For all her open wounds, she’d caused Wynn pain, as well. Without meaning to, Scarlett had 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.
To think about her in such terms made him sound certifiably crazy. He’d spent half a dozen hours with Scarlett and she hadn’t merely charmed him. She’d caused him to fall head over heels for her. He could have kissed her all night long and into next week. The sex between them had been off the charts insane. Yet Wynn knew it wasn’t just physical attraction between them. His feelings for Scarlett ran deeper in one night than any emotion he’d experienced for Stephanie over several years. No other woman had come close to what Wynn thought he’d had with Stephanie.
Until now.
He tossed back the sheet and swung his legs from the bed and then reached back and grabbed a pillow. Inhaling deeply, he caught the floral scent Scarlett wore tonight. The longing that ran through him made Wynn promise himself he would do everything he could to prove to her that he wasn’t a shallow actor who only cared for himself.
Wynn would take every opportunity available and even create some if he had to—but he planned to win Scarlett Corrigan over. Not for a day or month or a year.
For a lifetime.
CHAPTER 6
Scarlett heard her doorbell ring in the distance and buried herself beneath the covers. She wasn’t expecting any packages, much less a visitor. Whoever it was could go the hell away.
The tone sounded again, frustrating her. She pulled the sheet over her head, wanting to retreat from everything. Then her phone chimed. Her hand snaked out from under the covers and reached around, feeling the nightstand until she found it and brought the cell close.
Keely.
Throwing the sheet back, she squinted through swollen eyes to read the message. Oh, boy. Keely was the one at her door.
Scarlett got out of bed and hurried into the bathroom, where she snagged her robe off a hook and wrapped it around her, belting it as she walked to the front door. She opened it and raised her hand to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight.
“About time,” Keely said as she breezed past and headed to the kitchen, her hands full.
Scarlett followed, pushing her hair back, needing caffeine. More sleep.
Wynn.
She cursed under her breath at that last thought as Keely opened the cupboard and took out two plates. She closed it and reached into a paper sack on the counter and withdrew two chocolate croissants. Immediately, Scarlett’s mouth watered.
Keely took a plate and what had to be coffee and turned to hand them to Scarlett. And froze.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, quickly placing the items down and drawing Scarlett to her.
She wanted to tell her friend but no words came out, only a huge sob. Tears began flowing as Scarlett cried, gulping and gasping and trying to talk without making a bit of sense. Keely merely held on, murmuring comforting words that Scarlett didn’t comprehend but soothed her all the same. She quieted, hiccupped once, and sighed.
“I hope that’s caffeine,” she finally got out and pulled away from Keely. Her hands gripped the tall Styrofoam cup and she took the first sip. The hot liquid had just the right amount of sugar and cream. She closed her eyes and sipped again, savoring the brew.
“Grab your croissant and come talk to me,” Keely said gently.
Scarlett retrieved her plate and Keely took hers and they moved to the breakfast bar. Keely didn’t push, which Scarlett appreciated. Keely knew Scarlett needed a decent cup of coffee in her every morning before she ever began to make sense. The two sat silently as Scarlett tore
