“Ah. Much better,” she said and turned toward him, a hungry look in her eyes.
His pulse quickened.
Scarlett came toward him and lifted his plate away, placing it atop hers. She lowered herself onto his lap and Wynn’s arms automatically went around her. For this one moment, as he stared into her gray eyes, life seemed perfect.
Until she touched her mouth to his—and suddenly it got a whole lot better.
Wynn made her work for it. He wasn’t going to give in to her easily. She nipped at his lips playfully and then glided her tongue along them, trying to tempt him to open to her. When he didn’t, she pushed her fingers into his hair and rained kisses along his jaw. Against his temples. Softly bit his earlobe.
By the time she kissed her way back to his mouth, he couldn’t hide his arousal. Still, he was determined to keep from making love to her.
If he could hold out.
Finally, he gave in to her kiss, leaning back in the chair and taking her with him, opening to her. Their tongues mated in a dance that started slowly and heated up. Wynn kept one arm wrapped around Scarlett to steady her as his hand rested against her waist. He fought temptation and kept it still, though he longed to slide it to her breast.
They kissed for more than an hour, sometimes lazily and others with growing passion. He didn’t think he’d ever kissed anyone that long. It was immensely satisfying. He felt closer to her than he had anyone. Ever. Scarlett had a gift for peeling away his layers and discarding them until nothing lay between them.
His phone rang. Wynn froze. Few people had his number. The amount of calls he received was minimal. Del and Cady always texted first to see if it was a good time to call. He associated a phone ringing with bad news ever since his parents died in the car crash.
Sitting up, he lifted Scarlett from him. “I need to get this.”
An annoyed look crossed her face. “Really?” she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. She marched to the rail and leaned on it, facing away from him, staring out at the water.
He lifted his suit jacket and slid the ringing cell from it. Even though the number was unfamiliar, he answered it, a sick feeling in his stomach.
“Hello?”
“Is this Wynn Gallagher?” an anxious voice asked. It sounded vaguely familiar but he couldn’t place the speaker.
“Yes,” he said tersely.
“This is Erica Chang, Scarlett’s assistant at Lymon McGraw.” She paused. “I was hoping she might still be with you.”
“She is,” he admitted, realizing their afternoon of playing hooky together had come to an end.
“Thank God!” Erica exclaimed. “Rhett’s been seriously injured and is in surgery at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica. Cassie is frantic and wants Scarlett there. No one’s been able to reach her.”
Wynn knew how deep the bond ran between Scarlett and Rhett and how devastating this news would be to her. “I’ll take her there now, Erica.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Gallagher. I’ll text Mr. DeLauria that we’ve found Scarlett and that she’s on her way. He can send you info on what floor to go to.”
“All right.”
Wynn ended the call and looked up. Scarlett had turned, her back leaning against the rail, her arms crossed in front of her, a defiant look on her face.
“So much for turning my phone off and trying to enjoy a little time away from the office,” she said lightly. “I usually appreciate Erica’s efficiency but not today.”
He crossed the deck and placed his hands firmly on her shoulders. “We need to go,” he said quietly.
“Why? Can’t Lymon McGraw operate for a few hours without me? I’ve given my heart and soul to that firm for almost a decade. They’ve sucked me drier than a vampire would any victim. I pulled off a miracle today at Rylon Pictures. The least I can do for myself is take an afternoon off and enjoy sitting in the sunshine with a man whose company I enjoy.” She frowned. “Even if he did stop kissing me to answer his stupid phone. It’s your fault they tracked me down and I have to go fix whatever work emergency has come up.”
Wynn’s fingers tightened on her. “Scarlett, it’s not about work,” he said gently. “Rhett’s been hurt. We need to get to the hospital. Now.”
CHAPTER 13
Scarlett went numb, squeezing her eyes closed. All she could think of was how much she loved Rhett. How he was the glue that held their family and friends together. The man that everyone depended upon in a crisis.
“What . . . happened?” she asked, feeling faint. She was glad that Wynn had a hold of her.
“Erica said he’s been seriously injured and is in surgery. Cassie is frantic. She needs you.”
Opening her eyes, Scarlett took a moment to let the rush of nerves pass through her. She swallowed. “I’m okay. Where do I need to go?”
Wynn’s green eyes flashed in anger. “We’re going,” he said firmly. “I’ll drive.”
He released her and stepped back, watching carefully. Scarlett willed herself to be strong and leaned around him, picking up her jacket and slipping into it and then sliding on her heels. They returned inside the house and she picked up her purse from the counter where she’d left it. Wynn took her hand and led her to the garage, opening the door to the Range Rover and making sure she was settled before shutting it.
Climbing behind the wheel, he turned, his hand cupping her face. “He’s going to be all right.”
“We don’t even know what’s happened,” she snapped.
His thumb stroked her cheek. “Rhett’s in an outstanding facility. He’s strong, both physically and mentally. And he’s got the support of family and friends. He will be okay.”
She nodded dully. Wynn’s hand fell away and he started the car. Once he’d turned onto the PCH, he took her hand. Scarlett drew
