Dirty Bad Boys Box Set: Forbidden Romance Collection

Under Charlie’s instructions, Lex babysat me, taking us golfing. He admitted that he hated the sport, much like myself, but practiced since most business meetings these days were on the golf course.

And Lex was just the right person to be with. He didn’t discuss relationships or women, we spent most of the afternoon chatting about Black Mamba and the Lakers.

When we arrived home, Mom had cooked my favorite meal—chicken curry.

Mom knew not to question me in the state of mind I was in. Instead, she offered her ear whenever—or if ever—I was ready to talk about it. It was getting on my nerves that everyone thought I was so fragile. I was over it. Morgan was nothing but a good time for a couple of weeks. The more I kept telling myself that the bigger the lie in my head became.

I’ve only been in the office for an hour and my mind won’t shut down. It’s bugging me that I don’t recall what happened with Kate and she hasn’t bothered to call me. She’s staying with another friend in LA and didn’t return to Charlie’s yesterday. I decide to call her and ease my troubled mind.

“Hey,” she answers oddly.

“I knew it,” I say, angry at myself.

“Knew what?”

“We fucked. That’s why you didn’t answer the phone in your annoying ‘wazzup.’”

She chuckles softly, releasing a long sigh. “Uh no, I didn’t answer that way... it’s just things are awkward.”

“I’m sorry, Kate. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Noah,” she interrupts. “We didn’t have sex.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. We fooled around, we kissed. You talked on and on about anal fisting which completely killed my buzz. And then, well, soldier wouldn’t come to the party. A huge letdown, excuse the pun.”

I place my cell on my forehead—this shit just gets worse and worse. “Jesus. I’m sorry. For everything.”

“You were upset. I get it. I was upset for you and for myself. It was just a bad night all ‘round. I wanted to forget everything as much as you. And you know what?”

“What?”

“My nympho is dating someone,” she says in a hurt voice. “I found out from someone. So apparently he dates, just not me.”

“If I ever meet him, I swear, Kate…” I threaten, angry that this guy has the audacity to repeatedly hurt Kate emotionally.

“I know, you’ll punch his balls and shove them up his ass.” She sighs. “Life goes on, I guess.”

“I guess,” I say, unsure.

I lean my chair back, tilting my head back until I’m staring at the ceiling. It’s nothing but all white. A blank canvas that calms me for only a moment. The creak of my door alarms me, and I pull myself forward and see Morgan standing at the entrance.

“Kate, I have to go,” I tell her, hanging up the phone and placing it on my desk. Morgan closes the door behind her and continues to stand in the same spot. She looks terrible, dark circles behind her glasses. Even her hair doesn’t look as neat as it usually does.

Although she looks like death has found her, she?

??s still the most beautiful woman in my eyes.

And I hate that.

I should be looking at her with complete contempt and disgust right now.

“I guess I deserve that and am not surprised Kate was the one you ran to.”

I keep silent.

“I came here to talk to you. To explain what happened.” She tries to control her tone, remaining still.