“Sweetheart, none of us would care if you ever spent a cent on us.”
“I know that, but I just want to do something nice for everyone.”
“I’ll go get a shower. Oh—shit.” Pain shoots through my abs, and I groan as I attempt to sit up.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s no big deal, just soreness setting in from the blows my stomach took last night.”
Tears surface in Taylor’s eyes.
“Oh no you don’t. I’ve seen enough tears from you already, and you promised that smile was staying put.”
“I know, but you’re hurting because of me.”
“No, I’m hurting because that guy is a total douche bag. I can’t believe he ever had the privilege of being with you. Your face is bruised a little, and it makes me want to hurt him even more.”
“I only spoke to him and agreed to dance because I was trying to show him that he never hurt me, but it really backfired.”
“He had hurt you, and then the bastard did it again. Look, we’re having a good morning, and I want to see you happy, so don’t worry about my stomach. It’ll be fine tomorrow, and believe me, I’ve suffered much worse.”
She leans over and kisses my neck a few times before she abruptly sits up. “Dylan, I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
She giggles. “Um … I left a bite mark on your shoulder.”
“And it was awesome when you did it. We better stop talking about it, or neither of us are leaving this room today.”
“OK.” She has to kiss my neck one last time before she climbs off the bed.
“Taylor, are you trying to torment me?”
“What’s wrong?”
“You look too damn sexy, that’s what. You’re wearing My Darkest Days black panties. First, you look hot in the panties, and second, they’re another band I enjoy listening to. Then you have a tank top on over very perky tits that are calling for me to touch them. I think it’s fair to say you’re trying to punish me for something. You aren’t a professional groupie are you because you sure have a lot of band wear?”
“Well, maybe all the punishment will make the pleasure that much better.” She gives me a suggestive look that makes me want to bend her over this bed. I’m trying to go slow with her, but she’s not making it easy for me, so I’m in front of her in two seconds, wrapping my arms around her waist.
I lean over and breathe in the enticing scent from her hair as I whisper in her ear. “I’m most certain any amount of torture will be worth the pleasure I’ll get from touching you, feeling your skin against mine and tasting you.”
I look down with an urgent stare, showing her the craving I have for her. She shudders as we gaze into each other’s eyes for several seconds without a word, and I know we both feel the heat that flows heavy between us.
“You’re driving me crazy with how few clothes you’re wearing and how good you smell. I have to get out of here. I’m going to get a shower.” If I stay a second longer and hear something else come out of that sweet mouth of hers, then we’re going to have sex right now.
One Step Forward
Taylor
I didn’t do it on purpose, but I pushed Dylan to his limit when I made a comment without pants on about punishment and pleasure. I dodged the groupie question. Things are too great this morning to tell him about Vincent.
Wearing a tan sweater that sits off the shoulders, denim skinny jeans, brown Stella McCartney boots and several pieces of gold jewelry, I head downstairs and go over to the girls who are sitting in the great room. The guys are eating breakfast at the dining room table.
“I’m sorry last night sucked because of me. I was trying to give Sam the impression that seeing him didn’t rattle me, but it definitely turned into a disaster.”
“Sam’s a total loser, Taylor. We’re not upset at you. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see Austin knock his ass out,” Chelsea says, smiling.
Hannah beams at me from the couch while playing with her messy updo. “So, things OK with you and Dylan? We couldn’t help but see that his bedroom door was open, and his bed was empty this morning.”
I feel my face warm. “Better than OK.”
Jasmine gets all giddy. “That’s awesome. You two look so cute together.”
I glance to each of the girls. “Are we going shopping? I want to treat you all today, and I want to buy the guys something for all they’ve put up with the last couple of days.”
“Sounds great to me, and we need to get more groceries. The news made it sound like we could get snowed in for a couple of days, and the guys eat like pigs,” Hannah says.
Brett tilts his chair back at the dining room table and strains his neck to look at us. “I heard that. We’ve been together long enough for you to call me a pig now, huh?”
She jumps off the couch and runs to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leans around and gives him a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, and I was joking.”
“I know, shortcake. I love you, too, and yes, we eat like pigs.”
Those two have a special love, and I do want what they have. I go into the kitchen to find some breakfast, and while looking in the fridge, my butt cheek gets a squeeze. I know it’s Dylan due to the whiff I’ve already caught of his intoxicating cologne. I shut the door and turn around. He’s wearing jeans and a Vandy sweatshirt. “You’re not wearing a hat.”
“I’m trying to wear it less since I can tell you’re really diggin’ my awesome hair.” He runs his hand through the shiny thickness of it while wiggling his eyebrows. I can’t help but giggle. “I brushed my teeth, too, so I can kiss you now.” He gives me a sexy grin before he pushes his body into me, pressing me against the refrigerator.
I put my arms around his neck. “I’d like that.” He slips his tongue in my mouth, and we share a slow, arousing kiss. I hear clapping and yelling from our friends, so I bury my head against Dylan’s chest. Why can’t this kitchen be enclosed?
“We’ve all seen it, so you can’t deny it now. That means no more shit between you two,” Matt says.
“I just want to thank my good buddies for having my back last night. My abs are sore, but it would’ve been much worse if you hadn’t shown up. Taylor and I are going to do everything we can to be on our best behavior for you the rest of the trip. Well, I can’t promise clean behavior.” Dylan pulls me closer and kisses me again.
“The time has arrived where I get to start making your life miserable, Dylan. I’ve been waiting patiently for payback time,” Brett says.
“Shut it, douche bag.” After his verbal exchange with Brett, he leaves me in the kitchen, so I look to see where he’s going. He walks up to Hannah. “Are you OK today? I’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m better now. Thanks for asking. It wasn’t your fault. It’ll always be Jim’s fault.”
“I’m still sorry you had to see us fighting.”
“I know, Dylan. This right here is exactly why you’re good enough for Taylor.”
He gives her a quick hug. He’s such a softy underneath his jokester, rough exterior.
***
Even though the girls can afford to buy for themselves, I insist on purchasing everything for the day. We have lunch together while we’re out, too. “So ... Taylor, how’s Dylan in the bedroom?” Jasmine asks. “I’ve always wondered since he talks like he’s a sex magician.”
“We haven’t had sex. We fooled around some last night, but I started it. He hasn’t tried to get me to do anything.”
“That’s unbelievable. He has to really care for you,” Chelsea says.
“I’ve never met a man this considerate. He told me I’m worth waiting for.”
Morgan holds her hand to her chest. “Aww, that’s precious. Matt’s more affectionate when no one else is around, but I wish he had it that bad for me. Actually, I’m more than wishing. If he doesn’t change his ways soon, then I’m going to have to end things with him.” Tears fill her brown eyes.
“I’m
sorry, Morgan. I don’t know why he’s so closed off. Sometimes he lets us see a sweet side, but he’s definitely more guarded around women,” Chelsea says.
“I’m not giving him much more time. I feel like he just keeps me around for sex. Anyway, let’s talk about something else.” She brushes her tears away.
I don’t know what Matt’s problem is. Morgan’s a catch and she’s beautiful, especially today. She’s wearing a Hayden black cashmere sweater, grey pants and black knee high boots. Her chestnut hair is in a French twist. Morgan is always classy and it’s not just her clothes but her behavior. Matt better wise up.
“I want to get the guys a PlayStation 3 and a ton of games. Do you think they’d like one?” I ask.
“They’ll love you,” Jasmine replies.
We finish shopping and make our way back to the cabin. The guys come out to help us carry in groceries. Brett grabs a few bags and peeks in them. “Did you all leave anything for anyone else to buy?”
Dylan comes straight at me and kisses me the second I step out of the vehicle. “I missed you already. I’m in deep, sunshine.”
“I missed you, too.” I can’t help but smile against his lips. “Your happiness today is warming my heart, and I can’t keep a grin off my face.” My words make him smile more, and I realize we’ve started a gushing loop that will probably make our friends want to throw up soon.
Once inside, I’m too eager to wait to give the guys their game system. The girls gave me a hard time because of the amount of money I spent buying it along with a lot of games and controllers. I don’t care. Other than my dad, I haven’t bought a guy a gift in a long time, so this feels good.
“Guys, I have something for you.” I’m beaming as I start handing each of them bags. “Here, go play while we cook supper.”
Each one of them hug me and thank me before they go to the game room. My girlfriends and I go into the kitchen to cook supper. “That was fun. I never have anyone to buy gifts for who can’t just buy whatever they want.”
Hannah stops moving and looks at me. Her hand is still stuck in a grocery bag. “I’ve really enjoyed all the things I’ve been able to give Brett, but don’t overdo it. They work hard and have their pride. I’ve learned they want to feel like they’re taking care of us, not the other way around.”
My good feeling disappears. “That makes sense. I’m worried Dylan’s not going to want anything to do with me once he knows about Vince. I have a bad feeling about it.”
“Are you kidding? I think he’ll be more excited about dating you. The fact you both play guitar is cool, too,” Morgan says.
“I’m going to tell him tonight, but I want to tell him alone. I don’t think it would be right to put him on the spot in front of everyone. I hope I’ve been worrying for nothing.”
Strip it Off
Dylan
We go into the game room with the PS3 Taylor bought. I don’t like her spending that much money on us, but I don’t want to tell her and hurt her feelings.
Cody gets a smirk on his face as he pulls the game system out of the box. “How was she, Dylan?”
“We haven’t had sex, but I’ll tell you this, she has the hottest body I’ve ever seen, and she’s a rocker chick. I swear every bra and pair of panties that girl owns looks like something a rock star would wear. It’s like she was made for me.
“I need to ask her what the hell her parents do for a living. I’ve been afraid to ask after the way Hannah acted that first time she stayed over at our house. You know, when she thought we were treating her different because of her mom.”
“Just asking her what they do is not the same. Ask her because I’d like to know myself. I finally found out why Jasmine’s family has money. Her dad’s the CEO for a pharmaceutical company. Did you know the salary for that position is in the millions? Cody asks, sounding baffled.
“I know it’s unimaginable, but Taylor’s home is larger than the Masons’.”
“You’re kidding? Now, I’m interested in knowing,” Matt says.
Glancing to Brett, I see him staring off, and I can tell he’s thinking about something. “I wouldn’t ask her in front of everyone in case she has an issue with it. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
He’s probably uncomfortable thinking of all the money the Masons spend on him. I know it’s been a big adjustment.
Taylor
I’m in the kitchen cooking with the girls when Brett walks in. “Taylor, can I talk to you for a minute?”
I follow him into the hallway where Dylan and I shared our intense kiss, and it feels weird to be standing here with Brett.
“You have to tell Dylan about your dad tonight,” he says anxiously.
“I’m planning on it.”
“I mean it, Taylor. Don’t change your mind. The longer you wait, the better chance he’s going to end up pissed at you and very possibly me.”
“I know.” I let out a sigh.
“I’m not trying to be mean. I just don’t want anything else going wrong.”
“I’ll do it after dinner.”
“Alright, thanks. I really do want things to work out between the two of you.”
***
I’m quiet during dinner as I try to come up with the best way to tell Dylan about my dad. I don’t want to get drunk again, but I’ve had two glasses of wine in no time due to my nerves.
Dylan rubs my leg. “Are you OK? You seem nervous.”
“I just have something on my mind. Can we talk later?”
“Of course.”
“Morgan, these meatballs are the bomb. Doesn’t your family own several Italian restaurants?” Cody asks.
“Yes, my dad’s a chef. He opened his first restaurant years ago in Atlanta. It was very successful, so he opened more around the country, but it’s not a chain. Each serves Italian but are unique in some way, and it’s very upscale dining. My father runs the corporate office now. My nana is Italian and taught my father how to cook. This is actually her spaghetti recipe.”
“It’s delicious,” Austin says before he shovels in a big fork full of noodles. Everyone compliments her on how good their meal is.
“Morgan took me to the one in Nashville. The food was excellent, but it was definitely a new experience since it was the nicest place I’ve ever eaten at,” Matt says before he smiles at her. She looks thrilled that he’s talking about her. I don’t understand why he can’t be that way more often.
I pour a third glass of wine. I’m going to hyperventilate. What if Cody asks me next what my family does? “I need to excuse myself for a minute.” I get up and go to the restroom. After running my hand under cold water, I pat it on my forehead. I feel flushed from the wine, but my nerves are my enemy right now. When I come out of the restroom, Dylan’s waiting for me.
“Are you sure you’re OK? You’re worrying me.”
“I think we need to talk right now. Are you finished with dinner?”
“Yes. You’re talking yourself out of seeing me, aren’t you?” I see the worry in his fields of green.
I wrap my arms around his neck. “Absolutely not. I’m worried you’re going to run when I tell you something.” I look away from him.
Dylan takes hold of my chin and turns my head to him.
“Ain’t happenin’, sunshine, but we need to go upstairs. You have me very curious. Although, I don’t know if I’ll let you come back down.” He plants a gentle kiss on my lips.
Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. Taking my hand, he leads me back to the dining room. “Thanks for dinner, but Taylor and I need to discuss something, so we might be down later.”
I glance to Brett, Hannah and Chelsea. I’m sure the fear is written all over my face.
“OK, Dylan, if that’s what you want to call it,” Cody says with a chuckle.
When we get to my room, I pace around until Dylan grabs my shoulders, stopping me and leaning down to look into my eyes. “Come on, you’re great. It can’t be that bad, so just tell me.”
I kick
off my boots and while I’m speaking, I start removing my jeans. “OK, this is going to sound like a strange request or the hottest one you’ve ever heard, but I’m hoping this will tell you without me having to say the words.”
Dylan’s eyes are huge and hungry as he watches me remove my jeans. Maybe this isn’t the best way to tell him since he’s obviously struggling now to focus on what I’m saying. I walk over to the end of the bed and sit down before I lie back and scoot myself up some. I’m now only wearing my off the shoulder sweater and silky, black panties.
“This—is—hot.” He’s staring at me like he’s a horse about to be let out of the gate.
“Stand in front of me, Dylan.”
“Sweetheart, if you want me to do something to you, all you have to do is ask.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Dylan, I’m trying to be serious.”
“You have me really confused, and I don’t know how long I can stand here and not touch you, so I hope you’re going to let me soon.”
I close my eyes and gasp for air. Giving him the news while almost naked is a little manipulative, but I’m hoping if he already has his eyes on the prize, he won’t be able to walk away.
“Pull my panties down, Dylan.”
“This just keeps getting better.” He leans over and slips a finger into the top of each side of my panties and slowly starts pulling them down. I swear I’d never have the nerve to do this if it wasn’t for the wine and the fact that we’ve been almost naked around each other.
He stops in an instant, a grin appearing as he spots the tattoo on the left side of my lower abdomen that reads ‘Strip it Off’.
“I don’t know why you think this would bother me.”
“You’re the first guy to see it.”
“Even better. Baby, this tattoo is sexy, just like you, and it’s a bonus that it’s the name of my all-time favorite rock band.” He admires it before he looks up at me.
Dylan and Taylor (Soul Mates 101 Series) Page 9