Author: Wendy Million
When I got my first big break, I was thrilled to be co-starring with the Wyatt Burgess–former childhood star, charismatic, sexy as hell–and heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol.
I thought I could handle life with him, and I did for a while. But after his best friend overdosed outside a nightclub, he spiraled deeper into his addictions. Desperate, I gave him an ultimatum: the lifestyle or me.
After ten years of heartache, I’ve carved out a life that makes me feel stable and content. The last thing I expect is Wyatt Burgess on my television screen, telling the whole world his biggest regret is losing me.
Now he’s standing in front of me, forcing me to choose between the comfortable life I’ve created and the passionate whirlwind that allowing him back into my life could bring.
But I wasn’t one hundred percent honest when I left, and I fear he’ll never forgive me.
Copyright 2024, Wendy Million
My security intercom buzzes, and I answer the nearest receiver. “Headed to bed, Freddie. What’s up?”
“Uh, Ellie, there’s a man here who wants to see you.”
“It’s late. I have jet lag. No one who knows me would come this late.”
I’ve made sure my house is hard to find. Entrances and exits are concealed by overgrown bushes and shrubs. The property is gated and not listed on any documents that are easy to access. Cab drivers and sightseeing tours get a hefty donation at the end of their high season if they haven’t used my name or property to advertise their businesses. Extreme privacy has been my companion since I left Wyatt and Los Angeles behind.
“It’s Mr. Wyatt Burgess, and he says he isn’t leaving until you agree to speak to him.”
Ice freezes in my veins and then fire chases it out. Turns out I don’t need to levitate off the island to commit murder tonight. “Oh, Freddie. I have a thing or two to say to Mr. Burgess. You can deliver him to the door.”
“Yes, ma’am.” A grin is evident in his voice. He must have watched The Jackson Billows Show too. With the show taped in the late morning, Wyatt had lots of opportunities to hop on a two-hour flight here. Never occurred to me he would.
I check my appearance in the kitchen mirror and then scold myself. I’ll open the door only to tell him to go to hell. Using national television to declare his undying love after ten years and a series of bad choices and then expecting me to take him back?! I don’t think so. Not happening.
At the side entrance where expected guests are delivered, I swing the door wide.
Immediately, I realize my mistake. He’s taller than I remembered, which seems ridiculous. That’s not all, though. His dark hair is a little darker, and his blue-green eyes more electric. Without the barrier of the screen, everything jumps at me at once.
My heart does one loud, crushing thump and falls to pieces.
Ten years, gone in a heartbeat.
Wendy Million is an award-winning author whose contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers. She is the author of the contemporary second-chance romances, When Stars Fall and Miss Matched. Writing as W. Million, she is the author of the Bellerive Royals series, the Tucker Billionaires series, and the Little Falls series. When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).
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