The statement made her curious. You think you can change his mind?
I was thinking you could help me change his mind.
How could I do that? Ive barely met him in passing. And it sure doesnt sound as though he likes my family.
I thought we could alleviate his fears, present a united front. Show him there are no hard feelings between us, that the rumors about the power struggle were overblown.
The rumors werent overblown. When her fathers will left control of Lassiter Media to Evan, it had resulted in all-out battle between the two of them. Even now, when they both knew it had been a test of her loyalty, their spirits were battered and bruised, their relationship shattered beyond repair.
But Kaylas happiness was at stake. Or, more specifically, Kaylas mothers happiness was at stake. Angelica was willing to bet that Kayla would marry Matt anywhere. In fact, theyd probably prefer to be married in Cheyenne, where theyd made their home. But Kaylas mother had been looking forward to this day since Kayla was born. And Kayla would do anything for her family.
So, youre asking me to lie? Angelica stated in a flat, uncompromising tone.
Im asking you to lie, Evan agreed.
For Kayla and Matt. That might be one of the few reasons shed consider it.
Id do a lot more than lie for Matt, said Evan.
She took in the determination on his handsome face. Experience had taught her that he was a formidable opponent who let absolutely nothing stand in his way.
I shudder to think how far youd go to get what you want.
His expression tightened. Yeah? Well, we both know how far youll go, dont we?
It was a cutting blow.
I thought I was protecting my family, she defended.
When shed learned of the terms of the will, she couldnt come up with any explanation except that her father had lost his mind, or that Evan had brazenly manipulated J.D. into leaving him control of Lassiter Media.
You figured you were right and everyone else was wrong? he asked.
It seemed so at the time.
His steps toward her appeared automatic. You slept in my arms, told me you loved me, and then accused me of defrauding you out of nearly a billion dollars.
All the pieces had added up in her mind back then, and they had been damning for Evan. Seducing me would have been an essential part of your overall plan to steal Lassiter Media.
Shows you how little you know about me.
I guess it does.
Even though she was agreeing, the answer seemed to anger him.
You should have known me. You should have trusted me. My nefarious plan was all inside your suspicious little head. I never made it, never mind executed it.
I had no way of knowing that at the time.
You could have trusted me. Thats what wives do with their husbands.
We never got married.
Your decision, not mine.
They stared at each other for a long moment.
What do you want me to do? she finally asked. Then she realized her question was ambiguous. About Conrad.
An ironic half smile played on Evans lips. Dont worry. I know youd never ask what I wanted you to do about us.
He backed off a couple of paces. Come with me to see Conrad. Tomorrow night. Pretend were pals, that everything is terrific between us, and he doesnt have to worry about any public fights.
The request brought a pain to Angelicas stomach. Nothing was remotely terrific between her and Evan. He was angry and she was sad. Because now that their dispute over Lassiter Media was over, she missed so many things about their former life.
Sure, she agreed, forcing her misery into a small corner of her soul. Ill do whatever it takes to help Kayla.
Ill pick you up at seven. Wear something feminine.
She glanced down at her slim, navy skirt and the collared, white blouse. Feminine?
You know, ruffles or flowers, and some pretty shoes. Maybe curl your hair.
Curl my hair?
You dont want to look like my rival. Hes an old-fashioned guy, Angie. He remembers a different time, a different kind of woman.
When? The 1950s?
That sounds about right.
You want me to simper and giggle and bat my eyelashes to get a wedding venue for Kayla and Matt.
In a word, yes.
Shed do it. Shed definitely do it for her best friend. But she wasnt going to like it, and she wasnt going into it without a protest. Shall I cling to your arm as well?
Cling to anything you want. Just sell it to him. With that pronouncement, Evan turned on his heel, left the gazebo and disappeared along the pathway.
Two
Evan stood in the high-ceilinged foyer of the Lassiter mansion, gazing in amazement as a transformed Angie descended the grand staircase. She looked beautiful, feminine and deceptively sweet. Her chestnut hair was half up, half down, wisps dangling at her temples and curling enticingly along her shoulders in a silk curtain. The color was lighter than he remembered it, and he instantly realized he liked it this way.
Youre wearing pink, he couldnt stop himself from observing.
Now whos stating the obvious? As she covered the last couple of stairs, Evan noticed her simple, white pumps that matched a tiny purse tucked under her arm.
Ive never seen you in pink. The dress was snug in the bodice, with cap sleeves and flat lace across the chest. It had a full silk skirt and a discreet ruffle along the hem. She wore simple diamond stud earrings and a tiny diamond pendant on a delicate gold chain. She truly could have stepped out of the 1950s.
I hate pink, she noted as she came to a halt on the ground floor. Then she donned a brilliant if slightly strained smiled and pirouetted in front of him. But do you think this outfit will get Kayla the dream Malibu wedding her mother wants for her?
Evan wasnt sure the outfit would get them a wedding. But it was definitely getting him turned on. Hed seen Angie in no-nonsense suits, opulent evening gowns and the occasional classic black cocktail dress. But hed never seen her looking so alluring and demure, and so incredibly kissable.
If it doesnt, Evan found himself responding, nothing will.
Good. Her expression relaxed, and her smile looked more natural. Then lets get this over with, shall we?
He held out his arm to escort her, but she didnt take it. She walked pointedly past him, drawing open the front door and marching onto the porch.
He needs to believe were still friends, Evan cautioned as he trotted down the staircase after her.
His dark blue Miata convertible was parked halfway around the circular driveway. Hed picked Angie up in this spot countless times, taking her to dinners, to parties, occasionally away for the weekend. And for a few heartbeats, it felt exactly like old times. He had to stop himself from taking her hand or putting an arm around her shoulders. Touching her seemed like such a natural thing to do.
I can act, she responded breezily.
He slipped past her to open the passenger door. Im sure you can.
She slid into the low seat, pulling her dainty shoes in behind her. Conrad knows were coming?
She slid into the low seat, pulling her dainty shoes in behind her. Conrad knows were coming?
He knows. I imagine well get an earful about some of the stories in the tabloids.
I can cope with upset people.
Can you keep your cool when they come after your family?
Of course, I can.
Angie? Evan cautioned.
She stared straight ahead. Dont call me that.
You want me to call you Ms. Lassiter?
My name is Angelica.
He waited for a moment, until curiosity got the better of her and she raised her eyes to look his way.
Not to me it isnt, he told her firmly. Then he pushed the door shut and rounded the hood of the car.
He knew he shouldnt goad her, and he probably shouldnt use her nickname either. But theyd been lovers once, best friends, engaged. Theyd been mere hours away from getting married. Theyd laughed. Theyd fought. And shed cried naked in his arms. He wasnt about to pretend it had all never happened.
They both stayed silent as he pulled onto Sunset, pointing the sports car toward the Pacific Coast Highway.
You can do it for one night, she told him as he navigated traffic beneath the bright streetlights.
Do what for one night? He wondered if she was aware of the many interesting ways that statement could be taken.
Shed probably slap his face if she knew what he was picturing right now.
His mouth flexed in a half smile at his own thoughts. If this really were the 1950s, she would slap his face, but hed kiss her anyway, pinning her hard against the nearest wall. Then shed quickly capitulate and kiss him back, because she was only protesting out of a duty to be a good girl, not because she was unwilling.
Call me Angie, she answered, startling him out of the daydream.
I can call you Angie for one night?
While were at Conrad Norvilles pretending to be friends. But thats it.
I dont think you can control what I call you, he countered casually.
She fussed with the hem of her skirt, and there was something defiant in her tone. I can control what I call you.
Call me anything you like.
What about incompetent and irresponsible?
Excuse me? He swung a glance her way for a second before returning his attention to the winding highway. Youre planning to insult me in front of Norville?
Not Norville. I had a phone call this morning. Somebody looking for a reference on your work with Lassiter Media.
Who? Evan immediately asked.
Lyle Dunstand from Eden International.
Anger clenched his stomach, and his tone went iron-hard. Youd actually undermine my business out of spite?
She was silent for a moment. Relax, Evan. I told them youd done a fantastic job under trying circumstances. I gave you complete credit for last years expansion into Britain and Australia, and I said your instincts for people were second to none.
His anger dissipated as quickly as it had formed.
My point is, she continued. Im treating you with respect and professionalism. You could at least do the same for me.
I didnt give anyone your contact information, he assured her. I was hoping theyd avoid checking with Lassiter.
I cant see that happening. You were with us for several years. She angled her body to face him. So, youre opening up the consulting agency again.
I have to earn a living.
My father left you a lot of money.
Evan coughed out a cold laugh. Like Im going to touch Lassiter money.
She seemed to consider his words. Are you angry with him?
Hell, yes, Im angry with him. He used me. He messed with my life like I was some pawn in his private game.
He assumed wed be married by the time he died.
Evan twisted his head to look at her again. And that makes it better? He sets me up as CEO in order to test your loyalty to him, and then he cuts me loose to do what? Play second fiddle to my own wife at Lassiter?
She seemed to consider his statement. Are you saying youd have a problem working for me? If we were married, I mean?
Yes.
But youd have been okay with me working for you?
He gave a shrug. It might not be logical or fair. But, yeah, I could live with that.
Now whos living in the 1950s?
He didnt disagree. Its a moot point. Neither of those things is ever going to happen.
Because well never be married.
Stating the obvious again, Angie.
Angelica.
You said I could have one night. He wheeled the car into a left turn, and down the private road that led to Conrad Norvilles estate.
* * *
They met Conrad in the great room of his oceanfront residence. Even though Angelica had spent years living in the Lassiter mansion, she was taken aback by the size and opulence of the home. The great room was accessed through a massive foyer and a marble pillared hallway decorated in ivory and gold. The room was huge, rectangular, with a thirty-foot ceiling. Its beachside wall was completely made of glass. In the center of the glass wall, several panels were drawn aside, turning the patio into an extension of the house.
The patio itself was beautifully set up for entertaining, with different tiers that held tables, comfortable lounge furniture groupings, and gas fire pits surrounded by padded chairs. The lowest tier jutted out over a cliff, offering a spectacular view of the rocks and waves, while a side area held a swimming pool, complete with a pool house and a massive wet bar.
As Conrad shook her hand in welcome, he gave Angelicas outfit a critical once over. He didnt make any comment, and she couldnt tell what he thought.
Your familys been in the news lately, he stated, giving a signal to a waiting butler who immediately moved forward with a silver tray of drinks.
Things have stabilized now, said Angelica, standing next to the open doorways, appreciating the fresh ocean breeze. I think were all ready to move forward on a positive path.
You never want to become the story. Conrad took a crystal glass from the waiters tray. It contained a small quantity of amber liquid.
Being in the media wasnt something any of us enjoyed, Angelica agreed.
The butler offered her a drink, and she took it, guessing it was probably single malt, since Conrad owned a distillery in Scotland and often sang its praises. She hated single malt, but shed drink it if she had to.
Is your daddy a crazy man? Conrad asked, studying her expression while he waited for her answer.
Though theyd tried to guard the details of J.D.s will, with Conrads industry and social contacts, hed likely have learned more than most people outside the family.
Before she could answer, Evan stepped in. J. D. Lassiter loved his family very much. Its one of the things I admired most about him.
My stepkids are leeches, said Conrad, switching his piercing attention to Evan. No good, blood-sucking losers.
Angelica glanced at Evan, but he didnt seem to know how to respond to that either.
Im sorry to hear that, she offered into the awkward silence. Do they live here in Malibu?
Conrad gave a gruff laugh. Cant afford their own houses. At least not the kind of houses they think they deserve. He upended his glass, swallowing the entire shot.