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.
Angelica took an experimental sip. It was single malt all rightbold, peaty scotch that nearly peeled the skin from her mouth.
Evan finished his in one swallow.
Theyre both in Monaco right now, said Conrad, signaling the butler to bring another round. Some fancy car race through the city. Nothing but girls and all-night parties, Im guessing.
Kayla Prince runs an art gallery, Evan offered. As he spoke, he shifted a little closer to Angelica.
She assumed he was trying to perpetuate the ruse that they were still good friends.
One of those snooty, high-brow places? Conrad asked. Always trying to get me to spend millions on some nouveau crap. Cant even tell whats in those pictures. A monkey might have done it for all I can tell.
I once bought a water color painted by an elephant, said Angelica.
Her instinct was to defend Kayla, but she didnt want to risk an argument with Conrad. She decided it was better to distract him with a new thread of conversation.
Evan gave her a puzzled look, but Conrad jumped right in on the topic.
Could you tell what it was?
Blue and pink lines. The elephants name was Sunny. Cost me five hundred dollars.
That got a grin from Conrad. The elephants probably more talented than that artist, and he charges millions. One of the kids bid at an art auction last month, and I nearly had to mortgage my house.
She found herself glancing around while she tried to imagine how much youd have to bid at an auction to warrant a mortgage on this particular house.
The butler returned, and while Conrad was distracted, Evan smoothly switched glasses with Angelica, discreetly downing her drink. She couldnt help finding the action chivalrous. She attempted to refuse a second drink, but Conrad insisted, so she accepted, declaring the scotch delicious.
You probably want to see the patio, Conrad said to Angelica, sounding like he didnt particularly want to show it to her.
I would love to see the patio.
He gestured. Well, come on outside. Evan here says youre going to convince me the scandal is over, and its safe to be associated with the Lassiters.
The scandal is over, she assured him as they stepped outside.
Soft, recessed lights came on in the perimeter gardens, whether triggered by motion sensor or an alert staff member, Angelica couldnt tell.
And youre at the helm now? Conrad asked her.
I am.
Conrad looked to Evan.
Shes at the helm, Evan agreed. And shell do a fantastic job.
Though she knew he was only playing a part, Evans words warmed her.
Conrad got a cagey expression on his face. Angelica, while Im deciding whether or not to lend you my mansion, what would you say if I told you Norville Productions had a series we think would be perfect for Lassiter Broadcast System?
Id tell you at LBS we have always created our own programming.
And if I reminded you that I have something you seem to want?
She paused. I couldnt offer you quid pro quo, but I can tell you Ill get your idea in front of an acquiring executive, and well take a look at it.
But no promises?
Well give it full and fair consideration. She was sincere in that. Just because theyd never commissioned a third-party program for LBS didnt mean they never would.
And your brothers? Conrad took a healthy swallow of his new drink. Are they aware that the scandal is over?
They are. Theyre each involved in the corporation in different ways.
But not on the media side?
Not on a day-to-day basis, said Angelica. But the family it united. It was a bit of a stretch. There were certainly some fences left to mend, but Angelica was confident her brothers wouldnt say anything publicly that would disparage her father or the family.
And Jack Reed? Conrad asked, giving yet another nod to the butler.
Angelica hadnt even touched her second drink. Luckily, while Conrad momentarily turned away, Evan once again deftly switched glasses with her, drinking it himself.
Jack is completely out of the picture, she said. There was some confusion about his role at first, but he was also acting on my fathers wishes.
Conrad arched a bushy brow. Your father wanted his company to be taken over and split apart?
The butler returned, and they all exchanged their empty glasses for fresh drinks.
My father, Angelica admitted with frank honesty, set it up to test how I would react if that became a possibility.
Conrad cracked a grin. A wily old coot, was he?
I would say so.
Evan joined in. Everyone passed the test with flying colors. The family pulled together, and Lassiter Media is going to thrive.
They didnt pull together right away, Conrad noted.
Evan gave a shrug and took a hearty swallow of what was now his fifth glass of scotch. Nobody does the right thing right away.
Conrad gave a wheezing laugh at that.
First we look at the angles, Evan continued. Then we decide what we want. Then we decide whats best. But the last decision is the only one that counts.
Angelica forced herself to take a sip of her drink. She wished the glass contained a liquor she enjoyed. She needed something to counteract her burgeoning appreciation of Evan. He sounded quite sincere in his defense of her behavior.
And what about you two? Conrad asked, glancing from one to the other.
Were friends now, Evan offered simply.
No, youre not, Conrad countered with conviction, his bushy brows coming together, creasing his forehead.
Angelica stilled, worried they were caught.
In a relationship like yours, he continued, you either love each other or you hate each other. Theres nothing in between.
You cant believe what you read in the tabloids, said Evan.
Its not what I read. Its what I see. Picture after picture tells me you two had it bad. His wrinkled hand gestured back and forth between the two of them. Im no fool. Youre makin nice now, but itll go off the rails in the blink of an eye. The story will hit the tabloids, and this wedding and my mansion will be smack dab in the middle of a scandal.
Youre right, said Evan, and Angelica shot him a look of amazement. But then his hand closed around hers with a reassuring squeeze. Truth is, weve been thinking about getting back together.
He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. A familiar buzz of awareness traveled along her arm to her heart, and she had to struggle to mask her reaction.
You have not, said Conrad. Nobody keeps a secret like that in this town.
We do, said Evan, sounding completely convincing. Look at her, Conrad. Id have to be a blind fool to give her up.
Conrads gaze took in every facet of Angelicas appearance. She told herself to hold still and try to look like some kind of 1950s dream girl, the kind you forgave, took back and married, even when she messed up your life.
Conrad finished his drink, and Evan followed suit.
Conrad finished his drink, and Evan followed suit.
Youve got me there, said Conrad.
I think youve had enough to drink, sweetheart. Evan lifted the glass from her hand and drank it himself.
Angelica focused on looking calm, serene and in love.
Ill be damned, said Conrad, his expression relaxing for the first time since theyd arrived.
Im no fool, said Evan.
I guess youre not. So, youre telling me I dont need to worry about wading into a scandal?
Im assuring you this wont blow up in your face.
What was that date again?
Last weekend of the month.
This month?
I realize its short notice. I told you about the fire at the Emerald?
Wed need extra staff and security, said Conrad.
Well take care of all the details, Evan assured him.
Angelica held her breath.
Conrad nodded his head. Ill leave the details to you.
Thank you so much, Angelica reflexively gushed, reaching out to shake Conrads hand with both of hers. Kayla will be so excited.
Yeah, yeah. Conrad gruffly brushed away the thanks and seemed to mentally withdraw.
Weve imposed on you long enough, said Evan polishing off the last drink. Thank you for this, sir. Is there a staff member we can contact?
Albert will bring you a business card.
The butler, who had remained nearby, came forward to give the card to Evan.
Goodnight, Conrad. Evan tucked the card into his suit pocket and shook Conrads hand.
Conrad gave Angelica a parting smile. I guess Ill be seeing you again soon.
You will, Angelica agreed. Ill look forward to it.
Evan put his hand at the small of her back and guided her back through the great room toward the hallway. As soon as the front door was closed behind them, he leaned down to whisper. You were amazing.
Are you okay?
How do you mean?
You drank six single malts.
Oh, that. Getting him a little drunk seemed like a good strategy, and I couldnt very well throw you to the wolves. Evan blew out a breath as they approached the car. But I am a little woozy. I think youd better drive.
No kidding.
He walked her to the drivers side door, extracting the keys. Do you know how to drive a stick?
I can manage.
Shes peppy, he warned.
Angelicas back was to the car door, and she couldnt help smiling at the warning. Ill be fine.
Then he went silent, and she suddenly realized just how close to her he was standing. The warmth of his body swirled out to meet her skin. She picked up his familiar scent on the breeze. He smelled good, so good, and she felt herself sway involuntarily toward him. Her hormonal reaction to Evan hadnt changed one bit.
That was bad.
I mean it, he said in a gravelly voice. You did great in there.
So did you, she told him sincerely.
He inched ever so slightly closer. We make a good teamyou and me.
Youre drunk, Evan.
Maybe a little.
Your judgment is impaired.
My judgment is perfect. Youre incredible, Angie. And I wanted you just as badly sober as I do now.
Before she realized what was happening, his lips were on hers. Magic exploded inside her brain, colors flashing, music playing, the taste of Evan overwhelming her senses. The kiss went on for long minutes before he finally pulled back.
She was breathless, and not nearly as horrified as she ought to have been. She had to get it together here.
That did not demonstrate good judgment, Evan, she told him tartly, holding out her hand for the car keys.
He just grinned and dropped the keys into her palm. Sure it did.
* * *
The Lassiter Media buildings twenty-seventh floor patio, with its adjacent café, was normally open to all the company executives. But today, it was closed for Angelicas private meeting with her brothers and cousin. Together, the four controlled the broader Lassiter conglomerate group.
At her request, theyd agreed to coordinate trips to L.A. Chance and Sage were in from Wyoming, where Chance ran the familys Big Blue ranch and Sage took care of his own business interests. Dylan managed the Lassiter Grill Group.
They were at a dining table beside the fountain as Dylan popped the cork on a bottle of Chateau Montegro, a signature wine of Lassiter Grill. Chance was telling Sage about the adventures of a couple of the ranch cowboys.
Feeling like she needed to clear the air, Angelica broke into the lighthearted story. Before we go any further, can you please let me apologize?
They all looked at her, falling silent.
This isnt a celebration, she reminded Dylan.
She forced herself to look at each of them in turn, Chance with his strong face and ranch-weathered complexion, Dylan with his ready smile and compassionate eyes, Sage with his closed expression and tight rein on his feelings.
Please let me get this out. I am so profoundly and incredibly sorry for putting you all through this.
Dylan was quick to speak up. It isnt your fault.
But it is. She wasnt going to back away from this.
You got the short end of the stick, said Chance. The will took us all by surprise. I cant honestly say what I would have done if Id been shafted like that.
Youd have walked away, Angelica told her cousin with conviction. She glanced at her brothers as well. All of you. If J.D. had left you out of his will, youd have accepted it and walked away.
Sage spoke up. Thats because we wouldnt have been surprised. His relationship with us was a lot more strained than his relationship with you.
You mean he spoiled me. She was determined to be completely honest here.
He loved you, said Dylan. He loved you and you expected, you knew, you always knew above everything else that hed take care of you. And he didnt. Or it looked like he didnt.
Ultimately, it was his choice, said Angelica. It was his money, his companies. He was free to leave them to whomever he pleased. She swallowed a catch in her throat. I should have accepted his decision right away.
Sage reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. Dont beat yourself up, little sister.
The unexpected endearment made her tear up. Sage wasnt one to demonstrate emotion. Im so sorry, she managed.
Okay, said Dylan, raising the bottle of Chateau Montegro. Youre sorry. Its done. We accept your apology.
Both Sage and Chance nodded with conviction.
Were family, said Chance. Its up to us to stick together now.
The obvious love in their expressions made the weight slowly lift from Angelicas shoulders. Her tears dried, and she managed a weak smile.
Dylan began pouring the wine.
I dont know why he even left me the twenty-five percent of Lassiter Media, Sage said to Angelica. Im busy running Spence Enterprises. Ill sign the shares over to you anytime you want.
She shook her head. No, you wont. Im through second-guessing our father. Youre a significant shareholder in Lassiter Media, and youre staying that way. If I had to guess, Id say he wanted to make sure you felt like part of this family. Besides, I want to be able to come to you for advice.