Brett and Hannah (Soul Mates 101 Series) (22 page)

We’re in the Escalade, and it’s quiet for several minutes. I don’t know what to say to him.

“Your sister’s cute. Is she always that forward?”

I roll my eyes. I imagine I’ll be doing it a lot this week.

“Yes, she’s always the life of the party. Somehow my parents are oblivious to her ways. I can’t imagine what she’s going to be like in a few months when older guys can legally date her, and I’m sure she’ll start trying to get into bars if she hasn’t already.”

Dylan glances over at me. “Have you eaten?”

“Yes. Have you?”

“I ate a little bit when I went home to shower.”

The second we were in this vehicle I knew he showered. He smells delicious. Some of his wavy hair under his ball cap is still damp, too. There’s several more minutes of awkward silence.

Dylan turns on the radio to a rock channel and turns it up. I’m surprised. I pegged him as a country music only fan because of how he dresses and due to his strong country accent, not to mention the fact that Cody is his best friend. He’s about as country as it gets. I realize I’m majorly stereotyping, so I snicker and look out the side window.

“What was that for?” he asks.

“What?”

“Do you find something funny? Is the rock music burning your country ears?”

I let out a loud laugh. “Hardly, I figured you were the one who only listens to country music.”

My father is Vincent Page, the lead guitarist for the famous 80’s band, Strip it Off. They’re still putting out hits today, and my dad is considered one of the most famous guitarists of all time.

I’d say for sure I have Dylan beat when it comes to what we know about rock music. He has the radio up too loud for me to sleep. I’m tired, so I let out a loud sigh and lean my head against the window.

“What now?” he asks.

“Nothing.”

“It’s something, so just spit it out.”

I don’t know why he can’t say things in a nicer tone.

“Can you turn that down a little? I want to rest.”

“Sure, and I ain’t buyin’ that you like rock music.”

“Trust me, I’m pretty fond of that genre of music.” I find my phone and send Hannah a text message.

Me:
Have you told any of the guys who my father is?

Hannah responds quickly:
No, but you need to!

Me:
I’ll tell them when I’m ready.

Hannah:
You need to tell them on this trip. It’s a big part of who you are! Actually, now that I
think about it, Dylan would absolutely freak if he knew. Aww, he would love you even more.

Me:
Real funny, Hannah Banana. It’s obvious he can’t stand me.

I throw my phone back into my bag.
I thought Dylan was messing with me because of my dad, but now I see he’s being genuine about his music interests.

“I grew up listening to rock music. It’s pretty much all my parents have ever listened to,” I say.

“My parents prefer country, but I’m definitely more of a rock fan.”

I look over at him. “Who do you listen to?”

“Mainly the old stuff, but I’ve grown to like a lot of the new rock that isn’t really mainstream. They play it a lot on satellite radio. Hey, we have that in this vehicle.” He excitedly starts looking for a channel.

“Well, when you find it
, would you please not turn it up too loud?”

“Sure, sunshine. I wouldn’t want you to lose your beauty sleep.”

“God, this is going to be the longest trip of my life. It’ll probably feel longer than flying to Europe,” I say, groaning.

“I’m sorry
that I’m so repulsive.” He sounds pissed.

“You’re not. Can we please just drop it? I promised Hannah I’d get along with you, so could you at least try to make it easier for me?”

“Of course, here we go with the ‘I’m better than you, and I’m the one having to tolerate
your
shit’.”

“You’re so fucking exhausting sometimes, Dylan. I’m going to sleep!”

“You’re welcome, sunshine.”

I let out another groan before making my head as comfortable as possible against the window. I swear I’m telling him off the next time he calls me that.

My husband, Patrick, who praises and supports me every day. I love you beyond words.

It isn’t easy having a mom who writes contemporary romance when you’re seventeen, so I acknowledge my son who works diligently ever day to keep my pen name hidden from his buddies. I love you so much.

My family and friends for supporting my writing. Many of you promoted my work before you even had a chance to read it because you had faith in my abilities, and that means the world to me. I appreciate the encouraging words and all the time you spend listening to me talk about my work.

Eden Crane Design for providing me with a wonderful cover for
Brett and Hannah
and also
A Week for Love to Bloom.
Thank you for your patience.

Belinda for proofing. It’s been great working with you. You’ve helped me learn so much through this process. We’ve had to have some pretty awkward and funny conversations, and you’ve been more than gracious about it.

Author Red Tash for being a great friend. Thank you for your continued advice. I’ve enjoyed how our friendship has blossomed through this process.

I want to acknowledge my
beta readers: Susette, Cindy, Kim and Karen. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to read
Brett and Hannah
.

Gena for advice on my disclaimer and for answering my questions in a writing group.

Kathleen for promoting my book and for your encouraging words.