“That’s right,” Evan agreed, watching Angie as he spoke, battling a desire to draw her into his arms and hold her comfortingly close.
“Kayla and I have come up with a new idea for the wedding,” said Matt.
“Oh, yeah?”
“We’d like to have it here in Cheyenne. On the weekend.”
“This weekend?”
“Yeah, yeah. I know what you’re thinking. We must seem pretty impulsive to you. But I promise, you don’t have to lift a finger this time.”
“It’s not that—”
“We’ll have a simple ceremony.”
“What about Kayla’s mother?”
Matt’s tone hardened. “She can come to us. Flights go both ways, you know. We’re going to have a small wedding in the church, followed by a big bash at the town hall. The entire ranching community is invited. It’ll be a break from all the cleanup.”
Evan had to admit, it sounded like a very good idea. “I’ll absolutely be there. And I’m sure the town will appreciate it.”
The curiosity was clear on Angie’s face.
“I think they will,” said Matt. “So far, everyone’s on board. A whole bunch of people are stepping up to help. Kayla’s going to call Angie.”
“She’s right here,” said Evan.
Though it didn’t really matter anymore, he couldn’t help thinking that the two of them being together helped validate their ruse.
“Ask her if she can make it.”
Evan covered the phone. “Can you make it to Kayla and Matt’s wedding in Cheyenne this weekend?”
Her jaw dropped.
“She’ll be there,” Evan told Matt.
“That’s great,” said Matt.
Angie’s mouth moved, but no sounds came out.
“We can’t wait,” said Evan. “See you in a couple of days.”
“Thanks, man.”
“No problem.” Evan ended the call.
“Cheyenne?” Angie asked, apparently regaining the power of speech.
“They’ve invited the entire ranching community to the reception. I think it’s there way of supporting their neighbors.”
“It’s a lovely thought,” said Angie. But her voice was flat as she dropped down into a chair. “I wish I had more time.”
“Oh, no you don’t. This is important. You’ll spend whatever time it takes to make Kayla happy.”
Angie gestured to her computer. “And who will take care of all this?”
“Your employees.”
“My employees are rebelling.”
“Well, that’s a whole other problem. But your best friend is getting married, and you are going to be there with bells on.”
Ten
Kayla had swapped her satin, jeweled wedding gown for a simpler dress. It was strapless, with a tight bodice covered in flat, ivory lace. The ankle-length skirt was made of raw silk and wispy chiffon, with a ghost pattern of pale lavender flowers. It was set off by a pair of soft, cream leather ankle boots, while a lavender ribbon had been woven into Kayla’s light brown braid that dangled down the center of her back. The effect was simple and beautiful.
Angelica and Tiffany wore matching strapless, purple dresses. They had short, layered skirts. Taupe cowboy boots completed the look.
Barbecues smoldered on the deck of the big hall. Guests had feasted on steaks and grilled salmon prepared by the chefs of the local Lassiter Grill. Dessert would be the gorgeous multi-tiered lemon raspberry cake, baked and decorated by Lassiter Grill’s head pastry chef.
After the ceremony and celebratory dinner were both over, Angelica’s mind bounced between Cheyenne and L.A. She was delighted for Kayla and Matt but worried about the argument she’d had with Ken this morning.
A local band played on the small stage, and the guests had all gathered around the edges of the worn, hardwood floor. The first waltz played to an end, and strains of another slow country tune came up. It was Angelica and Evan’s signal to join the bride and groom on the dance floor.
Dressed in a steel-gray suit and a pair of cowboy boots, Evan took her hand, walking her to the center of the floor, where he took her in his arms. Her feet automatically picked up the rhythm, and she followed his lead, fighting the urge to settle against his chest, close her eyes and forget about the rest of the world.
“Your head’s not here,” he said to her.
“My head’s right here,” she countered. “So are my arms, my legs and my feet.”
“You’re thinking about Lassiter Media.”
“You can read my mind now?”
“I can read your expression. And you keep looking at Noah and frowning.”
“I’ve been smiling all day.” At least she had been whenever she wasn’t alone. “And I’ve been looking at Kayla. Isn’t she beautiful?”
“You need to set it aside.”
“Set aside the fact that the bride is beautiful? You think I’m jealous?”
Evan gave her a spin then reeled her back.
“Forget about work,” he told her. “This is a wedding. You’re supposed to be having fun.”
“I am having fun.”
“You’re worrying at about a million miles an hour.”
She pasted a bright smile on her face. “I’m having a blast.”
Just then, she caught sight of Noah. He, Ken and Louie had come to the wedding, along with many of the other Lassiter managers and staff, since Matt had worked with them for many years. The three men were clustered in a corner, talking intensely to one another. While she watched, a woman joined the conversation. It was Noah’s secretary, and she handed him a cell phone. Noah broke away, his glance catching Angelica’s for a brief second.
Evan tugged her tight against his chest. “Stop it,” he rasped in her ear. Then he turned her so she couldn’t see.
“They’re up to something,” she told him.
Evan drew back. “Let it go. Your job can’t be twenty-four seven.”
“The networks run twenty-four seven.”
“That makes it even more important for you to be able to get away. My hotel is open, but I’m not checking texts.”
“You’re not in a duel with your managers.”
The song changed, but they kept right on dancing.
“Is the duel still going on?” asked Evan.
“It is. And that’s what I’m worried about.” She’d given Ken the updated storyboards, and he’d told her he’d play with them some more. She’d been waiting two days now for an update.
“What happened?”
“I think Ken’s messing up my storyboards.”
“So, ask him.”
“I did. He’s ducking the questions.”
“Take charge, Angie. But do it on Monday. For now, dance with me.”
“I can’t—” She stopped herself mid-protest. There was no point in arguing any further with Evan. They’d just go round and round.
She forced herself to relax into his chest. She concentrated on the dance steps, on the feel of his strong arms, the scent of his skin, the sound of his heartbeat. The music filled her ears, and a rush of desire tightened her chest. If only she could escape with Evan, go somewhere for the night, or even an hour, and let their passion obliterate all the worries in her world.
“That’s better.” His voice rumbled against her ear. “You, me, Cheyenne. For some reason, it always feels right.”
She knew she should argue that. His words were far too loaded and intimate. But he was right. There was something in the untamed atmosphere, or maybe it was the glorious, star-filled nights. But it pushed them together.
“I want you, Angie.”
Her throat closed over, and she couldn’t speak.
He drew her hand in close and placed a soft kiss on the inside of her wrist. Sensation bloomed along her arm, warming the core of her body.
The song ended, and the master of ceremonies announced the cake cutting. His hearty voice jangled through the speakers, shocking Angelica back to her senses. What was wrong with her?
She pulled away from Evan and hurried off the dance floor. She’d been about to say yes. She’d been about to agree to yet another night in his arms, in his bed. How could she be so foolish?
She made it into the coat room, where it was dim and quiet. There, she grasped a shelf on the wall, steadying herself and taking deep, calming breaths.
“I’d like to see the lowest rated,” said a male voice.
Angelica blinked, realizing the man speaking was around the corner from her, out of sight.
“Was that last year?” It was Noah who was talking. “So, season three?”
Angelica started toward him.
“A copy of the script would be perfect. Yes, please.”
She came around the corner, and Noah spotted her. He immediately snapped his jaw shut.
“I’ll call you back.” He ended the call.
“Who was that?” she asked.
“Australia.”
“Who in Australia?”
“Her name is Cathy, low-level assistant, nobody you’d know.”
“What are you doing, Noah?”
He started to move for the exit. “Just getting some background information for the remake.”
“You’re working on a remake from Britain.”
“Ken’s remake.”
Her suspicions were growing. “You’ve seen the storyboards?”
“The updated ones, yes.”