by Alexa Aston
A wistful look crossed her face. “Sometimes, it’s not enough,” she said honestly. “Have you ever hungered for more, Wynn? More than being paid an outrageous amount to speak lines someone else wrote?”
“Yes,” he said softly. His hands framed her face. “Right now. I want more now. From you.”
He lowered his mouth to hers.
The kiss started slow. Scarlett didn’t move. She relished Wynn’s nearness. The spicy scent of his cologne. The warm palms cradling her face. His lips brushing against hers tenderly. For the first time in her life, she felt cherished by a man. The feeling overwhelmed her.
Then Wynn’s tongue outlined her mouth and ran along the seam of her lips, teasing them open. She welcomed him, her hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders as he lazily explored her. He tasted of champagne and success. Scarlett had dated men with confidence, some at the top of their professions, but none affected her as Wynn Gallagher did now. His conversation had been natural and sincere. For a man who avoided being seen in Hollywood, he possessed self-assurance mixed with an authenticity she rarely saw.
And oh, this man could kiss.
Scarlett gave herself over to the kiss, fully committing to it now, holding nothing back. Her nails dug into Wynn’s shoulders as her tongue clashed with his. The slow exploration gave way to heated, frantic kisses that consumed them both. Everything tingled on her, from her scalp to her toes, a delicious rush of desire sweeping through her.
Wynn’s hands left her face and stroked her neck, his long fingers almost singeing her skin. They slid down her bare arms, capturing her wrists and holding them firmly, his thumbs rubbing against the tender underside. When he finally released her, Scarlett’s hands slid behind his neck, playing with the hair along the nape of his neck. He growled, low in his throat, and his hands seized her waist and lifted her until she sat sideways in his lap. Her fingers locked together behind his head, pulling him closer.
He broke the kiss, his lips caressing her cheek and moving to her ear, where his tongue swirled in an amazing pattern that made her shiver. Scarlett moaned and clung to him, pressing her mouth against his forehead as his tongue slid to the pulse in her throat. He nipped at her, sending a rush of hot desire through her veins. His hand glided along her bare leg, back and forth, and then slipped under the hem of her dress, caressing her thigh. She sucked in a breath, finding it hard to believe how erotic the touch was—and wanting him to go higher.
Scarlett wriggled against him, twisting, hiking up her dress so she could straddle him, all the while, kissing him frantically. His hands stroked her thighs now, each time rising a little higher. She leaned into him, urging him on as she poured everything she had into the kiss, threading her fingers through his hair and finally gripping the ends of it to hold him in place.
“I want you,” she murmured against his mouth.
Wynn broke the kiss, his lips hovering above hers. “Much as I want you, my Boy Scout days of being prepared for anything are far behind me. I don’t think I saw condoms listed on the room service menu.”
He kissed her again, a long, drugging kiss that scrambled her thoughts. Scarlett clung to him. Finally, in her fog, she formed a coherent thought and pulled away from him.
“I’m on the pill,” she said breathlessly and kissed him again.
She could feel him smiling as she pressed her breasts against his rock-hard chest. Suddenly, Wynn stood up. Her legs fastened about his waist, one stiletto falling from her foot.
He looked around, dazed. “Where the hell is the bedroom?” he asked as he wrapped his arms tightly about her.
Her other stiletto dropped to the ground. “That way, I think,” gesturing with her head, unable to take her eyes off him.
Wynn kissed her hard and swift. “Clever girl,” he said, his voice low as he moved in that direction.
Scarlett’s heart pounded fiercely against her ribs. The tingling poured through her, causing everything within her to come alive. She had never anticipated something with such aching desperation.
They arrived in a large suite, one lamp lit next to the massive bed. Wynn stopped next to it and kissed her so thoroughly she barely remembered her name. His hands searched and found the zipper to her dress. He lowered it slowly until it stopped and slid one hand inside the back of her dress. It stroked her bare skin, causing her to sigh. Scarlett unwrapped her legs from his waist and lowered them to the ground. Fortunately, Wynn’s arms remained around her. If they hadn’t, she didn’t know if she could have stood on her own.
“I like that you’re tall. We fit together well,” he said, his lips nibbling along her neck as he pushed her dress from her shoulders, past her waist, and over her hips. It puddled around her feet. His lips traveled to her shoulder and his fingers pushed aside her bra strap, replacing it with small love bites that had her moaning. He repeated the action on her other shoulder and then unclasped the bra and slipped it from her.
She pushed the tuxedo jacket from his shoulders and pulled it down his arms. He shrugged out of it as she undid the bow tie and worked her way down his chest, unfastening each button and parting the crisp, white shirt to reveal an eight-pack. Scarlett ran the tips of her fingers along his abdomen, watching in fascination as the muscles bunched.
Wynn tilted her chin until their eyes met in a long look. His green eyes reminded her of a jungle cat studying its prey, drawing her in.
“You are so beautiful,” he told her, his voice rough.
Then his fingers slid along the curve of her hips and into her panties, cupping her buttocks, kneading them. A jolt of desire flashed through her. Scarlett gasped. Without warning, Wynn ripped the lace away and flung it aside. One hand went to the small of her back, holding her in place as the other traveled to the front. A long finger pushed inside her. Scarlett gasped again. She wound her arms around his waist and held on. Within seconds, she whimpered as Wynn stroked her. She mashed her face against his chest, breathing hard.
He added another finger, casting a spell on her as his fingers worked a magic unfamiliar to her. She moaned and gripped him tighter as he continued, tension building within her. She pressed her lips to his heated flesh as he urged her on.
The orgasm exploded as if she’d been a dormant volcano that erupted without warning. Wave after wave of pleasure spilled from her as she called his name, going on longer than imaginable. As the tremors finally ceased, she felt as liquid and heated as lava. Wynn moved her to the bed and eased her down. Scarlett trembled from head to toe. He climbed next to her and enfolded her in his arms and legs, cocooning her, protecting her. Tears sprang to her eyes, her emotions raw, her breathing ragged.
Wynn kissed her softly, his hand gliding up and down her arm, both comforting her and turning her on.
“Take off your pants,” she managed to get out.
He moved off the bed and removed his shoes and socks and then chucked his slacks and boxer briefs. Scarlett smiled approvingly at his lean, muscled frame and very large package.
Crooking her finger, she said, “Come here, you.”
Wynn flung himself onto the bed and swept her against him. His mouth sought hers and they kissed for long minutes as their hands urgently explored one another.
Just when Scarlett was ready to beg him to enter her, he rolled to his back, bringing her along. As she sprawled atop him, Wynn held her waist snuggly and lifted her with ease before lowering her slowly onto his rigid shaft. As more of him sank into her, unbridled passion filled her. She began riding him with abandon, filled with a joy and lightness like never before. She tamed her bucking bronco and they came at the same time, hoarse cries erupting from both their mouths.
She collapsed atop him, totally exhausted, too tired to speak or move. His arms fastened possessively about her. Her ear rested against his chest, hearing the galloping heartbeat that pounded loudly and finally slowed. His hand lightly stroked her hair. The gesture was comforting and intimate.
Scarlett had never known such physical pleasure. Or p
eace.
As her own heartbeat slowed, she also realized that she’d made the biggest mistake of her life.
CHAPTER 5
Conflicted emotions raced through Scarlett as she lay entangled with Wynn. Part of her never wanted to leave this man’s arms. She’d never experienced such physical exhilaration and emotional tenderness with any other lover. She’d been down this road before, though. It didn’t matter that her wild attraction to Wynn Gallagher had resulted in the best sex of her life. In the long run, it would be a dead end. This man was an international sensation, a fabulously wealthy Hollywood superstar that, in the end, would disappoint her. He would move on to new women and new films and leave her behind with a broken heart.
Scarlett resolved she wouldn’t let that happen. She would be in charge of her destiny. Even if that meant not admitting—even to herself—how much a single night with Wynn Gallagher had invaded her soul.
Disengaging herself, she rose from the bed without looking at him and padded into the bathroom, closing the door. She needed a moment to pull herself together.
Flipping on the light, she stared into the mirror, seeing the tangled mane of hair and sated look in her eyes. Her body glowed still, a rosy hue, flushed with the passion she’d just experienced. Angry at herself for getting swept up by desire when she’d wanted to change her life only hours ago, she turned on the faucet and splashed cold water along her face and neck, trying to wash away the lingering scent of spice from Wynn’s cologne on her skin, as well as cool herself. She dried her face and combed her fingers through her hair, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
Scarlett left the bathroom, still avoiding Wynn’s gaze and slipped on her bra. The scrap of black lace that had been her panties was useless. She kicked them aside and pulled the wrinkled cocktail dress over her head and smoothed it as best she could. Finally, she met Wynn’s eyes, full of curiosity.
And desire.
He sat against the pillows, the sheet drawn to his waist. She reminded herself not to salivate over his broad shoulders and muscular chest even as she wanted to lick her way down it.
“What’s wrong?”
Scarlett heard the wariness in his voice. She’d just bared everything to this man and didn’t want to hurt him. Not that men like him weren’t players and toyed with women’s emotions every day. Still, something unique had passed between them and she didn’t want to be brittle. She merely needed to get a handle on the situation and clarify things for him.
Bluntly, she said, “Sex is off the table,” keeping her tone soft but firm.
“Why?” Those green eyes drilled into her, almost pinning her to where she couldn’t move. Or speak.
Gathering her thoughts, she said, “I’m determined to be a new me. I promised myself that very thing this morning after I dumped Chaz. I need to make some changes in my life, Wynn. For the first time, it’s important to look after me and what I want.”
Thinking she sounded too much like an attorney addressing a jury, she softened her voice. “I need love. I want that desperately. I deserve it. And I really want children. I see how happy Rhett and Cassie are. Keely and Mac. I want what they have. No more lying to myself that I’m fulfilled with simply having an incredible career. I may not find what I’m looking for in this town. I’ve had rotten luck when it comes to men and, for some reason, my biological clock kicked in and is screaming at me. It may take turning to a sperm donor but I’m not afraid to go it alone.”
Wynn asked, “Would you consider me?”
Scarlett sighed. “I don’t know you, Wynn. You’re an enigma. No one in Hollywood knows you. You have a reputation for being professional and polite on set but who are you? No one claims to be your friend. You’re never seen out in public, unless it’s one of your premieres. Even then, you have a different woman on your arm each time. For all I know, you’re a world-class player. You’ve never been married. You’re at the top of your game in a field so competitive that most everyone in it is cutthroat. I don’t really see you as the settling down type.”
She ran her fingers through her hair. “I want more. I need a guy who’ll bring me breakfast in bed just because. One who’ll text me how much he misses me during the day and send me flowers and make a date for hot sex. I like simple things. I want a man who’ll sit with me and listen to a CD all the way through and maybe even sing along. One who'll binge a Netflix series and laugh while he holds my hand. I want a guy who thinks a weekend browsing in a bookstore or doing the New York Times crossword puzzle together over coffee and croissants is the greatest thing ever. The man I need will travel with me. Try new foods. Play volleyball with me and my friends.
“I also need someone who understands how important my job is to me and yet can help me balance it with down time.” She paused. “I need a kind, genuine guy who’ll get along with my family and friends. One who likes to barbeque and swim and have game nights. I know to a man like you this all sounds corny but I want to be like any normal couple—not a Hollywood couple who dresses a certain way and entertains not for fun but to get ahead in the game.”
Scarlett wrapped her arms tightly about her as she looked him up and down, Wynn Gallagher in all his perfection. “You’re in a different universe from me and I don’t mean Alpha Tharra. You are a superstar who has gorgeous women crawling over each other to fight for your attention. You’re self-contained. I want open. So, no, I won’t consider you, Wynn. I can’t do casual dating and no strings attached sex anymore. I will say you were the best sex of my life and I may never hit the heavens again like I did with you. What I need, though, is an everyday guy. Not Wynn Gallagher.”
She bent and scooped up her shoes. “I know it might be awkward but I’m still willing to offer you my services as an attorney, despite the fact that I behaved horribly unprofessional tonight by sleeping with a potential client. If you can put this behind us, I promise I’ll pour everything I have into helping you fix whatever problem you have and get your career moving in a different direction if that’s what you desire. If you choose to pass, I totally understand and can recommend someone you might feel more comfortable with representing you.”
Wynn hadn’t said a word but, then again, Scarlett hadn’t slowed down long enough for him to interject anything into the conversation. She stood before him, barefoot, no underwear, all while forcing herself to remain rooted to the spot so she wouldn’t run and leap on the bed and tell him she took every word back. That she’d do friends with benefits as long as he wanted. That he’d already stolen a huge chunk of her heart and even though she knew she’d be hurt in the end, she’d stay until he washed his hands of her.
Looking at her steadily, showing no emotion, Wynn said softly, “So, I’m no more than a client to you.”
Despite her better judgment, Scarlett said, “For now. Maybe we can grow to be friends. I’d like that.” She moved to the bed and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I’ve got to be selfish, Wynn, and put me first. Let me know what you decide. You have my card.”
With that, she left his bungalow, doubting she’d ever hear from him.
◆◆◆
Wynn watched Scarlett go. With every step she took, more of his heart ripped into shreds. He wanted to leap from the bed and stop her—but that was the last thing she wanted. He heard the door open and then shut. Numbly, he sat, a small part of him hoping she’d return and declare what a terrible mistake she’d made.
No, the mistake had been she’d slept with him. That’s all she saw.
He hadn’t interrupted as words poured from her. She remained in control, her emotions tightly reined in but, within them, he heard a world of hurt that she’d needed to expunge. Interrupting her would’ve done no good and probably caused harm. More than one man had deeply hurt Scarlett Corrigan. From what she’d mentioned about Chaz, he’d been someone who’d used her simply for her connections to the world of Hollywood and perhaps her client list.
For all her open wounds, she’d caused Wynn pain, as well. Without meaning to, Scarlett h
ad harshly judged him without getting to know him. She’d lumped him in with a hoard of other insensitive, arrogant actors. Narcissistic fools who only cared about themselves and discarded women more quickly than used tissues. She hadn’t taken the time to get to know him. The real Wynn. Not the image. Not the actor.
The man.
Wynn understood, though, that she only tried to protect herself from another lapse in judgment. Scarlett was a brilliant, beautiful, successful woman who was ready to add another layer into her personal life. She’d already formed strong friendships, based upon the interaction he’d seen at their table tonight. She also had deep ties to her family. Now, she was poised to find a partner to share her life with and build a family.
He’d never given it much thought himself. His happy family had shattered when the uninsured drunk driver slammed into his dad’s car, killing both his parents and causing Cady to lose her leg. When Wynn landed his first TV series and had money in the bank, he claimed guardianship of Cady and brought her to California to live with him. It was then that his younger brother, Payne, had been diagnosed with cancer. Payne’s death splintered their family further and yet the three of them had pulled together and made the best of things. Because of all the open wounds and things left unspoken, plus the fact that Wynn couldn’t find a woman who wasn’t dazzled by his stardom, he’d thrust away all ideas of starting a family of his own.
Funny how everything had changed over the course of tonight. Watching Rhett and Cassie Corrigan and how playful they were with one another but seeing their shared respect. Seeing Scarlett interact with friends and family. Drawn to her openness and outgoing nature and quick wit and insightful remarks. Being, if but for a short time, a part of a tight group who cared for one another. Then the time he’d spent with Scarlett, both at the charity function and then here at the bungalow. She was the entire package, everything Wynn could possibly imagine wanting in a woman. In a wife. In the mother of his children.