Reunited with the Lassiter Bride

by Barbara Dunlop

Lex was looking into the company’s financial records, while Evan and Deke were taking a more hands-on approach to investigating their potential purchase. So far, they’d toured the beach, the pool, the beachfront café and the gourmet restaurant on the top floor. Now, they were on their way to the eighteen-hole golf course.

  Before Evan could decide on the usefulness of taking things undercover, Deke redirected his attention. “Look. There’s the sports bar.”

  They altered their path, swerving to take in a couple thousand square feet of steel-gray leather, brick work and big screen TVs. The floor was worn wood, the bar top immaculate, and the pool tables in the back looked beautifully kept.

  “What we should do,” Evan suggested, “is hold Matt’s bachelor party here. A round of golf, a game on the big screen, brews, burgers and a few pool matches. Then we can all book rooms and stay over. We’ll poll everyone in the morning and see how they liked their stay.”

  Deke grinned. “Kill two birds with one stone? I like it. Maybe we can get Kayla and the bridesmaids to check out the spa.”

  Evan’s brain wrapped itself around the thought of Angie in a spa, or anywhere else for that matter.

  “I’m not interested in a hot stone massage,” Deke continued. “Never mind a facial or some waxing.”

  Even shook off the image of Angie. “Ouch.”

  “Yeah. Ouch. I say we sacrifice the women.”

  “That kind of thinking is why you’ll never have more than one-night stands.”

  “Who wants more than one-night stands?”

  Evan’s phone chimed in his pocket.

  “Most guys over the age of twenty-one,” he noted as he answered the familiar number. “Hey, Matt. You’re on the ground?”

  “Taxiing to the terminal at LAX,” came Matt’s reply.

  “Welcome home.”

  “Thanks. It’s been an adventure. You around tonight?”

  While Evan talked, he and Deke exited the sports bar and began to make their way to the golf course. “Sure. Absolutely. Deke and I are just checking out a place for your bachelor party.”

  “Deke’s in town?” asked Matt.

  “He is.”

  “Can he stay for the wedding?”

  “Hang on.” Evan moved the phone away from his mouth. “Matt wants to know if you can come to the wedding.”

  “I already told Tiffany I’d be her date.”

  The information took Evan by surprise. “You did?”

  “She asked. And I still haven’t seen her naked.”

  “You watch yourself,” Evan warned.

  But Deke just laughed.

  “He’s coming with Tiffany,” Evan told Matt.

  “That’s great.” There was a muffled sound at Matt’s end of the line. “Kayla wants to know when you and Angelica got back together.”

  Evan made a guess of what had happened. “She read the Morning Break?”

  “She found it online while we were at JFK.”

  “We aren’t back together,” Evan corrected. “Yet.”

  “Well, get a move on, will you?”

  “Sure. No problem. How do you feel about the Sagittarius Resort golf course and sports bar?”

  “What for?”

  “Your bachelor party.”

  “Sounds expensive. Who’s paying?”

  “Deke’s paying.”

  Deke gave an unconcerned shrug.

  “Then I leave it in your capable hands, best man.” There were some pings in the background, followed by a voice over the airplane loudspeaker. “We’re at the gate. I’ll call you from the apartment. I think Kayla just set up the final tux and dress fittings at the his-and-hers wedding place for tonight.”

  “Text me the details.”

  “Will do. And, hey man, thanks for all your help this week.”

  “Happy to do it.” Evan signed off.

  Deke pushed open a glass door that led to a patio and the pro shop.

  “I’m not crazy about this thing with Tiffany and the wedding,” Evan felt compelled to state as they walked.

  “Why not? She doesn’t have a boyfriend, and I already know Matt and Kayla. It seemed like a pretty logical solution.”

  “But you’re not dating her. You’re only trying to sleep with her.”

  “Of course I’m trying to sleep with her. Have you looked at her?”

  “She’s Angie’s friend, Deke.”

  “And you’re Angie’s ex. So you shouldn’t even care. Besides, I haven’t exactly kept my goal a secret. She knows perfectly well that I’ve got the hots for her.”

  “I hope you used those exact words.”

  Deke chuckled. “I did. She told me not to hold my breath.”

  They came to the edge of the patio, where clusters of dining tables overlooked the golf course. Evan braced his hands on the rail, letting the topic slide. Deke was right. Tiffany knew the score, and Evan knew Deke wouldn’t push it if she said no.

  As expected, the golf course was magnificent. Wide, emerald fairways followed the natural contours of the land. Palm trees swayed in the wind, while the overall layout sloped down to the cliff’s edge, offering stunning views of the blue ocean.

  “They host three professional tournaments a year,” said Deke. “Plus top-flight amateur events. And their list of VIP members is impressive. I say we buy the place for the Rolodex alone.”

  Evan’s phone chimed again.

  Deke nodded toward the sound. “It’s hard to believe you’re currently unemployed.”

  “It’s hard to believe your phone is staying so quiet.”

  Deke patted his shirt pocket. “I forwarded all the business calls directly to Colby. You know, I’m beginning to think I don’t actually have a personal life.”

  “You’re a workaholic,” Evan reminded him.

  “True enough.”

  Evan didn’t recognize the number, so he assumed it was a business call. “Hello?”

  “Mr. McCain?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Geoff Wilson, Los Angeles Star Daily.”

  Uh oh.

  “I’m doing a story on Lassiter Media, and I was wondering if you had any comment on the recent revelation that your engagement to Angelica Lassiter is back on?”

  Evan knew he couldn’t alienate the press without losing Conrad’s support, so he didn’t hang up. Instead, he chose his words carefully, hoping to drop enough breadcrumbs to keep the reporter happy. “My relationship with Ms. Lassiter is a private matter.”

  “She’s pictured in the Weekly Break without an engagement ring.”

  “I haven’t seen that Weekly Break.”

  “Does it surprise you that she’s not wearing her engagement ring?”

  “It does not.” Evan covered the receiver with his hand, whispering to Deke. “Get Angelica on your phone.” He needed to warn her about potential calls from reporters. And they needed to make sure they kept their stories straight.

  Deke’s brows went up, but he extracted his cell phone and dialed.

  “So, you’re saying there’s no engagement?” asked Geoff Wilson.

  “I’m saying it’s a private matter.”

  “Where’s the ring?”

  Evan decided stalling was still the best way to go. “Ms. Lassiter and I would appreciate privacy while we—”

  “Are the two of you back together or not?”

  “Ms. Lassiter and I would appreciate privacy while we discuss our reconciliation.”

  “You do know this is L.A., right?”

  Evan couldn’t help but crack a smile. “The Lassiter family has been through a difficult time.”

  “How will you feel about playing second fiddle to your wife at Lassiter Media?”

  “That’s not an issue, since I’m no longer working at Lassiter Media.”

  Deke had turned away, and was talking in a low voice on his phone.

  “Did she fire you?” the reporter asked.

  Evan wished he could end the call, but he wanted to keep the press satisfied,
and the last thing he needed was to ramp up the story any further. “I resigned from Lassiter Media. I’m now pursuing some independent business opportunities.”

  “Will you go back to Lassiter Media after you marry Angelica?”

  “Lassiter Media is in very capable hands. Angelica Lassiter will make an excellent CEO. And I’m certain her father would be proud.”

  “Proud of the way she fought his will?”

  Evan felt like he was navigating a mine field. “It was a complicated situation. But we’re all focused on the future. And I’m afraid I have another pressing appointment right now. Do you have a final question?”

  “Did you give her back her ring?”

  Evan hesitated for a moment. “Can I go off the record?”

  Geoff Wilson paused. Evan knew the man would hate to get a juicy scoop off the record, but he’d hate it more to miss a juicy scoop altogether.

  “Sure,” he finally answered. “Off the record.”

  “Not yet. But I am planning to give it back.”

  “When? Where?”

  Evan chuckled. “If we decide we want our pictures in the paper, you’ll be the first person we call. Goodbye, Mr. Wilson.”

  “But—”

  Evan disconnected the call.

  “Off the record?” asked Deke. “Are you kidding me?”

  Evan took Deke’s phone and pressed the microphone against his leg to block his voice. “I know it’s a long shot that he’ll respect it. But I had to give him something. And it would be worse if he printed his suspicions that we’re not really getting back together.”

  Evan raised the phone to his ear. “Angie?”

  “What’s going on?” She sounded breathless.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Fine.”

  “Are you running from someone?”

  “I’m on an exercise bike.”

  Evan struggled not to picture her in tight exercise pants and a cropped T-shirt. “I just had a call from a reporter. A guy from the Los Angeles Star Daily.”

  Her tone turned guarded. “What did he want?”

  “To grill me about our relationship. You’re going to the fitting tonight?”

  “The bridesmaid dresses? Yes. Grill you how?”

  “The usual. Are we back together? How do I feel about it? Am I working at Lassiter Media again? I’ll pick you up, and we can go together tonight.”

  “I can get there myself.”

  “If the press is calling me, they’re likely following you. We have to make this look good.”

  “Evan, I am not going to spend the next two weeks—”

  “Yes, you are. You’re going to spend the next two weeks pretending you like me.”

  “Evan.”

  “We’re too far down the road to back off now. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “I won’t be home.”

  “Where will you be?”

  She went silent, and he could feel her stubbornness right through the line.

  “Fine,” she huffed. “I’ll be home.”

  “I’ll see you at seven.”

  * * *

  Kayla had a flare for the feminine and the beautiful, and everything about her custom-made wedding reflected her good taste. Her bridal gown was both traditional and spectacular. Made of pure, white satin, the wraparound bodice hugged her slim torso. A band of delicate jewels accentuated her bust, while the full skirt, with its cascading jeweled vine pattern, started at her hips and flowed to the floor where it flared out in a three-foot train.

  “It’s absolutely stunning,” Angelica breathed, blown away by the picture Kayla made in the dressing area of the wedding store.

  “You look like a fairy princess,” said Tiffany, moving around for a look at the back.

  “I was thinking hair up,” said Kayla, demonstrating.

  “Definitely,” Angelica agreed. “Do you have a diamond necklace?”

  “And dangling, diamond earrings,” said Tiffany.

  Angelica moved closer to check out the pattern of the jewels on the dress. “I’ve got the perfect thing,” she told Kayla. “It’s a four-row diamond choker.” Then she wondered if she was being too presumptuous. “If you’d like something borrowed, I mean.”

  “I don’t remember it,” said Tiffany.

  “I don’t wear it very often. My brothers gave it to me for my nineteenth birthday. It’s a little too dressy for most occasions.”

  “I’d love to borrow it,” said Kayla. Then she took a step back, turning away from the mirror. “Now let me get a look at the two of you.”

  Angelica focused on the mirror, gazing at herself in an ice-pink, full-length bridesmaid gown. The tight, strapless, satin bodice glistened with silver sequins. It laced up the back, starting at the base of her spine and ending several inches below her shoulder blades in a sexy, low, V cut. An organza skirt, scattered with sequins, floated like a cloud around her ankles.

  Given the time constraints, they were buying off the rack. But the store had a huge variety of styles to choose from.

  “You both look perfect,” said Kayla.

  Tiffany twirled around. “I feel like dancing already.”

  “Matt says you’re bringing Deke as your date,” Kayla said.

  “That’s right. He’s a fun guy and a really good dancer.”

  Tiffany stopped twirling, and the three women stood side by side in front of the mirror.

  “You’ve been dancing with Deke?” Angelica asked, curious.

  “Just that one night after dinner. Neither of us was tired. Nothing else happened.”

  “I assume you’d tell me if it did.”

  “Maybe.” Tiffany grinned.

  “I think it all works,” said Kayla.

  Angelica pulled her attention back to the mirror. She agreed with Kayla. The dresses looked exquisitely beautiful—a little girlie for her normal tastes, but definitely beautiful.

  “Well, that was quick,” said Tiffany.

  “I’m nothing if not efficient,” said Kayla.

  Both of the other two women groaned at the joke. Kayla could shop until she dropped.

  “So, is the thing with Deke serious?” Kayla asked Tiffany.

  Angelica found herself wondering the same thing. She knew Tiffany was attracted to him, and the reverse was obviously also true. But she’d thought it was more of a flirtation than anything else. She had been surprised when Tiffany invited him to the wedding.

  “He’s hot,” said Tiffany.

  “That doesn’t answer the question,” Angelica noted.

  “It’s not serious,” said Tiffany, but her glance moved away as she said it. “Can’t a girl have a good time?”

  “Of course you can,” said Kayla, an apology in her tone. “We don’t judge. You should have as many good times as you want.”

  “Okay, I didn’t have that good a time.”

  “My point is that you can,” said Kayla.

  “I agree,” Angelica said with conviction. “All flings don’t have to be romantic.”

  A fleeting expression of guilt crossed Tiffany’s face.

  Before Angelica could consider what it meant, Kayla turned. “Can somebody unbutton me?”

  As Angelica started unfastening the long row of tiny buttons, she couldn’t help wonder if Tiffany was masking deeper feelings for Deke. Could she be worried about Angelica’s reaction? Angelica didn’t mind if the two of them dated. Just like she didn’t mind that Kayla and Matt were a loving couple.

  Her and Evan’s friends had gotten together, while she and Evan had split apart. That was life. It was ironic that she and Evan had been the ones to introduce both couples, but it didn’t change the fact that she wished them every happiness.

  “You guys stay dressed up,” said Kayla as she made her way into the changing room. “We can’t let Matt see my dress, but I want to put you beside the groomsmen and see how you look.”

  “It’s okay if you like him,” Angelica told Tiffany as the curtain shut behind Kayla. “Don’t
hold back because of me.”

  “Who says I’m holding back?” Tiffany was silent for a moment, then said, “I saw that you drove here with Evan?”

  It was Angelica’s turn to feel a pang of guilt. She knew Tiffany had seen the Weekly Break article, but they hadn’t had a chance to talk about it yet. She felt sick at the thought of lying again.

  She swallowed, girding herself to tell the fake story. She couldn’t look Tiffany in the eyes. “We’re, uh, trying to spend a little time together. You know...to maybe see what happens.”

  “Angie.”

  “Yes.” Angelica couldn’t seem to bring her voice above a whisper.

  “Deke told me.”

  “Deke told you what?”

  “About the two of you tricking Conrad.”

  Angelica was speechless.

  “I understand why you’re doing it,” Tiffany continued, “but I have to say, I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.”

  “How did Deke figure it out?”

  “Evan told him.”

  “But...” Anger formed in the pit of Angelica’s stomach. She went hot, then cold, her tone a hiss. “We swore. We swore we weren’t going to tell anyone. Not even my brothers.”

  “I won’t tell anyone.”

  “I trust you. It’s Evan who betrayed me. I can’t believe he did that. I lied to my own brothers.”

  “You’re mad at him. That’s a good thing for your psyche. Hold on to it.”

  Kayla pulled back the change room curtain with a clatter. “What are you guys doing for shoes?”

  “We should match them,” said Tiffany, easily changing topics and looking down at her feet.

  Angelica forcibly pushed aside her frustration and anger. She didn’t want her problems to impact on Kayla’s happiness.

  “You think white?” she asked, in the calmest voice she could muster. She glanced down at the western boots she’d put on with her jeans this morning. “Or silver? Silver’s probably better. Open toed or closed.”

  “Should we shop?” asked Kayla.

  “I’m up for it,” Angelica agreed.

  “Heck yeah,” said Tiffany. “You’re the bride. We’ll do whatever you want.”

  Kayla grinned. “This is fun. What else can I get in the next two weeks?”

  “Anything you want,” said Angelica. “Just name it.”

  “I want a spa day.”

  “I’m definitely in on that,” said Tiffany.