by Alexa Aston
“No. Just a lucky guess. Actually, I crave Thai and order it at least once a week.”
She opened the other sack and began removing cartons. He emptied his and indicated the two soup containers.
“I didn’t know how spicy you liked things. One is Tom Yum and the other Tom Kha.”
“I’ll definitely go spicy and take the Tom Yum. I adore lemon grass with all the spices and chili paste.” She opened the first entrée and sniffed. “Is this panang curry?”
“Yes. With bell peppers and lime leaf. Jasmine rice. The other is a pineapple curry duck.”
Scarlett frowned. “Hard decision.”
Wynn shrugged. “Why don’t we split them?”
Her face lit up. “Sounds like a plan. Are you sure you aren’t a lawyer and practiced in the fine art of compromise?”
“Not a chance.” Wynn removed the last containers. “Black rice pudding and mango sticky rice for dessert.”
“I’ll need a nap after this feast,” she said. “Have a seat.”
Wynn pulled out a chair as Erica returned with two large plates and two bottled waters. “I’ll hold your calls, Scarlett. Enjoy lunch.” She closed the door behind her.
He opened the appetizer while Scarlett plated half of each entrée for them. She handed him his plate and he thanked her. Wynn passed her a pair of chopsticks and she opened them, expertly holding them and lifting a dumpling to her mouth.
“This is heavenly. You’ll have to tell me where you ordered from.” After another bite, Scarlett’s gray eyes focused intently on him and he saw Business Scarlett kicking in.
“First, I need to establish if this is an exploratory meeting for switching representation, Wynn.”
“No. I’ve spoken with my brother and he faxed me this signed form. It should take care of any legal questions.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded sheet and handed it to her.
Scarlett opened it and skimmed the contents of the formal release. “You’re sure your brother is okay with this? I don’t want to cause any problems between the two of you.”
“Del’s in full agreement with me. He says I should’ve found an entertainment attorney years ago. He’s quite happy doing what he does. Frankly, he never enjoyed meetings with the studio’s lawyers.”
“What about the lost income? With his cut from your contracts, both as your agent and attorney, he’s losing more than what most people make in a year,” she pointed out.
“Del doesn’t need or want much. He likes to keep things simple.” Wynn left unsaid that he was cut from the same cloth as Del. He didn’t want to tell her that. He wanted Scarlett to discover it on her own.
“Okay. I’ll have Erica draw up the paperwork and Lymon McGraw will officially sign you today.” She rose and went to the door. Opening it, she spoke a moment to the assistant and then returned to the table. “With that in mind, what we speak about from now on is covered under attorney/client privilege. I need you to be open and honest about whatever led to you seeking different representation.
“Tell me about your issue, Wynn.”
Other than needing to win over her?
“I want out of my Alpha Tharra Universe contract.”
CHAPTER 7
That was the last thing Scarlett expected to hear.
Knowing his brother specialized in family law, she understood why someone of Wynn’s magnitude and salary range needed an expert in entertainment law. She’d been trained in all areas involving media, from film to advertising to the Internet and had specialized knowledge of various legal fields that her clients became involved in, from finance to intellectual property to publicity and privacy issues.
What she’d first wanted to tell Wynn after they’d met when he’d mentioned that Del was both his agent and attorney was that Wynn needed an agent to look after his interests. While she could help finalize his contracts for any upcoming projects regarding salary, various other compensations, and profit participation, an agent would hustle to line up work for Wynn in the first place. Agents cultivated connections—and massaged those connections. Where many entertainment attorneys had begun assuming tasks that traditional agents or managers handled, she wasn’t one of them. She didn’t have time to seek out the type of work he might be interested in. She certainly wasn’t willing to handle his PR and social media accounts.
Especially now that he’d thrown her a total curveball.
“Let me make sure I understand.”
His intense gaze penetrated her, unwrapping the protective layer she’d quickly wrapped around herself the moment she saw him standing in her office. She’d recovered nicely and thought she’d seemed casual and friendly as they opened cartons of her favorite food. That had been no act. But now, Wynn’s eyes stripped away her defenses.
“You heard me, Scarlett. I don’t want to do another superhero popcorn movie. Period. I’ve shot five of them in the last five years, three solo Carbon Mans and two united superheroes films. I’m sick to death of being Carbon Man. I’ve done everything I can with the character.” He paused. “At least as much as the directors have let me. The thought of donning that suit again makes me sick to my stomach.”
She reached for a notepad and pen. “Give me the particulars about what’s left on your contract. I’ll need to see copies so I can comb through them.”
“Del is messaging hard copies over. They should be here soon. I can email you PDFs, too.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I have two commitments left, a solo and a group film. The solo has already had costume fittings, hair and make, etcetera. The table read is Monday. There’s very little rehearsal involved on these films. Instead, the director focuses on the stunts and action. Filming will probably start the following Monday. Then I get a week off and get on the merry-go-round again for the final outing. That’s another two years of my life I’m not willing to give them.”
Scarlett tapped her pen idly on the table as she thought. “So, two films and you’re done?”
“They’ve already hit Del up about future films. He’s put them off regarding negotiations because he knew how miserable I was. That’s a huge part of why he’s willing to turn things over to you. He’s a smart man but it’ll take someone with insider knowledge and big balls to go up against Rylon.” He blushed. “You know what I mean.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “I do. Let me be blunt. Are you sure you don’t have it in you to do these two films—and then walk away? Because this could be a very costly battle to fight, Wynn. I’m one of the best at what I do but even I have serious reservations. And that’s before I’ve read your contract.”
“I’ve made plenty of money from what came before. If I had to go back to living in a one-bedroom apartment again, I could. I’d be happy being back on TV if I could find a role to dig my teeth into. Network. Cable. Streaming. They’re all doing some fantastic stuff these days. Film actors are flocking to them because they’re producing scripts that allow actors to grow a role and show an arc over multiple episodes or seasons.”
Wynn sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his massive chest. “I would even walk away from acting if that’s what it took. I’d sign a no-compete clause. Whatever.”
“Don’t go offering that,” she warned. “If we do try to go up against the big boys, you’ll keep quiet the entire time. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not shutting you out of the process. You and I will have worked out everything in advance. We’ll even script when and if to make concessions and offer certain things. Whatever you do, don’t say something off the top of your head like that. Run everything by me first. We’ll brainstorm together and decide how to approach the negotiations. I’ll test out different language on you. Various tones to use. You can give me insight into the executives and attorneys I’ll meet, from their personalities to what you think makes them tick. Together, we’ll tackle this and see it through. If you’re this unhappy to make such a bold move, you’ll need strength on your side.”
Scarlett smiled. “I’m as toug
h as they come. They’ll try to go around me. Under me. Behind my back. Through me. No matter what, they won’t get to you. I’m your shields up, Wynn, and you’re the starship being attacked by the enemy.”
“My own personal force field,” he said. “I like it.”
She picked up her chopsticks. “Let’s enjoy the rest of this fabulous meal and then get started.”
As they ate, what little defenses she had in place crumbled. Wynn was witty, intelligent, and easy on the eye. His smile alone would be something that she could live on for days. But Wynn had showed up and wanted her in a professional capacity. Scarlett believed that meant putting aside anything personal that had occurred between them. He was her client now. She still hoped they could become friends but her priority was to save his soul. That’s what this fight was about. Carbon Man had slowly sucked the life out of Wynn Gallagher, like a vampire feasting upon a victim, wringing him dry.
She took a last bite of the pudding and licked the spoon. “That was excellent.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“Are you still planning to take the meeting with RCDS this week?”
“Absolutely. If we find that you can get me out of these two films, I want to have already explored other options and be ready to jump into a project as different from Carbon Man as I possibly can. I’m interested to hear what Cassie and Breck are working on.”
“You can’t go wrong with either of them, together or separately. They’re the ones who gave Rhett new life when no one wanted to touch him. He was tired of being typecast as Hollywood’s leading action man but his agent and all of the studio heads only heard the ching of the cash register and saw him shooting his way through every movie. He wanted more and knew he could do it. Cassie and Breck believed in him and wrote something especially for him. It changed his career. And started new ones for them.”
“What did they do before?” Wynn asked.
“Cassie had wanted to be an actress but hadn’t had much luck. She’d worked as an assistant to an agent and then actually came to work as Rhett’s assistant. Breck was a stuntman, mostly on Rhett’s movies. Before that, he was in the military. Delta Force. They both wanted more for themselves, the same as you. Fortunately, it worked out. The trajectory of Rhett’s career changed. Cassie and Breck partner on some screenplays and work separately, as well. Then Rhett and Cassie started RCDS with Dash and Sydney. Rhett and Dash do some films for RCDS but the production company also handles other films. What Cassie’s pitching you would be for RCDS since they’re all clamoring to come to the meeting. I think they’re excited about what else you’re capable of, beyond Carbon Man. Rhett mentioned to me how much he enjoyed the medical drama you did on ABC.” She paused. “You’re not the only one eager to see what else you could do. With RCDS backing you for your first film away from the Alpha Tharra Universe, you couldn’t find a more supportive group.”
Wynn frowned. “They’re not backing me yet, Scarlett. We’re merely meeting. Dancing around one another, getting a feel for the players involved. If I can’t get out of these two movies, I doubt they’d wait two years on me.”
Scarlett’s hand grasped his wrist firmly. “If Cassie wants you for this film, they’ll wait. Those four are super supportive of one another. They trust each other’s judgment.” She released him and quickly brought her hand to her lap, a rush of adrenaline springing through her by merely touching him.
A knock sounded on the door and Erica poked her head in, holding up an envelope and a sheaf of papers. “Papers for Mr. Gallagher to sign regarding representation with Lymon McGraw, specifically with you as his attorney of record. Plus, contracts sent over from a Del Youngblood.”
“That’s my brother,” Wynn said. “We’re expecting them.”
“And Scarlett’s got a partner’s meeting in the conference room in ten minutes,” Erica reminded. “Go freshen up. I’ll take care of this.”
“What else is left today?” Scarlett asked.
“A two-thirty with Kimball about his latest book deal. If he shows. TMZ reported he’s back in rehab as of last night. Then a four o’clock with Webster over the Cheney matter.”
“Find out about Kimball. Let Webster know he’s going to handle Cheney on his own.”
Erica nodded. “He’ll act pissed but he’ll be pleased. Should I give him a reason why? He’s a partner and will dump on me.”
She gave her assistant a brilliant smile. “Tell him I’ve signed Wynn Gallagher and I’m meeting with him all afternoon. That should knock Webster for a loop.”
Erica beamed. “With pleasure. Maybe I’ll have my phone in hand and record his reaction.”
Scarlett turned to Wynn. “Would you like to stay here during my meeting? You could read over the contracts and see what you want to point out to me. Of course, I’ll go over them myself in order to get familiar with the particulars.”
“I’d be happy to wait for you.” He gave her a warm smile, which started that damned tingling again. Scarlett needed to escape before she did something utterly foolish. Like kissing him as a crazy woman might.
“I’ll attend my meeting and be back as soon as possible. Erica can take care of you in the meantime.”
Scarlett snatched her iPad from her desk and hurried from the room.
◆◆◆
While Wynn waited for Scarlett to get out of her partner’s meeting, he read through the contracts that Del sent over. He was familiar with the language because he’d been heavily involved in drafting them. Basically, he’d told Del what he wanted and had his brother pretty it up in legalese. They’d given it to Rylon’s attorneys and traded documents back and forth until Wynn was satisfied with the wording and signed.
His head told him from the start after he’d aced his Carbon Man audition that Del was out of his league but Wynn’s heart refused to seek different representation. Ever since Stephanie’s betrayal, he’d had trouble trusting anyone who wasn’t family. Del had the law degree and Wynn had convinced his brother to move to California and take the bar, especially with both him and Cady living in LA. With Del’s percentage from Wynn’s earnings, his brother could afford to do the pro bono work he loved so well and still maintain a small family law practice on the side.
The upcoming battle with Rylon Pictures was far beyond Del’s capabilities. His generous, sweet-natured brother didn’t have it in him to wage war on a landmark studio. Wynn was abandoning his comfort zone to sign with Scarlett—as well as opening his heart to her.
He’d barely dated in the years since leaving college. At first, his broken heart refused to let himself think about other women. Then the insane hours he’d put in on back-to-back network series, along with taking custody of Cady, had left him exhausted, with no time or desire to pursue a romantic relationship.
By the time he became Carbon Man, he’d had too much money and name recognition to trust the women who threw themselves at him. Especially actresses. Wynn shut the door on all relationships not involving family, just as he’d shut down his emotions so many years ago.
He made a few notes in the margin, things he wanted to discuss with Scarlett, and put his pen down. Was he crazy to go up against a behemoth like Rylon? Would it sabotage his career? Make him unhireable in the future? He had no idea. If this move didn’t work, he’d be stuck filming for the next two years. Miserable the entire time. Wasting away creatively. Probably on the director’s shit list, which meant being reamed out for nothing after scenes were shot and getting fewer close-ups and no say in his character’s development in either film.
Wynn realized how much faith he’d put in Scarlett Corrigan and her abilities. He knew she thrived on a challenge and would do her best for him—but would it be enough? If not, would he still have a chance with her beyond a professional relationship once this fight ended?
His phone buzzed. Wynn pulled it out. “Hey, Cady. What’s up?”
“I just talked to Del. You dropped him?”
Wynn heard the outrage in her voice and knew he need
ed to perform damage control. When Cady arrived in Hollywood from the two years she’d spent living with their spinster aunt, he’d inherited a sullen thirteen-year-old in need of not only physical therapy but emotional support. Even now, when things upset her, Cady could spiral out of control.
“I needed someone with an off-the-charts level of expertise in entertainment law. Del agreed with me and he’s fine with it,” he said calmly. “In fact, he’s the one who suggested it.”
“You realize a bulk of his income comes from his dealings on your behalf. How is he supposed to survive financially?” she demanded.
“We talked about it. Del’s pro bono cases have always come first. I guaranteed him I’d make sure he could continue taking those on at the same rate. Del’s never wanted much as far as creature comforts go. He won’t live on the streets, Cady. You know I’ll always take care of both of you.”
“I do.” Her tone softened. “You saved me from Aunt Louise.”
“That witch had no business becoming your guardian. I took over as soon as I could.”
She sniffed. “I was pretty awful to you when I first came to live with you.”
“You were fine,” he reassured her. “You were hurting from losing Mom and Dad. Your leg. Your home and your friends. And Payne died right after that. It took a while to put your pieces back together but look how great you’ve turned out, Cady.”
“I owe everything to you, Wynn.” She paused. “Which is why this is hard to say.” She cleared her throat. “I need to move on.”
“What? I’ve given you everything you need, Cady. You work from home. You earn a great salary.”
“I barely do anything for you, Wynn. I pay some bills. Book a few flights. Do everything I can to keep your name out of the media. It’s not enough to keep me busy. I need more. I want to be around people. Feel useful.”
Wynn started to protest and changed his mind. “I agree. I’ve been selfish. You’re a grown woman, not a sad, helpless kid anymore. What do you have in mind?”
