But she couldn’t quite regret it because that night had given life to a story, and naturally, Wyatt’s image—and certain other things—remained the inspiration for her hero’s character. For three years, she’d thought of him as Dallas. Thought, fantasized, spent way too much time filling Pinterest boards with his image . . .
Wyatt now turned those greenish-brown eyes her way and smiled at her—the kind of smile he’d give a friend’s little sister. Her hot cheeks meant her fair skin had turned almost as red as her hair.
“Good morning. I’m Wyatt.” Wyatt stepped aside to make room for a young guy with a cane wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. Wyatt patiently followed him to the check-in desk. “This is my brother, Ryder, and that’s the film crew, Jim, Buddy, and Mari. Looks like we’ve all descended at once.”
Emma remembered briefly seeing Ryder that night in Aspen. He’d been an up-and-coming snowboarder, although he hadn’t hit the podium. Sadly, the following year he’d finally made headlines when a snowboarding accident caused a traumatic brain injury. She’d read that Wyatt had left competition to help his family, and that Ryder had spent a few months in the hospital following his accident.
Looking at Ryder now, she sensed he hadn’t fully recovered—physically or otherwise. A pang of empathy for the brothers settled in her chest.
But surely neither he nor Wyatt would connect her to Alexa, assuming Wyatt even remembered that night. No doubt he’d had many such meaningless encounters on the competition circuit.
For the briefest moment, sadness gripped her, forcing her to acknowledge that a major turning point in her small life had been a mere blip in Wyatt’s. She shook off the wistful musing before anyone noticed.
“Welcome,” Emma said, her gaze roaming the group without making direct eye contact with Wyatt. “We’re so glad to have you. I’ll be at your disposal during your stay, so anything you need, just ask.”
Wyatt playfully cocked an eyebrow and smiled, this time a little less brotherly. A memory of him wearing that identical look—and nothing else—passed through her mind and shot straight to her girly parts. Goodness, his look had made her innocent statement somehow sound naughty. How on earth would she survive an entire month living under the same roof with Dallas, er, Wyatt, without giving away her identity?
The statuesque blonde, dressed entirely in black, approached the desk. “Hi. It’s nice to finally meet you in person. I’m Mari.”
Emma shook Mari’s hand, thankful for a distraction. “Oh, you must be the director who spoke with my mother. Unfortunately, you just missed her. I’ll be the one taking care of you while you’re here.”
While Emma spoke with Mari, Wyatt’s lazy gaze ogled her body, unnerving her. Thank God she’d thrown on a bulky sweater. He might be hot as heck and the perfect sexual fantasy, but a man like him—a player like her dad, obsessed with fame—wasn’t the kind of man she wanted or trusted.
“I know we’re a bit early, but are the rooms ready? You should have all the credit card information and other things. All we need now are the keys.” Mari said. “We’d like to unpack and then get some things set up.”
“Of course.” Emma averted her gaze again and focused on Ryder. His injuries and cane might make the old stairs a bit of a hazard. “We have a lovely room with a park view here on the main floor for you, Ryder.”
“Fine,” came Ryder’s lifeless reply.
Wyatt leaned close to his brother’s ear. “How about a ‘thank you,’ bro’?”
“Oh, no, please. I’m sure you’re all travel-weary.” Emma glanced at the clock and then the door, expecting to see Andy walk through it. She snatched a handful of keys and handed them out. “Everyone else will be on the second floor. I typically serve breakfast from six to eight, lunch from noon to two, and dinner at six thirty. If there are allergies, intolerances, or just things you don’t like to eat, please let me know.”
Mari’s brows snapped together. “I sent a very specific list of things we’d need, including a meal schedule, specific dietary needs to suit Wyatt’s training schedule, a therapist for Ryder, a private yoga instructor, and so on. Your mother assured me Wyatt would have everything he needed.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking. Of course we’ll accommodate all of your requests.” Emma felt another flush race to her face. Hopefully she’d pull it all together before lunch.
“Wyatt requested someplace private and quiet, so we’re here,” Mari glanced around disapprovingly, “for four weeks. I certainly hope we haven’t made a mistake.”