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 peace.
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
