One Night, Second Chance. Robyn Grady
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all the rental companies checked out?”
“The company concerned is a fly-by-nighter from another state,” Dex explained.
“Brandon found the guy who ran it,” Cole added. “Other than simply hiring out the car, he doesn’t appear to be involved. But getting corresponding records was like pulling teeth.”
“Until Brandon threatened to bring in the authorities, criminal as well as tax,” Dex said. “The guy’s got until tomorrow to cough up.”
“Great work. So, Tate’s staying with you in the meantime, Dex?”
“He and Shelby are as thick as thieves. He loves her cooking. I do, too. You should taste her cupcakes.” Sitting back, ex-playboy Dex rested his hands on his stomach and licked his chops. “We’re looking at taking the plunge sometime in the New Year. The wedding will most likely be in Mountain Ridge, Oklahoma, her hometown.”
“Oh, I can see you now, riding up to the minister on matching steeds like something out of a ’40s Western.”
Wynn grinned at Cole’s ribbing.
“Laugh if you dare,” Dex said. “I bought a property that used to belong to Shelby’s dad.” Dex’s tawny-colored gaze grew reflective. “One day we might settle out there for good.”
“Away from the hype and glitter of Hollywood?” Wynn found that hard to believe.
“If it means being with Shelby,” Dex assured them both, “I’d live in a tar shack.”
Wynn was pleased for both brothers’ happiness, even if he no longer possessed a romantic thought or inclination in his body.
Barring the other night.
He felt for Grace and her situation. Covert glances and well-intentioned pity over past relationships that hadn’t ended well... Painful to endure. Far better to give people something to really talk about. And so, with the entire room’s eyes upon them, he’d kissed her—no half measures. After the shock had cleared, however, she’d looked ready to slap his face rather than thank him. It was a shame, because after another taste of Grace Munroe’s lips, he’d only wanted more.
Remembering that interview with Riggs, Wynn checked the time. “Guys, I need to sign off. Dad rang a couple of weeks back about giving a guy a job. Background in publishing. Apparently great credentials and, quote, ‘a finger on the pulse of solutions for challenges in this digital age.’ Dad thought I could use him.”
“Sounds great,” Dex said. “Should help take some pressure off.”
Wynn frowned. “I’m not under pressure.” Or wouldn’t be half so much when the merger deal he’d been working on was in the bag. For now, however, that arrangement was tightly under wraps—he hadn’t even told his father about the merger plans.
“Well, it’ll be strictly fun and games when you guys come out for the wedding.” Pride shone from Cole’s face. “You and Dex are my best men.”
Wynn straightened. That was the first he’d heard of it. “I’m honored.” Then his thoughts doubled back. “Can a groom have two best men?”
“It’s the 21st century.” Dex laughed. “You can do any damn thing you want.”
“So, Wynn,” Cole went on, “you’re definitely coming?”
Dex’s voice lowered. “You’re okay after that breakup now, right?”
Wynn wanted to roll his eyes. He’d really hoped he’d get through this conversation without anyone bringing that up.
“The breakup...” He forced a grin. “Sounds like the title of some soppy book.”
“Movie, actually,” Dex countered.
“Well, you’ll all be relieved to know that I’ve moved on.”
“Mentally or physically?” Dex asked.
“Both.”
“Really?” Cole said at the same time Dex asked, “Anyone we know?”
“As a matter of fact...remember Grace Munroe?”
Cole blinked twice. “You don’t mean Brock Munroe’s girl?”
“Whoa. I remember,” Dex said. “The little horror who crushed on you that Christmas in Colorado when we were all kids.”
“That’s back to front.” Wynn set them straight. “I wanted to crush her—under my heel.”
“And now?” Dex asked.
“We caught up.”
“So, we can put her name down beside yours for the wedding?” Cole prodded.
“I said I’ve moved on.” Lifting his chin, Wynn adjusted his tie’s Windsor knot. “No one’s moving in.”
In the past, these two had nudged each other, grinning over Wynn’s plans to settle down sooner rather than later. Now Cole and Dex were the ones jabbed by Cupid’s arrow and falling over themselves to commit while Wynn had welcomed the role of dedicated bachelor. Once bit and twice shy. He didn’t need the aggravation.
The men signed off. Wynn could see his personal assistant Daphne Cranks down the hall trying to get his attention. She pushed her large-framed glasses up her nose before flicking her gaze toward a guest. A man dressed in an impeccable dark gray suit got up from his chair with an easy smile. Christopher Riggs was almost as tall as Wynn. He had a barrel chest like a buff character from a comic strip. When Wynn joined him, they shook hands, introduced themselves and headed for the boardroom.
“My father seems impressed by your credentials,” Wynn said, pulling in his chair.
“He’s a fascinating man.”
“He worked hard to build Hunter Enterprises into the force it is today.”
“I believe it was very much a local Australian concern when Guthrie took over from your grandfather.”
“My father ran the company with my uncle for a short while. Two strong wills. Different ideas of how the place ought to run. I’m afraid it didn’t work out.” Wynn unbuttoned his jacket and sat back. “That was decades ago.”
“Hopefully I’ll have the chance to contribute something positive moving forward.”
They discussed where the company was positioned at the moment, and went on to speak about publishing in general. Christopher handed over his résumé and then volunteered information about his background. Guthrie had already mentioned that, until recently, Christopher’s family had owned a notable magazine in Australia. Like so many businesses, the magazine had suffered in these harsh economic times. The Riggses had found a business partner who had buoyed the cash flow for a time before pulling the plug. The magazine had gone into receivership.
Christopher had a degree, a background in reporting and good references in marketing. Alongside that, he could talk rings around Wynn with regard to web presence statistics and methods, as well as social media strategies aimed at optimizing potential market share.
While they spoke, Wynn tried to look beyond the smooth exterior, deep into the man’s clear mint-green eyes. No bad vibes. Christopher Riggs was the epitome of a composed professional. Even in his later years, Guthrie Hunter possessed an uncanny ability to sniff out true talent. Wynn could see Christopher well-placed in his marketing and tech team.
They discussed and then agreed on remuneration and benefits.
“Come in tomorrow.” Wynn pushed to his feet. “Daphne can set you up in an office.”
The men shook again and, with a bounce in his step, Christopher Riggs headed out.
After collecting his briefcase, Wynn came back into his private reception area. When he said good-night, Daphne held him up.
“These tickets