by Nina Singh
Dreams born of memories were the most restless kind.
* * *
What in the world was that incessant pounding?
Angeline pulled the covers over herself and prayed for the noise to go away. She couldn’t have been asleep more than a few minutes. And now someone was trying to torture her with loud knocking.
The door. Someone was at the door, and apparently whoever it was had no plans to go away.
Grabbing her silk robe around her, she ran to answer it. The hum of the running guest shower told her R.J. hadn’t left yet. A month ago she would have sooner dropped dead than bet that Robert James Davet would be showering again in her apartment. A twinge of sadness hit her at the less than intimate reason for his stay.
“Hang on. Hang on.” The scolding she intended for the offensive knocker died on her lips as she yanked the door open. The woman on the other side was not someone she expected to see.
“May I come in?”
Angeline quickly recovered and stepped aside. “Mila. By all means.”
“I’m sorry,” Mila began as she walked past her. “I know it’s early. I wanted to get here before Tavov awoke.”
“Is everything all right?” Angeline asked and shut the door. Was Mila suspicious? If so, did she have it in her to bluff?
“Actually that’s what I wanted to ask you, dear.” She sat down on the sofa.
Angeline knew she should offer her tea or something, but curiosity overrode her manners. “I beg your pardon? I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Well, for starters, do you need to talk to someone?” Genuine compassion shone in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” Her mouth had gone dry. Mila appeared truly concerned about her, though she had no idea why. Angeline felt even guiltier than she had last night.
Mila cleared her throat. “Let me explain. My husband and I were having so much fun here last night. We didn’t want the evening to end. So we stopped for a drink and to watch the storm before heading to our hotel.” She paused before adding, “At the tavern across the street.”
Across the street.
Mila continued. “Right before all the lights went out, we noticed your husband leaving. He was carrying what appeared to be a small suitcase.”
“I see.” Angel sat down on automatic pilot.
“Then we saw you chase after him, and—this is the part that confuses me—the two of you shook hands. Even in the dark it was easy to tell you were upset. So I wanted to come see if you were all right.”
“I—uh—don’t know what to say.” At least that was the absolute truth.
“Now this morning,” Mila continued. “I can’t help but notice that you’ve been crying. Tavov will just say I’m a nosy old woman, but I couldn’t help but be concerned. We feel we’ve gotten to know you a little bit, and the two of you just looked so happy last night.” She leaned forward. “Is everything all right between you and R.J.?”
Don’t panic. Stay cool. Angel took a deep breath to try to calm herself. It was almost humorous. Everything had almost gone off so perfectly. How coincidental that something as happenstance as a storm would wreck the whole effort. This was it, she had to confess everything. And fond of her or not, Mila and Tavov would never go through with the business deal after she told them.
She cleared her throat and prepared herself for what was to follow.
R.J. picked that moment to walk into the room. Only a towel covered him, hung low around his hips. Even in the state she was in, she couldn’t help but notice the complete magnificence he exuded. Droplets of silver water glimmered on his chest. His dark hair was dripping.
“Mila.” The one word sounded more like a question than a greeting. “What are you doing here so early? Everything okay?” If R.J. had noted Mila’s shocked expression, he wasn’t showing it.
“R.J., you’re here,” she said, confusion still etched in her voice.
R.J. shrugged. “Of course I’m here,” he said, then blandly added, “Why are you here?”
Angel cleared her throat. “Mila and Tavov saw you leave last night,” she explained. She tried to implore him across the room for forgiveness. He was going to hate her for what was about to happen.
“I do have a confession to make,” she began.
R.J. snapped his head up. He lifted his eyebrows as if to ask her if she was certain. Angel took a deep breath, ready to proceed. This charade had gone far enough.
“Are you sure you want to admit it, Angel? Surely they won’t be able to tell the difference. After all, they had no idea last night.”
Angeline nearly moaned aloud. Dear God, he didn’t have to blurt it out without giving her a chance to explain. She opened her mouth to spill out the awful truth. R.J.’s voice stopped her.
“All right, then,” he continued. “I suppose we had better tell you.” He moved toward the center of the room, crossing his arms in front of his wide, bare chest. “The fact of the matter is, the meal last night was catered.”
Mila squinted her eyes. “That’s it? That’s the confession?”
R.J. walked behind Angeline and settled his hands tenderly on her shoulders. “It’s part of it. The truth is, normally we would have prepared a meal together, but it’s been hard to find time for such things lately. As a result—” he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze and sighed “—our relationship has been a little strained.”
Shock at the strange turn of the conversation along with the intimacy of his gesture prevented any words from forming on Angeline’s lips.
“We had a bit of a spat last night,” he continued. “I’m embarrassed to admit I stormed out afterward, somewhat childishly.”
That was rich. Angeline couldn’t imagine him ever acting in a childish way. Not even when he was an actual child. But Mila appeared to be buying it.
“That’s what you witnessed last night. But I regretted it almost instantly and came back. We vowed to work on our marriage.” His tone still held just the right amount of politeness to maintain a cord of amicability, but there was no mistaking the determination underneath. No one would question such a tone of voice.
How did the man manage to exude such authority wearing nothing but a large bath towel? Even standing there half-naked, there was no mistaking the man who had gone from the barest of beginnings to owning his own corporation.
“I said some things I shouldn’t have said,” he went on. “But I’ve promised to make it up to her. As soon as we decide where to go, I’m taking her away for a nice vacation. So we can get away together.”
Oh, dear. Now he was outright lying for her.
Mila put a hand to her chest. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear it. Aside from our desire to form a partnership with a family operation, we’ve grown quite fond of Angeline over the past few months. I know I sound foolish, but I had to come make sure you were okay, Angeline.” She stood up and grabbed her bag. “I’ll just leave you two to go about your morning, then.”
Angeline’s shoulders nearly sagged with relief. Finally, she found her tongue. “No, it doesn’t sound foolish at all. I really appreciate how concerned you were for me, Mila.”
The older woman smiled affectionately. “Well, you’ve come to mean more to us than a mere business associate, you know.” R.J. dropped his hands from her, and the two women started walking to the door.
“Besides,” she continued, “we couldn’t have had you depressed on your visit to sign the papers.” She suddenly stopped midstride and turned around.
“Wait, I have a terrific idea.” She glanced first to R.J. then to Angeline. “Why doesn’t R.J. join you when you come?”
Oh, no. Angeline swallowed the lump of apprehension that shot through her at Mila’s words. She had to stop this drastic turn at the curve. “Well, um, he has a very demanding schedule. I don’t know how we�
��d ever be able to swing it.”
Mila’s expression turned crestfallen. “But I thought you said you were planning a trip and that you just had to decide where. Perhaps I’m biased, but there isn’t a more peaceful or relaxing spot on earth as far as I’m concerned.”
“Yes, but who knows when he’ll actually be able to clear the time.”
Mila gave a dismissive shake of her hand. “Nonsense, we’re very flexible. There’re weeks still before the harvest. You can postpone your trip and come down when it’s convenient for both of you.”
“We just can’t,” Angeline insisted, unable to come up with any more excuses.
Mila looked utterly confused. “Well, why not?” She turned to R.J. for an answer, apparently giving up on Angeline.
Dear God, what must he be thinking now? She wouldn’t be surprised if the firm hands resting gently on her neck a moment ago were itching to strangle it.
She laid a hand on Mila’s arm, praying she would understand. “Fine, I need to level with you—”
R.J.’s baritone cut through her admission. It was about time he said something and aided her in averting this disaster. “I’ll have my secretary clear my schedule next week. That way, Angel, you won’t have to bother postponing.”
She whirled around. “What?”
“I said, I’d love to accompany you. We can’t turn down such a lovely gesture, now, can we?” His eyes seemed to dare her to deny it.
“What about your business? What about your expansion into Europe?”
What about the fact that we’re not really even together?
“I’m ahead of plan on almost everything. This actually would be a perfect time to focus some attention to your side of the holdings.”
“That’s more like it. I think you’re making a very wise decision,” Mila said behind her.
Wise was the last word for what R.J. had just done. There would be no way out of this one. One look at Mila’s expression made it clear—any attempt to back out of this commitment would be fatal for the pretense.
It was impossible to tear her eyes off R.J.’s face. She couldn’t quite interpret the look he was giving her. If she didn’t know better, she could have sworn it was one of reassurance.
“Mila’s right, Angel. Besides, it’s about time I became more than a silent partner.” He looked back to the other woman. “Please include my office in the travel arrangements. My wife will give you the requisite information and a name to contact. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some appointments this morning.”
Not sparing either of them another glance, he walked back toward the hall, leaving Mila smiling.
And leaving Angeline gaping in shocked confusion.
* * *
R.J. squeezed out a dollop of shaving cream and stared at his face in the mirror. He had to focus solely on the task at hand. In due time he would think about what he had just committed himself to. But not right now.
Oh, he’d wanted to help her. He’d pretty much decided that the day in her office when she’d first asked him. Even before Shanna had cornered him, he knew he would be returning to present Angel with other options.
After all, he was one of the reasons she was in this mess. But it never occurred to him he’d actually take the masquerade to such new heights himself.
But he owed her this. Angeline would have access to all the wealth and resources of the Scott dynasty if she hadn’t been cut off by her father.
He shook his head. What a mess.
Furthermore, these days that area of the world wasn’t exactly the safest. With all the global turmoil, he’d be worried sick about her going alone. She might not be his wife anymore, but he still felt an obligation to make sure she was safe. They’d shared a lot during their brief union as man and wife.
See, all very sound and logical reasons.
He forced his mind back to his shaving and applied the razor to his face. Up, down. Up, down.
He heard Angel’s footsteps approaching. Damn, he should have shut the door. He didn’t have any explanations for her yet. Hell, he couldn’t fully explain to himself what he’d just done. How would he begin to tell her that he felt as if he owed her something? Felt as if he had to make it up to her for choosing him? At first anyway.
And Richard Scott wasn’t one to forgive and forget. That had been made very clear when they’d run into each other. CEO or not, R. J. Davet would never be a fit son-in-law for the Scott dynasty. He’d never fit in at the yacht club or the exclusive charity auctions. Even if he could now afford it. Nor should he have ever had the gall to think he could.
Richard Scott was certain R.J. would never be worth anything when it came to what counted: breeding and class.
Pretty much echoing everything his own old man had been saying to him his entire life. Only in more educated terms. Plus, his father had liked to make his point with physical blows for emphasis.
Angel knocked with hesitation before entering. “We need to talk, R.J.”
He offered her a glance before returning his concentration to his remaining stubble. “You think?”
She brought long fingers to her mouth. Angeline Scott at a loss for words, twice already. Another subtle difference since she’d been his wife. How many other changes had he missed?
“I never meant for your involvement to get so complicated.”
“We didn’t appear to have much choice, though, did we?”
She started chewing her lip. “We do have a choice. I’ll tell her the truth. I can’t expect you to drop everything you’re doing and travel to the ends of the earth with me.”
“And what happens to your deal if we don’t?”
“I’m guessing it will be dead in the water.”
He shrugged. “All right, then, it looks like we’ll be taking a trip.”
She touched his shoulder, and he tried to ignore the resulting electricity. “But you don’t have to do this. I’ll figure out another way.”
He shrugged. “It was my doing. I should have never mentioned taking a trip together. That comment gave her the idea in the first place.”
“None of this is your fault,” she argued. But she was oh so wrong about that.
“Well, we started this sham, we have to finish it. Besides, you said so yourself, Angel. There is no other way to get your expansion.”
“I know that,” she said. “But I realize now what a mistake all this was. There’s no need to push it any further.”
“Yeah? How are you going to explain it all to the Bays?” He waited, knowing she had no answer. “The only option is to go through with this trip and act like the committed, devoted couple.”
“We both know it’s not that simple. We would need Academy Award–level talent to pull something like that off. I don’t know about you, but I’m not that comfortable with my thespian skills.”
“You’ll have to brush up on those skills quickly.”
“This whole thing was a foolish, thoughtless endeavor.” She pulled her hair back off her forehead, agitated. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I just, I mean, all I thought about was the people who depended on TeaLC for their living. All I could see as the deal was falling through were the faces of those women when they first come in for placement. And the transformation that happens afterward, once they realize someone is willing to invest in them.”
She maneuvered herself closer to the bathtub behind him and sat down on its edge. “R.J., some of these women have no work experience. They can’t even get a low-paying waitressing job. And in no time, with the dedication and hard work they usually display, they’re managing whole centers, or working out of corporate. All they needed was that push.”
He turned to face her. “I know, Angel. And I should tell you I’m really impressed that you went out on a limb for what you felt was important.”
“I know the work and effort it takes to keep a business running. Setting up a whole work placement program on top of all that showed real dedication.”
“And that surprised you?”
He shook his head slowly. “Not really. I know you’re the kind of person who makes even business decisions with her heart.” That knowledge only added to the guilt he felt now. How much would she be capable of if she still had the backing of her father?
She seemed surprised by his words. Silence descended on the small bathroom as his eyes locked on hers.
He wanted to touch her, burned to. She was completely disheveled. The white robe around her looked about three sizes too big. Her hair was a mess of curls, her lips red from the way she’d been chewing them. He wanted to soothe those lips with his own. He wanted to taste her skin as he trailed kisses down her neck.
She took a small breath and he reflexively moved toward her.
A small clanging noise behind him startled him back to his senses. The razor had fallen to the floor.
Steady there. Angeline Scott was off-limits. She always had been. He was old enough and wise enough now not to ignore that crucial fact. Angeline had no hope of a reconciliation with her father if R.J. reentered her life. He couldn’t do that to her twice.
“So now what?” she asked, her head tilted back.
He stole a look at his watch. “Well, now I don’t have time to run to my office before my first meeting anyway. So we may as well eat. I’m starved. Can I buy you breakfast?”
She clapped her hands to her legs and rose off the tub. “The least I could do is whip you up some breakfast.”
R.J. couldn’t clamp down on a grimace. In response, her face twisted into an expression of comical hurt.
“I appreciate the offer, Princess, but if I remember correctly, your culinary skills, particularly when it came to breakfasts, weren’t exactly polished.”
“But that’s just not so anymore. I can prepare a lot of stuff. In fact, I managed to acquire a recipe for some mouthwatering apricot scones. It’s one of the recipes printed on my packages. I made some the other day, and there’re a few left. And I’ve got some ginger cake left over that goes great with jasmine tea. It’ll take no time to throw it together.”