Dirty Bad Boys Box Set: Forbidden Romance Collection

“I’ve eaten all mine,” I announce, at the same time Charlie and Lex follow.

“I can see,” Amelia announces. “Oh, would you look at the time?” She looks at her wrist, vacant with no watch. “I believe Miss Ava and I have an appointment to attend.”

“Would that appointment happen to be Alvin and the Chipmunks on TV?” Charlie questions them.

They both nod before disappearing into the living room. The three of us relax, finally indulging in adult conversation.

“So, tell me what happened. Did you get the info you needed?” Charlie is quick to jump to the subject of Morgan again.

“Not really. She’s supposed to text me with details on meeting Scarlett tomorrow.”

“Noah, what’s going on? She’s Scarlett’s assistant, right? There’s a contractual agreement in place to complete this book. I don’t understand why she’s delaying this.”

Neither do I. I hate this uncertainty, and not only does it drive me insane, it questions my professionalism. I don’t want Lex and Haden thinking I can’t complete this project within the timeline given. But I hate to admit that emotions are running high. Unfamiliar emotions.

“Charlie, I honestly don’t know. I can’t explain it. Morgan is... there’s something and I don’t know. I’m sorry, Lex, I’m trying to get to the bottom of this.”

Lex shakes his head and comments, “Here it is in black and white. She’s obviously attracted to you but is holding back because she’s either in a relationship or she values her career too much. It has nothing to do with your professionalism. You’re great at your job, Haden only has positive things to say about you. Don’t let this cloud your vision and your aspirations.”

“Since when did you become Dr. Phil?” Charlie chuckles.

“Since I’m forced to listen to you and Kate go on and on about relationships. That, and you forcing me to watch Sex and the City in bed almost every night, and because this happens to me all the time,” he says plainly.

Charlie reacts, “I hate to admit it, but it’s true. The problem with you, my dear husband, is that you’re extremely handsome and carry that dominant CEO persona. You’re like the ultimate book boyfriend.”

“Oh no, here we go with the book boyfriends,” Lex complains.

“What’s a book boyfriend?” I ask.

Lex humors me, cutting Charlie off before she answers. “It’s a man, usually a male lead in a book. Quite often he’s handsome, tall with a muscular build, light eyes with a sharp jawline. He has a tattoo inked somewhere on his body. Most often he’s rich, CEO… oh, and who could forget..

. extremely hung.”

I burst out laughing, Charlie shakes her head as she chuckles along with us.

“Oh, he’s described it just right.” She laughs. “Basically your dream man, but on paper.”

I turn to Lex. “Should I even ask how you know this?”

“Both Charlotte and Presley enlightened me one evening. From a marketing and sales perspective, it made sense. The books we published who had these strong male characters of that description are our bestsellers. Don’t underestimate the power of a horny reader.”

“Book boyfriends, huh? Interesting. So you think she’s attracted to me? I’m a book boyfriend?”

“Oh, c’mon, Noah. Don’t play coy. The women fall at your goddamn feet which is why you’re in LA in the first place. I’m your cousin, so to me, you’re gross on so many levels. But you do have that charm women seem to fall for.”

“Gee, thanks for the confidence boost,” I drag out.

“All right, not to come across wrong. You’re young, handsome, and have a successful career. You drive a nice car and women love that. The thing, though, is whether or not you’re attracting the right woman,” she informs me. “This Morgan doesn’t seem to be the right one. You need to meet Scarlett. She’s more your type. I even Googled some facts.”

Pulling out her phone, she continues, “She’s a Lakers fan, and so are you. She dates only guys who have brownish hair, that’s you. So see, match made in heaven.”

I look at Charlie with a bleak face. Really? How on earth is that a match made in heaven? “I’m not a relationship guy. I like to fuck women, that’s it. I don’t crave anything else.”

“We had a deal,” Charlie reminds me.

“Yeah... yeah. I haven’t forgotten. I can’t guarantee you that Scarlett and I are the perfect match.”

“Don’t listen to Charlie,” Lex interrupts. “If you want to fuck women, then go for it. Most men would love to be in your shoes.”