What the Heart Wants (38 page)

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The yellow and white lines blurred together as Dylan tried concentrating on his driving. His body tensed at the thought of his dad. When would that man get over himself and stay the hell out of his life?

Dealing with his dad was like having his life force drained by an evil spirit. The more he allowed him to feed off his energy, the more he would take.

Trying to shake the negative vibes, Dylan’s mind switched to Heaven. His heart ached to see her, to feel the touch of her skin, to enjoy the peaceful feeling she gave him.

Glancing around at the passing scenery, he knew he was only ten minutes from the house. With so much contempt still flowing through his veins, the last thing he wanted to do was go home and bring Heaven down with him.

He focused on their connection, hoping to reassure her that he was okay. The vibrations she emitted spiraled through their bond, leaving him dizzy. She was worried.

Vibration at his hip drew his eyes to his phone. He didn’t bother looking at the number. He knew it was her.

“Hey, Hev.”

“God, Dylan, are you okay? I’ve been going out of my mind.”

Guilt consumed him. “I’m fine. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“You are not fine, Dylan. I felt your anger and it scared me. But it didn’t compare to the pain you fed me through our bond. What happened?”

Dylan let out a sigh as he thought about their connection. He liked that they could feel each other’s emotions, but the negative vibes were troublesome. He didn’t want her worrying over him. “I was dealing with Dad. Don’t fret over it.”

“I’m going to worry about you, Dylan, especially since I can feel your emotions. Ignoring my calls didn’t help ease my concern for you.”

“We were in a heated discussion. I couldn’t answer. I knew why you were calling, and I tried to chill out. I really am sorry.”

The erratic throb in their bond began to settle as she exhaled. “Why were you and your dad in a heated discussion?”

The question was not one he was prepared to answer, seeing as how it involved her. “It’s a long story, and I will tell you about it when I get home. I have to make one more stop and then I’ll be there.”

“Chelsea and I are about to leave the coffee shop. We’re going to stop by her and Kyle’s place before I come home. Promise you won’t be long?”

He felt a little throb in their connection. It wasn’t concern this time. She missed him.

Good. He missed her, too. “I promise you, I won’t be long. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. I’ll be waiting for you.”

* * *

It was the last place Dylan had intended to go, but he was there, nonetheless. Too much time had passed since they had last spoken. It didn’t feel right. They’d never gone this long without talking.

When the door opened, he stared into eyes he’d known since he was a child, half expecting them to narrow. Instead, they seemed to smile.

“Who pissed in your cereal this morning?”

Leave it to Layne to start the conversation with a joke.

“Do you really need to ask?”

“Get your ass in here, dude, and let’s talk.” He watched Layne shake his head and step aside. “What did your dad do this time?”

Dylan followed him into the living room and they both sat down on the sofa. “He’s doing what he normally does; he’s trying to run my life.”

“And this surprises you because…?”

“It doesn’t. It just pisses me off.” Dylan glanced away. He didn’t want his negative vibes radiating to Heaven, again. She had been through so much within the last twenty-four hours. She didn’t need to stress over his problems, too.

“So what caused the latest argument?”

“It was over several things.”

“You’re going to have to be more specific.” Layne leaned over and grabbed his beer before resting his feet on the coffee table. He motioned to Dylan, to ask if he wanted a drink. Dylan shook his head.

“Dad thinks I should be focusing on nothing but work.”

“That’s how your dad is, Dylan. He works all the time and thinks we all should do the same.”

“I know, but he needs to realize that I’m not him. He can push me all he wants, but it won’t change anything. Right now, my focus is on Heaven, but he wants Sliders to go on a European tour next month.”

Layne jerked away from the back of the couch, sputter beer from his mouth. He wiped his lips as he shook his head. “Ha! Fat chance of that happening. Your dad’s lost his mind. We need a break.”

“Tell that to my dad.”

“Don’t stress over it, dude.” Layne propped his feet on the coffee table, again, and eased his back against a cushion. “You know Scott, Jerry and I will back you on not wanting to tour.”

“My problem with Dad doesn’t stop there. I wish it did. He thinks that Heaven is too much of a distraction, and that I should forget about her.”

“Yeah, about Heaven. Man, I’m sorry for being such an ass at Jerry’s. I didn’t have the right to—”

Dylan waved off the apology. “I’m past all that. We’re cool. No harm done.”

“You sure you don’t want a beer? We’re due for a little male bonding,” Layne teased, ducking out of the way when Dylan hurled a pillow at him.

“Cute, man. But, thanks. I’ve missed your smack talk, too. I’d have a cold one with you, but I gotta get home soon. Heaven will be back in a little while.”

“How’s she doing after the whole Zeke fiasco?”

Dylan grunted as he crossed his leg over the other, his foot shaking like a solitary leaf on a cold November day. “She’s better.”

“I can’t believe that idiot,” Layne snorted. He took a sip from his beer and shook his head. “I wish I could have seen you kick his ass.”

“He’s lucky I didn’t kill him. Believe me, I wanted to.”

“You don’t think this will cause problems with you and Heaven, do you? You know, like make her not want to…”

Dylan felt his face go hot. “Um, no. Heaven and I are fine. If anything, it made us closer.”

“Good God, dude. Don’t tell me there’s wedding bells in the future.”

“There you go, reading my mind, again.”

The smile on Layne’s face receded. His hand fell to his lap. “You make it sound as if you’re marrying her tomorrow.”

“It won’t be tomorrow, but it will be soon.”

Layne’s feet hit the floor as he sat up. “How soon are we talking?”

“I don’t have a date, yet. Whenever I pop the question, she and I will decide then. You seem surprised by all of this. I told you before that I plan to marry her.”

“Dude, don’t rush into this. Get to know Heaven before you make any rash decisions. She’s living with you, now. That’s not much different than being married.”

Dylan leaned his head against the couch and sighed. “I know her, Layne. I’ve known her for a while.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?”

Damn. He hadn’t meant to admit that to Layne.

“Nothing, dude. I’ll explain some other time.” He sat back up and looked down at his watch. He’d spent enough time bullshitting. It was time to get home and back to Heaven. He sensed her missing him. “I need to go. I promised Heaven that I would be home, soon.”

Layne stood and followed him to the front door. “I hope you’re not upset about what I said.”

“I know that you’re looking out for me, unlike my dad. I appreciate that, but it’s not necessary.”

“I just want you to be happy. You know that, right?”

Dylan stopped in the middle of the doorway and looked back at Layne. “I know.” He gave Layne a playful punch. “See you around.”

* * * * *

CHAPTER 25

Heaven leaned against the willow tree, watching butterflies floating by as they danced at summer’s end. The woodsy scents of fall lingered in the air, promising blankets of multicolored leaves in the future. What would the weather be like in L.A.? It couldn’t compare to the warm days and cool nights back in Ohio.

Autumn…it was the best season. What was it about the musky scent of fallen leaves that moved her soul? Maybe because it reminded her of living with her parents, or of high school football games and hanging out with friends.

Whatever the reason, she had many happy memories this time of year. There was no way that the weather in Los Angeles could compare to that. She would ask Dylan to make a trip to her hometown so he could meet her parents and see the fall foliage.

The haze of memories vanished when she felt her connection with Dylan cascading with warmth and want. He was staring at her, growing closer with each step.

Had it already been two months since they’d learned the reason for their connection?

She breathed deeply, knowing it was his breath she held within her, his breath that had saved her life the day she was born.

His arms slid around her waist. She felt the heat of his body against her back. The scent of cloves filled her nose, teasing her senses until everything else about that moment ceased to exist. Their bodies swayed, as if their hearts played a melody only they could hear. What a beautiful love song it was.

Heaven closed her eyes, letting out a contented sigh as Dylan swept her hair aside and brushed the nape of her neck with his lips. Their bond hummed with a slow steady vibration.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I know,” he answered, “but I love you more than the air I breathe.”

She glanced over her shoulder and into his eyes. “Show off.”

He spun her. She pressed into him. And within a matter of seconds, the world could have ended and she’d never have known the difference. Not with the way he groaned against her lips.

Had the Earth shifted?

“I know one thing for sure,” he said as he rubbed his nose against hers. “I’ll never get bored with doing something as simple as holding you.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Are you happy, Heaven?”

“I’m beyond happy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “The void I once felt has been filled.”

“Are you sure that I’m all you need?”

Heaven laughed softly. She swiped one of the willow tree branches from his face and pressed her palm to his cheek. “Yes, I’m sure. You can always check our connection if you have any doubts.”

“I don’t doubt your love for me. I just worry that you’re missing out on something you might want to do, like the All Things Art program.”

“I’m not missing out on anything I want. The art program would have been a great educational experience, but it’s not something I have to do.” Why was he bringing this up? She hadn’t talked about it since the day she met Nate. When she noticed the worry in his eyes, she wanted to erase all doubt. “I’ve always lived my life by doing what's right for me, and being with you is what’s right.”

“Being with you is right for me, too. All I want is to make you happy.”

The strange look remained in his eyes as he struggled to hold her gaze. Whatever was on his mind, he felt passionately about it. “You’re still upset over what your dad and Layne said, aren’t you?”

“I’m not concerned about my dad. I don’t need his approval for anything.” He leaned against the tree trunk, pulling her against him. “Layne, on the other hand, confuses me.”

“Why?”

“He’s been so weird, lately. I know deep down he wants me to be happy, but he thinks we’re rushing our relationship.”

“Do you feel like we are?”

Dylan leaned in for a kiss. When he pulled away, his smile had returned. “No, I don’t feel like that. You and I know why our feelings are so strong, but I haven’t told Layne.”

She hadn’t told her sisters, either, or Chelsea. “Why don’t you talk to him, explain things so he’ll understand?”

“Because I don’t know if he will. I may tell him one day, but not right now.”

Heaven thought back to the odd looks that Layne had given her the weekend at Jerry’s house. His uncomfortable gaze had confused her. Did Layne expect her to break Dylan’s heart?

No…it wasn’t the same look. If he was looking out for Dylan, then why did he look at her like she was…

She shook off the ill feelings and focused back on Dylan. “Layne will come around once he sees that I’m devoted to you.”

He nodded. “When is Hope coming by?”

Heaven glanced down at her watch and noticed the time—almost noon. “She should be here soon.”

“I need to go, too. I only have a few errands, so I’ll probably beat you home. You and Hope have fun.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I’ll see you soon.”

~ * ~

Heaven gazed at Hope over the mocha latte hovering at her lips. Had she just heard her sister right? Of course, she had. This was Faith they were talking about. So why did the news pinch her heart?

“Is she still staying at Layne’s?”

Hope nodded as she placed her phone back on the table. “I was surprised she told me at all. I know she’s horrible at times, but she’s our sister. I worry about her.”

“Good, God! How does she get herself in these types of messes?” Who was she kidding? Faith’s middle name should have been Disaster. Lord knows she’d caused enough. Had karma finally caught up with her? “When will she know for sure?”

Hope shrugged. “She has an appointment today…why didn’t she just listen to me? If you’re going to screw anything and everything, do something to protect yourself. Get. On. The. Freaking. Pill. You know?”

“Guess that stash of condoms she showed us ran out.” Heaven shuddered at the thought of Faith being a mom. Or even worse— Layne being a father. “Has she mentioned anything to Layne?”

“No. She said he’s been acting weird, lately. Ever since our weekend at Jerry’s, he’s kinda pulled back. She made a big deal about staying in that room with him so they could get their freak on. Apparently, nothing happened.”

How odd. That was the same night Layne had given Heaven the weird look. Could the two be…

No. Faith was responsible for her own relationship failures. If she didn’t give it up on the first date, she would have a better chance of keeping a man. That and thawing her heart would do wonders.

“Did you go off somewhere?” Heaven looked over at Hope. She grasped her cup between her hands and shook her head. “You’re not still waiting for Zeke to pop out, are you?”