The Hot and Cold Series: Box Set: Hot and Cold Series

By Jennifer Scott

The Hot and Cold Series: Box Set is a collection of the three novella books from the series.

Book One: Bring Me to Life
Rachel, a teenage girl and for the most part a loner, visits her dad for the summer. There she meets Adam, a friend of her brother's, by accident. They have a love-hate relationship that has many bumps in the road along the way. They have a limited time together to try and make things work. Will her bitterness and his overly confident attitude mix or self destruct during a summer filled with sex, drugs, rock & roll, and shocking revelations?

Book Two: Don't Say a Word
High school can be so rough, but college can be tougher. Things were never easy for Rachel and Adam, and they don't get better just because they left their hometowns. "Don't Say A Word" is about a young couple thrown together one summer They learn to adjust to college life, family drama, and side projects, but will their relationship pass the test or fail before it's fully had a chance to grow?

Book Three: Broken Faith
The final Rachel and Adam saga that followed them from high school, to college, to marriage. They have endured lies, secrets, miles, and hospitalization. Rachel and Adam's relationship is tested when something forgotten comes back to haunt them. Will their engagement survive it? Life happens very quickly for the young couple. But, with their friends and families help they struggle to survive.

Other Books by Jennifer Scott:
The Right Side of Memphis (Tennessee Series #1)
Somewhere In My Heart (Tennessee Series #2)
Three Ways to Fall (Tennessee Series #3)
Tennessee Love: The Collection (All 3 Books)
Bring Me To Life (Hot and Cold Series #1)
Don’t Say A Word (Hot and Cold Series #2)
Broken Faith (Hot and Cold Series #3)
Hot and Cold Series: Box Set (All 3 Books)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Scott
• Release date: Jul 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781497732827

Book preview

Hot and Cold Series––––––––

Jennifer Scott

Bring Me To Life––––––––

Jennifer Scott

Chapter 1

Can we please not talk about this anymore? I'm so sick and tired of hearing it. After tomorrow, you will be rid of me for the whole summer! Rachel Porter yelled at her mother from her open bedroom door. Her mom had been on Rachel’s case about spending time with her before she left for a few months. However, she knew that it never worked out well for either of them. Things would always start off on the right foot, but by the end of the night they would be at each other's throats.  Her mom chalked it up to average teenage behavior, but Rachel blamed her parents for all of her problems. So, going to stay with her dad for the summer could potentially result in the same argument, just in a different zip code.

I have a right to worry about you, sweetie. I just want you to make some friends and get out more. You need to be around other people and not be on your own so much, Rachel’s mom, Brooke, replied as she stepped into Rachel’s room from the hallway.

It’s a little too late to be worried about my friendship status, don’t you think? Where was all of this concern for gal pals when you and dad split up and we had to move away and leave my best friend Molly? She was like a sister to me. We grew up together. So, don’t act like you’re the concerned parent now.

Rachel would bring Molly’s name up in their arguments every once in a while. Molly lived next door to them back when they still lived in Virginia Beach. They went to grade school together. Most of Rachel’s childhood memories included Molly at one point or another. Molly was in almost every birthday party photo. When Rachel had to move away with her mom, she promised Molly that they would keep in touch. But, it became harder to keep that promise as time passed. So, they eventually stopped writing or calling all together.

Her mom sat down on the bed next to her.

We tried to make things work, you know we did. If we could’ve avoided a divorce, we would have. I’m sorry you had to lose Molly in the process. Would you rather your father and I stay married, even though we were unhappy? I wanted to be a good role model for you, teach you about relationships and what to do when it’s time to get out of one. Can you at least respect that decision? Brooke replied.

Brooke and Rachel’s dad, Daniel, met in college. They got married after they graduated. Daniel fought for his dream job as an architect and eventually achieved it. Brooke also had dreams of becoming a flight attendant. But, not too long after graduation she got pregnant. Brooke believed she would only be putting her dream on hold. She didn’t mind being a homemaker and loved being a mom, but she wanted more for her life. But, Daniel started taking more and more jobs out of town. The absence added to the resentment in the relationship. Daniel turned to another woman and Brooke found out about the affair. After a couple of years, the distance between them and Daniel’s affair finally led to filing for divorce. Brooke got custody of Rachel during the school year and Daniel could have her for some holidays and the summer. Brooke chose Marion to live because that’s where she lived before college. Daniel remarried a few years later to a woman that had a son named Joey.

I don’t want to get into this with you right now. I really hope dad doesn’t try to pull this crap on me this summer, or it will be a long three months! Rachel shouted as she marched out of her bedroom.

Rachel was not in the mood to pack anymore. Her mom just brought up too many memories and feelings that she was not ready to deal with at the moment. She climbed the ladder up to a tree house that was on the property when they moved into the house. It was childish, but a great place to go when she wanted privacy or space. She would stay up there until her nerves were calmer.

You are going to have your hands full this summer with Rachel. I sure hope you have better luck with her than I am having. I am at my wits end. I thought she would be over this phase by now, but her depression is out of control. She has a lot of built up anger, but instead of dealing with it she is isolating herself or lashing out at me, Brooke spoke anxiously into the phone to her ex-husband, Daniel.

He assured her that Rachel would come out of her shell gradually. Once she was in Virginia Beach with him and her stepbrother, Joey would introduce her to some of his friends there. Brooke felt better thinking of her daughter surrounded by other teenagers, enjoying her summer like a normal kid. But, she wasn’t entirely convinced that Rachel would be cured one hundred percent.

Once the mosquitoes began to bite, Rachel was ready to go back inside and begin the tedious task of packing her suitcases with items she would need at her dad’s. It would not take long to pack. Her closet consisted of mainly t-shirts, sweat pants, and a few pairs of jeans. She wasn’t much for dresses and skirts, but did own a few pairs of shorts for the hot summers in her current home of Marion, Virginia. She had an old bathing suit that no longer fit, so she decided to buy one once she arrived at her dad’s. It would be an excuse to avoid the interrogation she was sure to have about what she had been up to the last few months.

The next morning, Rachel breathed a sigh of relief as they passed the sign that said five miles to Virginia Beach. The ride there with her mom was extremely uncomfortable. It had only been six hours, but the tension made it feel like a full day’s drive. She wasn’t excited to see her dad, just ready for a change of scenery. She grew up near the water, but after the divorce she moved with her mom to the mountains. Marion was very close to the Kentucky and North Carolina borders. The mountains were beautiful, but her love of the beach trumped anything or any other place.

Her mom had hugged her and cried when she left. A few hours later, Rachel was unpacked and sitting on the couch in the living room, surprisingly numb. She knew she should feel something more, but all she could think about was bolting from the house as soon as possible.

Dad, can I borrow the car? I need to go down to Fenway’s and pick up a swimsuit.

We will be having dinner soon. Don’t you want to catch up first? Mr. Porter asked her, as he picked up the remote control and pressed the off button.

I won’t be there very long, I promise, Rachel whined.

As if she knew that she already had won the argument, she stood up from the couch to reach for the keys on the table.

Her father grabbed them before she had a chance. I know better than that. You will pull the same tricks you do with your mother. You’ll end up going somewhere and come back late at night. Besides, Fenway’s shut down a few months ago. Just wait until after dinner and Joey can go with you to the mall or to the Boardwalk.

Why do I have to go with Joey? I don’t need a chaperone! Rachel insisted.

Look, I know how you behave back home. But, you won’t talk to me the same way that you talk to your mom. She really tries her best, but she spoiled you and let you get your way. That’s not going to happen; we are discussing ground rules right now. I realize you are on medication for your depression, but that doesn’t give you the right to be rude and selfish. In order to have any sort of freedom while you are here, you must be involved in any and all family functions, no excuses. You will not go places on your own for a while, until I can see that you can be trusted to follow the rules. So, like it or not Joey will be your new best friend. Having said that, I do care about you and am really glad you are here. It may seem like it now, but it won’t be like prison for you this summer, I promise. Your mom left you some money, but I’m not giving it to you all at one time. Otherwise, you will be broke before the first month is over and have to get a summer job. You may be too old for an allowance, but I believe that’s what’s best, Daniel explained as he reached in to his wallet to give Rachel some cash for the swimsuit.

Rachel shoved the money in her pocket. She didn’t want to wait on Joey, and didn’t feel like eating. But her father wasn’t giving her much of a choice. The long ride in the car made her sleepy, so she decided to take a nap instead. The bathing suit could wait, especially since she would not be shopping on her own for it.

After dinner, Rachel told everyone she was still tired and was going back to bed. She pretended to be sleeping, but listened at the door instead. She overheard Joey complain about having to babysit most of the summer. Her dad reassured him it was only temporary and he would have his freedom back soon. She then heard him say they had a trip planned for Busch Gardens and Jamestown. Great, guess I won’t be alone much while I’m here, Rachel mumbled under her breath.

She stayed awake a little while longer, after playing a few games online. Once that completely bored her, she closed her eyes and began to fall asleep. She hoped her dreams would be better than her actual life. She longed for the day when she would have complete freedom to do as she pleased. At least that would be the last time she had to stay with her dad. In the future, if she wanted to it would be of her own free will. She missed so many things about being back in Virginia Beach, but not the restrictions. She planned to come up with a way to ditch Joey at some point during the week. That thought finally made her smile for the first time that day.

Chapter 2

Daniel had left a note on the counter to remind his daughter of her next doctor appointment. It was the therapist she saw whenever she stayed with her dad, since she couldn’t see her regular doctor. Rachel hoped that one day she would never have to take medication for depression again. The note was just another small reminder that summer would not be all fun and games.

Joey was playing on his Xbox when Rachel sat behind his game chair. She cleared her throat to let him know that she was in the room.

Hold on one sec, let me finish this level, he said as he repeatedly mashed buttons on the controller.

Joey was your typical sixteen year old boy that loved video games. He had invited her to hang out with him and his friends after he went with her to get a swimsuit. She didn’t know how well that would work out, if his friends turned out to be anything like him, but she figured she would give it a try. Rachel had to admit it was nice to have someone close to her age drive her places, rather than her mom. She had a license, but hardly ever had the opportunity to drive. She wondered if Joey would let her use his car sometime.

The neighborhood still looked the same, but once they drove on to the main highway Rachel noticed many changes since she was there last. It didn’t take her long to remember just how big her hometown was. She had become accustomed to a small town, so the dense traffic and crowds brought her back to reality.

Joey was a good sport as he waited on Rachel to decide which swimsuit she liked best. She returned to the dressing room several times before she made her final selection. It didn’t bother him to see a few girls from school that shopped there as well. He was single, so felt no guilt about being attracted to all of the pretty girls. Once Rachel had the best bikini she could find, they left the store.

You’d better pray dad doesn’t see you wearing that. He would make you return it, Joey laughed which made Rachel give him an annoyed look.

I’m two steps ahead of you on that. I will wear something over it of course, she assured him.

So, where are we going now? Please don’t tell me the Ocean Breeze Waterpark. That place hasn’t been cool since I was twelve. That’s not where you and your friends hang out, is it?

No Miss Know-it-All. There are so many more options than that. Today we are meeting them at Mount Trashmore. It’s an old landfill that was converted into a park with skateboarding, hiking, and volleyball. It’s one of the best high school hangouts, Joey explained as he unlocked the car. Mount Trashmore was only a few miles from the Boardwalk.  Rachel hoped they would grab something to eat first. She forgot to eat breakfast, but Joey told her they sometimes have vendors there or a food truck that sells sandwiches. She found some gum in her purse to hold her over until then.

Joey texted his friends to see where they wanted to meet up while Rachel was in line to get a little snack. After Rachel purchased a wrap and a soda, she turned to set it down and put away her money. As she moved away from the counter, her drink spilled all over the person behind her in line.

Watch where you are going! Look at what you made me do! Rachel shouted. It wasn’t until she looked up and noticed how handsome the boy that stood in front of her was before she apologized. She then grabbed some napkins and tried to help the guy clean up the mess.

That’s okay. Don’t bother. I can take care of it myself. If I wanted your help, or a soda, I’d ask, the young man replied with a scowl as he headed off to the public restrooms.

Wonderful. So much for southern hospitality, Rachel joked to the cashier who witnessed the event. 

She met up with Joey near the picnic tables where he asked what was wrong and she answered, Don’t worry about it. Just another day in the life of me, that’s all.

As soon as she finished eating, Joey suggested that they go over to the skateboarding ramps and see his friends. It was definitely a nice day to be outdoors. Rachel asked if all of his friends were into skating and Joey said a few of them were. But, they mainly watched others skate. Skating wasn’t something Rachel cared for, but being there was better than sitting at home.

There were more kids at the ramp than Rachel guessed there would be. Some were about her age, but a few looked like they were in college. It was predominately guys, but a few girls were scattered here and there.  So far, Rachel didn’t recognize any of them from when she lived here. She spotted Joey’s best friend Rick, so she and Joey made their way over to him.

Joey introduced Rachel to Rick, even though she told him she remembered who he was.  Next he introduced his friends Phillip and Sam. Rick told Joey that his older brother, Adam, was there as well. Before Rachel could say the words nice to meet you, she realized who Adam was.

You’ve got to be kidding me! Small world! This is not awkward at all! Adam said sarcastically, as Joey and the others looked at Rachel and Adam confused.

Yeah, I really wanted to extend that embarrassing moment even further, Rachel replied with her arms crossed as she stood a little bit closer to Joey.

Are we missing something here? Do you two know each other, Rick asked with his typical formal tone and a surprised look on his face.

It’s nothing. Rachel here just made my dream of being showered in a carbonated beverage come true. I really should be thanking her, Adam laughed as he tried not to look directly at Rachel.

Okay, let’s get out of this uncomfortable conversation and watch these skateboarders kill themselves instead, shall we? Joey said as he tried to change the subject.

Rachel was almost shocked by Adam attitude. What did she do that was so awful to warrant such a mean reaction? Surely, he had made enough mistakes in his life to not condemn her so cruelly for the accident earlier. She reminded herself that she didn’t have to be there if she didn’t want to be there. Next time she’d ask if Adam would be there so she could avoid his unforgiving attitude.

She had seen his type before; good looking with a demeaning charm. Maybe he was one of those guys that altered his behavior to impress his male friends, or because of that Rachel assumed that he definitely had to be single. What girl in her right mind would go out with him?

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly for Rachel. Adam never once tried to apologize or start a conversation with her. She didn’t feel the need to put herself out there for someone who obviously was more worried about appearances than making new friends. Or was it just new female friends he was avoiding? If Rachel had a diary, she would write in it, Why do I care so much about this guy anyway? I have enough problems; I don’t need some boy judging me when I have enough people in my own family doing that for me.

Chapter 3

How did things turn out today? Your dad tells me you hung out with Joey and his friends. Did you have fun? Brooke asked Rachel as soon as she answered the phone.

It was fine. No different than the guys in Marion behaved. It doesn’t look like I will make any female friends, if I can only socialize with Joey and his gang. They should wear shirts that say No Girls Allowed, Rachel responded as she was got dressed for