Dirty Bad Boys Box Set: Forbidden Romance Collection

Tayla’s room is very bright. Decorated with purple wallpaper and black and white photos scattered all over the walls. She really enjoys photography, it’s one of her passions next to texting.

“Can I borrow your cell?” I ask, hopping up into a sitting position.

“Yeah.” She quickly scrolls on the phone then hands it to me. “Where’s yours?”

“Long story.”

I send a text to Nina, telling her I’m coming home tonight. She replies instantly and tells me to sit tight while she organizes flights and bodyguards to escort me at LAX—an extra precaution given I’m alone. I don’t see the big deal and wait for fifteen minutes for the flight details to arrive.

“I have to go back home,” I tell Tayla without mentioning anymore about Logan.

“Mom will be sad.”

“I know, but I have to take care of something.”

“Okay.” She shrugs, losing interest.

“Tayla,” I hesitate, sitting on the edge of the sofa with my feet flat on the ground. “I’m sorry if I haven’t been around much.”

Swiveling to face me, she crosses her legs. “You’re busy. I’m busy. Ash’s busy. It’s cool.”

“It’s not cool. I should be here for you. As a big sister.”

Looking around her room, I realize I have no idea who she is anymore. Almost like she’s changed overnight. Tayla’s entrance to our family came with mixed emotions. It had been Ash and me for so long then all of a sudden a baby was thrown into our lives. By the time she began to walk and talk, we were hitting puberty and busying ourselves with all the cool things teenagers do.

Since I began the show, my life has changed forever. Back-to-back filming plus, commercials, photo shoots, interviews, and then I ventured into my own business which Wes joined me soon after.

Our fitness line is something I feel passionate about—comfortable and affordable for the everyday consumer. I added my sparkle by throwing colors and patterns, instead of your boring black workout pants. Given my popularity on the show, the demands for the clothing exceeded our expectations and made us a fortune.

From there, we branched out further. Purchasing our apartment then a small cottage in the hills which we rent out. Wes does a ton of endorsements, and I was offered many which I declined at the time due to my hectic lifestyle. Add in there the social events including red carpets, award shows, and premieres and we have little time for anything else.

Wes doesn’t like me coming home without him, and he’s only visited once in three years.

That will change now.

It’s all about to change.

I simply need to get on a plane and find a way to end the show.

And breaking up with Wes will do just that.

Chapter Six

“The key to moving on is denial.

That, and eating cake.”

~ Emerson Chase

I fell asleep on Tayla’s couch, only to wake up soon after to the sound of a horn honking out the front of the house. My vision is blurred and worsens as I rub my eyes, exhausted and drained from all the worry and stress.

Hiding out in her room seemed logical, but with my stomach growling and my mouth parched, I know I’ll have to make my way to the kitchen eventually. And most importantly, I have to tell Mom I’m heading home early. I need a distraction. Something to occupy my mind and push away the pain even if only for a few moments.

“Can I borrow your computer?” I ask, mindful she has ‘Property of Tayla Chase’ stickered all over her electronics.

“Sure,” she replies, moving off the bed and to me. She leans over and types in the password quickly like I’m spying.

I thank her kindly with a trace of sarcasm, then proceed to log into my account and check my unread emails. Nina’s sent another long email. Apparently, she’s in full damage-control mode and the network execs are beyond pissed. Wesley’s being flown back to the States for an emergency meeting. They request that I be there to discuss the future of the show also. It seems unnatural to sit in a boardroom and discuss how to fix our relationship. The thought of being in the same room with Wes makes my skin crawl. To think he could do that and expect me to carry on like nothing’s happened makes me question my sanity.