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 table,” keeping her tone soft but firm.
“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