates 101 series, Book 4)
Author Scarlet Wolfe
Matt
It’s Tory’s eighteenth birthday, and her parents are throwing her a party. I’m driving Cody to their mansion. I’m dreading it and have tried everything to get out of this, but my friends won’t leave me alone about it. I’ve managed to avoid every function since Morgan broke up with me.
It’ll be cool to be in Vincent Page’s home, but that Tory is hyper. I think she annoys me because I see how she affects Nate. He’s going to get sucked in like the rest of us. At least I found my way out. I’ll never give a woman control of my heart.
It’s mid-April, so it’s been two and a half months since I’ve set eyes on Morgan. I’ve been told she’s dating a guy she was kinda seeing when we got together. I miss her. I can’t be what she needs or wants, but damn, I miss her.
Seeing her with someone else is going to be hard to handle, but I promised Brett I’d come. I also told him I’d try to start hanging out with everyone as a group. I guess I’ll see how I feel about that after tonight.
I park, and we go up to the door. “I can’t believe I let Dylan and Brett talk me into coming here.”
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad. She’ll be too busy with her other friends to bug us much,” Cody says.
“To say Tory is my friend is a stretch.” She swings the door open and squeals. I can’t help but chuckle. She’s a funny girl.
“Hi, guys! I’m trying to greet everyone. Thank you for coming to my party.” She hugs both of us.
“You look smokin’, Tory.”
“Thank you, Cody. You’re such a cutie.”
A big flirt is what he is. I spot Brett and Austin, so I go over to them.
Brett raises his eyebrows. “You showed. I’m shocked.”
“Me, too. Let the fun begin.”
“I know you mean that sarcastically, but I’m still glad you’re here,” Austin says.
“I want to hang out with you guys, and seeing as you’re always with the girls, it doesn’t leave me a lot of opportunities.”
“The girls miss seeing you. Hannah told me so,” Brett says.
“I’m surprised after what happened with Morgan.”
“They’re still your friend, too, Matt. At least they feel that way about you,” Austin says.
I miss the girls, but they don’t need to know that. They hold enough power without me giving them mine.
Nate
Dylan knocks on the door at the Pages’ home. I’m standing next to him, anxiously waiting to see Tory’s beautiful face. Taylor’s already here. She came earlier in the day to help her sister get ready for her eighteenth birthday party.
I drove two hours from home to see Tory. I promised her a couple of months ago when Taylor was sick that I wouldn’t miss her big day. We’ve texted each other every day since, and I feel like we’ve gotten really close. She opens the door and almost knocks me backward off my feet when she lunges to wrap her arms around my neck.
“Nate, I missed you like crazy.”
I plant a kiss on her neck as I squeeze her tight.
“I missed you, too, angel-face.”
“Get in here and meet some of my girlfriends. They saw you on television with me and think you’re hot.”
Dylan chuckles. I’m embarrassed and confused now. Is she wanting me to date one of her friends?
Morgan
“Damn, chick. You’re looking sexy tonight,” Jasmine says to me as J.T. and I approach her. We just arrived at Tory’s birthday party. It’s the first time I’m going to see Matt since we broke things off, and I’m nervous.
“Thanks, girl. Like always, you look hot, too.”
“Where’s the restroom, Morgan?” J.T. asks.
“There’s one straight down that hallway on the left,” I reply, pointing.”
“Thanks, I’ll be right back.” He kisses my cheek before he walks away.
I walk over to the bar with Jasmine. It’s set up in the great room, and the hired bartender takes our drink order. Then I spot Matt. He’s still as handsome as ever. This is going to suck.
Jasmine glances his way. “Are you nervous? You know, about seeing Matt?”
“Yes. It’s been much easier to deal with since I haven’t had to see him, but I have J.T., and he’s been treating me great.”
“Yeah, but chick, I’m sorry to say that I just don’t see the same chemistry there.”
“Jasmine, do you have to be so honest all the time? Chemistry isn’t everything. I’m still attracted to J.T. It doesn’t have to be the way it was with Matt. J.T. wants to give me everything that Matt couldn’t. He actually pays attention to me and is interested in my life. Matt never asked me a damn thing about what goes on in my world.”
“I’m still pissed about the whole thing. Everyone knows that Matt loves you.”
“I wish everyone would stop saying that. It doesn’t mean anything if he doesn’t know it.”
Jasmine puts her arm around my shoulder. “I’m sorry, chick. I didn’t mean to bring you down. Tonight should be a blast.”
J.T. walks back over to us. His hazel eyes appear greener, and strands of his copper hair are shiny from the lighting in the room.
“I got you a beer.” I hand it to him.
“Thanks.” I see him looking around, and I know who he’s looking for. J.T.’s really paranoid about me being near Matt. I don’t know why. It’s not like he’d even acknowledge me. Besides seeing Matt, I’m nervous for another reason. I have to talk to Dylan about something, and I’m not looking forward to it.
Matt
Dylan finds his way over to us with Tory on his heels. I see that she left Nate with her friends.
“I’m legal now, so when are all of us going out?”
“Tory, you aren’t old enough to go to the bars,” Dylan replies.
“I know, but I won’t be in as much trouble if I get caught.”
Brett raises his cup up toward her as if he’s pointing.
“The girls have set a bad example for you. They’re not supposed to be drinking, either, and we can tell you that it’s gotten them into trouble.”
“You shouldn’t need to be reminded of what happened to your sister. You need to wait, Tory, or you’re going to end up hurt,” Dylan says, sounding frustrated.
“God, you’re more like a dad than my own.” She glares and storms off. The girl wants to grow up too damn fast.
Dylan shakes his head as he watches her walk away.
“I love her, but I swear she never stops talking, and I know while she’s in college, Nate and I are going to end up in fights trying to keep her ass safe.”
“Your brother really likes her,” Brett says.
“Yeah, I see the way he looks at her. I hope she doesn’t keep him from enjoying his college years.”
I spot Morgan. “Dammit, I don�
��t even get five minutes before I have to witness this. I need a beer.” She’s even more gorgeous, and I see she’s with her asshole boyfriend.
Dylan turns and points toward the backyard. “Since it’s really nice out today, Vincent put a keg out back for us. You can hang out on the deck if you don’t want to be around her.”
“Matt, you’ve nailed women since you all broke up, so what’s the big deal? We all haven’t been able to hang out together, and it’s getting old, so you’re going to have to suck it up,” Brett says.
I’m so sick of his shit. He’s on my case about Morgan and the rest of the girls constantly. Our friendship has changed since he got with Hannah. “I still don’t want to see another man’s hands on her. If you can even call him a man.” I feel my jaw tightening.
Brett grabs my shoulder and turns me away from the direction of Morgan. “Come on, let’s grab a beer and sit on the deck.”
Morgan
The great room has rows of windows along the back, so we can see straight out onto the deck. I see J.T. looking at Matt as he sits at a patio table with the other guys.
“I don’t like that he’s here,” J.T. says.
“It’s not a big deal. I’m here with you. I told you that I’m going to have to spend time around him if I want to keep my friends. I hear he’s moved on, too.”
“OK, you’re right.” He pulls me close and gives me a kiss.
I feel like I’m becoming a good liar dating J.T. He treats me so well, but the sparks aren’t there. I’m hoping it will change, but I guess the passion should be there from the beginning. I really want to make things work with him.
I still miss Matt, but I’m also angry at him for what he’s put me through. All those months, I fell more and more in love only to have him let me walk away. It hurts. Hannah, Chelsea, Jasmine and Taylor walk up to us.
“I’m glad you could make it. Tory feels extra special having our group here. I swear she wants to grow up way too fast,” Taylor says.
I hug her. “I wouldn’t miss it. She’s like a little sister to me.” I turn my attention to J.T. “Honey, I’m going to go out back for a minute.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“I promise I’ll be back in five minutes, so stay here and keep my girlfriends company.” I squeeze his hand and smile before I walk away.
I reach the glass French doors that lead out to the deck and take a deep breath before I open them. My stomach does somersaults as my eyes instantly lock with Matt’s, so I swiftly glance to Dylan whose back is to me.
“Dylan, can I speak to you for a minute?”
He twists in his chair and turns his head to look at me.
“Um, sure.” He hesitantly gets up and follows me over to the keg where I fix J.T. another beer. “What’s up, Morgan?”
I inhale a sharp breath. “Um … I have to ask you a question …
Read the continuation of Matt and Morgan (Soul Mates 101 series, Book 4), with a touch of Nate and Tory, upon release in January 2014.
Tory
Every time I glance over, I see Nate still talking to my friends. I thought it would be brief, but they’re not letting him go. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to leave him alone with them. I’ve been trying to mingle with everyone, and I feel bad because a lot of guys from school keep talking to me and hugging on me.
I really just want to be alone with Nate. I hate that we’re not gonna get that opportunity this trip, but I’m determined to steal a few minutes. I have a question to ask him, and it has me really nervous. I need to get it over with, so I walk over to him.
“Nate, can I steal you away from my friends?”
He grabs my hand. I think he’s glad I came to get him. I lead him down the hallway and straight into a spare bedroom before shutting the door and locking it.
“What are you doing, Tory? I don’t want your parents getting pissed at me if they find us in here, and I don’t want anything to interfere with me going on that trip with everyone, either. I’m just waiting for your dad to say something about that kiss. Dylan told me he saw it on TV.”
I gaze up at him with an alluring smile. “You’re extra cute when you’re nervous. Do I at least get a kiss for my birthday?”
“I was beginning to think you didn’t want one.” Nate gives me a boyish grin as his hands find my waist. I think he’s already forgotten about my parents. My arms go around his neck as I soak in the richness of his brown eyes. I play with the back of his hair, and we stand like this, staring at each other for several seconds before we kiss. My tongue finds his in the warmth of his mouth, and I want time to stand still.
His fingers massage my lower back while our tongues dance together slowly and seductively for several minutes. He then kisses my cheek and my neck before he whispers in my ear.
“Now I feel like it’s my birthday.” He pulls back, and we rest our foreheads against each other’s. “I’m sorry that I didn’t bring you a gift. I’m working on something, but shopping for a girl that has everything is extra tough.”
This is going to be difficult to say. I’m so nervous.
“Actually, about that ... I um, I know something you can do for my birthday.”
Nate leans back, looks at me and snickers. “You’re blushing. Why are you suddenly nervous around me? I never thought I would see that. I mean, we’ve seen each other in only a towel.”
“Don’t laugh. It’s hard to ask. Um … would you …
Acknowledgements
I want to thank my readers. It’s exciting to know there are those who find enjoyment and an escape in reading my work. I can’t express enough what it means to me. I truly appreciate your support.
Patrick, my husband, for all you do at our home to allow me more time to pump these stories out. It’s appropriate to thank you in this book for continuing to introduce me to the awesome music we enjoy listening to.
I also want to thank you for the insight you give me for my male point of views. Our conversations are entertaining and lead to some of our own adventures. You’re my rock, and I love you.
As always, I need to thank the rest of my family and friends for the support you give me. I appreciate that you listen to me ramble on about my characters and what I have in the works. It’s a tremendous help when I get your input on my ideas. I love you.dpg
Eden Crane Design for the awesome cover. They always turn out spectacular. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter.
I want to acknowledge my beta readers: Gretchen, Kim kat and Susette & dpg. I’m very grateful for your help and love you bunches.
Table of 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
Ther
e’s No Place like Home
End Notes
An Excerpt from Matt and Morgan
(Soul Mates 101 series, Book 4)
Acknowledgements