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 comfort from his touch.
Inside, she was cursing herself. Angry that she’d turned off her phone and had been out of touch. It wasn’t like her to be so careless or carefree but being with Wynn made her feel as if she might be able to be a different person. A better one. One with the same focus and yet rearranging her priorities.
She glanced at his profile, thinking how much she wanted this man. How they’d only known each other a short time and yet how important he’d become to her. She’d have to put everything between them on hold, though. Rhett was the one who was the most important. She would do everything in her power to see him back to normal. Whatever his new normal might be. Scarlett hated not having any further information. Not knowing why he was in surgery. A car accident? A heart attack? A thousand scenarios crossed her mind and she fought against all of them.
Wynn’s cell chimed. He released her hand and took it from his pocket. He passed the phone to her. Scarlett saw it told them what floor to go to when they arrived at the hospital.
“Is this from Erica?” she asked.
“No. Probably Dash. Erica said he’d be the one to let us know where to head.”
It dawned on her that she didn’t even know the hospital’s name. “Where are we going?”
“UCLA Santa Monica.”
“Good.” From Wynn’s place, the medical facility was probably a half-hour away, even less as traffic started to pick up.
They pulled into the parking lot and Scarlett threw open her door as Wynn put the car into park.
“Wait,” he told her. “Pull yourself together. More than likely, there’ll be paparazzi hanging around outside. You don’t want to show any emotion. Project confidence.”
Scarlett pulled down the visor and looked into the mirror. Her hair looked tousled from their make-out session on the deck. She dug inside her purse and retrieved a coated elastic band and a clip. Smoothing her hair back, she twisted it into a ponytail and then wound it around several times, attaching the clip. She applied a fresh coat of lipstick and tossed the tube back inside her purse.
Taking a calming breath, she released it. “I’m ready.”
Wynn escorted her toward the main entrance, his fingers entwined with hers. She drew strength from him, thankful he’d accompanied her to the hospital.
As he predicted, the vultures gathered outside. A few recognized her and began snapping photos, calling out questions.
“How’s Rhett, Scarlett?”
“Is Rhett gonna live, Scarlett?”
“Why are you with Wynn Gallagher?”
She wanted to scream at them to leave her alone but followed Wynn’s advice and kept her face blank. Until a question caused her to halt in her tracks.
“Do you know the shooter, Scarlett?”
She turned and stared at the wiry man who’d shouted at her. Seeing he had her attention, he continued with a barrage of questions, constantly clicking his camera. “Did you