“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
