That was a huge turn-on.
He noticed people seated at tables around them began rising. Scarlett scooped up her casino money and he said, “You must’ve done Sarah a good favor to get double the money to play with.”
Those mesmerizing gray eyes looked at him with amusement. “I helped her work out a problem that arose at the last minute.”
With a straight face, he said, “It involved a demanding donor who wanted a front row seat to tonight’s action, I’d guess.”
The corners of her sensual mouth turned up. “I believe it did. Fortunately, this donor came alone. No plus-one. Since I ended a relationship this morning, it was easy to insert this fussy donor into my plus-one’s seat.” Her smile widened. “Problem solved.”
“Was this a longtime plus-one?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Not really. A couple of months. I had the feeling Chaz was more interested in the people he would see tonight and chat up than he was spending time with me.”
“Then Chaz is a fool,” Wynn said. “I’ve known you less than two hours and see you’re smart, capable, interesting, and incredibly beautiful. If I were your plus-one, it would be hard to get rid of me. I’d be stuck to you like glue.”
Her eyes lit with interest. “You would?”
“Definitely.”
Wynn rose and helped her from her seat. “Are you staying for the casino night portion?”
Scarlett waved the money in her hand. “With all this cash? How could I not?”
Cassie appeared next to them and handed Scarlett two more packets of money. “I know you’ll need it,” she said good-naturedly. Turning to Wynn, she added, “Scarlett loses money faster than any gambler I’ve ever seen. She usually runs out of cash within half an hour. Since Rhett and I need to mingle and schmooze, I usually give her our spending dollars.”
“Not everyone is lucky,” Scarlett said. “I always pick the wrong line to wait in. I can never find a parking spot, much less one close to where I’m going.”
Cassie hugged her. “But you are a shark in the courtroom and during negotiations.”
“That’s not luck. That’s old-fashioned preparation.”
Cassie laughed. “Good meeting you, Wynn. I’ll text you our address for Wednesday’s dinner. Knowing Rhett, he’ll want to grill something so come casually.”
After Cassie left, Wynn asked, “Do you make large bets at a time? Is that why your money doesn’t last?”
“Not really. I actually make small bets that never seem to pan out. I guess being a history major didn’t prepare me well for the world of high stakes blackjack and roulette. I am pretty darned good at poker, though. Not because I’m dealt winning cards. That’s the unlucky part of me. I’m merely blessed with a marvelous poker face and have won many a hand with a lowly pair of eights because I project confidence and don’t give a thing away.”
“Well, I have mathematics degree and can count cards like nobody’s business,” Wynn shared. “Would you like to share casino night together? Maybe I can give you some tips.”
“I’d love to,” Scarlett said, slipping her hand through the crook of his arm. It made him wish that dinner had been followed by dancing instead of gambling. He would give anything to sweep this women into his arms, their bodies pressed together as they swayed to a slow ballad.
Wynn only hoped this night with Scarlett Corrigan would last longer than the money in her hand.
CHAPTER 4
Wynn escorted Scarlett from the ballroom.
“I think I’ll take a minute to visit the powder room,” she said. “Meet you back here?”
He thought a moment. “I’ll either be here or inside the ballroom. I’d like to bid on a few of the silent auction items before bidding closes.”
“See you in a few.” She removed her hand from his arm. He watched the swing of her hips and the swirl of her hem brushing her thighs as she breezed away.
Wynn went in search of what he’d singled out from the brochure. It didn’t take him long to find the cooking lesson and meal prepared by one of LA’s top chefs. Del had become addicted to cooking while in law school. He said it relieved stress. His brother’s hair had begun to fall out during a torts course. By the time he graduated at the top of his class at John Marshall, Del was bald—and cooked better than most professionals. His brother would appreciate the lesson and enjoy dining with the chef afterward. For Cady, he looked for the HGTV logo. His sister went wild over any home designer show. This prize allowed the winner backstage access to a taping and a consultation with a name designer after the show. Wynn made sure both bids he jotted down were generous enough to claim the items at the end of the night.
Last, he went in search of the trip to England. He found it, reading the description again. Suddenly, Scarlett’s floral scent wafted near him. Wynn glanced up and found her at his elbow.
“This sounds amazing,” she proclaimed as she read over the description. “I’ve been to London but the walking tour would rock. I like that your luggage is sent ahead and you can take your time traipsing through the countryside, stopping at pubs and shops, and arrive at your hotel or B&B without a care in the world.” She paused. “Were you planning to bid on this?”
“Maybe,” he said, not wanting to challenge her if she wanted the vacation.
She worried her lip, frowning in thought. A jolt of lust whipped through Wynn, who’d thought he’d enjoy sinking his teeth into that full, bottom lip himself.
“No, I better pass. Go ahead, Wynn.”
“Are you sure?”
She didn’t look so but she nodded anyway. “Too much work. I’d never find time to escape for that long a stretch.”
Quickly, he took the pen and scribbled an amount triple the current bid. If he couldn’t find time to take advantage of it,
