Dirty Bad Boys Box Set: Forbidden Romance Collection

Then there’s Emerson.

Without further thought, I grab my cell and send him a text.

Me: I don’t think I can be your girlfriend. I’ve thought about it, it just won’t work.

I don’t expect to receive a response at this hour, but the bubble lingering on the screen alerts me to the fact he’s awake too. A huge part of me wishes he isn’t. If I’ve learned anything about Wesley, he’s a determined man, and he doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.

Wesley: Damn, I already tattooed your name on my chest.

Me: Please tell me you’re joking.

Wesley: Why the cold feet?

Me: I think we’ll be complicated.

Wesley: By ‘we’ you mean me?

Me: No. I’m just not ready for another relationship, and the media will follow me and I don’t want that.

Wesley: So you’re giving up, already?

Every part of me wants to say yes, goodbye, Wesley. Walk away, carry on, and go back to just being me.

But there’s something underlying, some unknown feeling that comes in waves and consumes me to the point I know I’m not thinking straight but have zero power over whatever it is.

Me: Okay, listen, we just need rules in place. You know, like can we make a list so there’s no miscommunication between us.

Wesley: I’m listening…

Me: Firstly, no one can know about me. I don’t want Emerson finding out.

Wesley: What else?

Me: My number one priority is making sure I can provide for my mother. My family is everything to me.

Wesley: Is that it?

Me: And we need to be honest with each other. No lying, no hiding stuff. I don’t have time for bullshit.

Wesley: Okay, I can abide by your rules. Now can I list mine?

Me: I’m listening…

Wesley: I don’t want you talking to Liam. If you’re with me, you don’t need to be chums with your ex.

I’m naïve to think his rules wouldn’t include Liam. Letting out a sigh, I shuffle and lay on my side, staring out the window while thinking about Liam. I hurt him, no doubt, and there will be no chance he’ll talk to me any time soon. By the time he gets over this, me, we can be friends. By then, hopefully, Wesley won’t care anymore.

Me: What else?

Wesley: That’s it. I’m not going to be the second man in your life. Been there, done that. If you’re going to be with me, it’s only me.

Me: Fine, are we done?

Wesley: Yes… better now?

Me: Goodnight.

Wesley: Goodnight… girlfriend.