The Marriage Of Inconvenience

She sighed, trying to find a way to explain how difficult such a move would have been for her back then. “There was no easy way for me to do that. You don’t understand. And you didn’t then either.” She noticed his fingers tighten around the glass and worried it might snap in his hand.

“So it would appear.”

“Besides,” she continued, “things had gotten bad for us way before you took the physical steps out the door. We had my father set against our union from the very beginning. And we were both much too focused on our professional careers. I regret that.” She decided to take a chance and move forward with her next question. “Why didn’t we try harder, R.J.? Why did we let outside forces drive such a wedge between us?”

He stiffened ever so slightly and set the glass down hard on the coffee table. “What does it matter now? We have to take care of this one scenario, and then the past will be dead and buried.” He paused, then added, “Once again.”

Angeline felt the mask of neutrality she’d put up begin to crumble, and she tried to hold on to some semblance of control. Why did his nonchalance hurt so much? It didn’t take a genius to realize he wanted out as things had gotten difficult. Granted, her father’s behavior toward him had been reprehensible, down to promising to cut her off entirely if they did get married. A threat her father had followed through on. Well, she’d prove to Richard Scott that she didn’t need his money to be successful. He didn’t have a right to meddle in her life the way he had with R.J. She couldn’t let him get away with what he’d done to alienate her husband from the very beginning.

In the end, her father had won. Her marriage had crumbled. R.J. had walked away.

Angel hadn’t seen or spoken to her only parent since. Unable to forgive and forget, she refused to contact her father. Not that he’d bothered to make any contact either. Apparently they were stuck in a stubborn standoff to see who would blink first. She vowed that it wouldn’t be her.

In a daze, she nodded. “You’re right, R.J. I agree,” she lied. Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears, and she glanced at him to see if he’d noticed.

A wave of sorrow struck her for what she’d lost. Her eyes moved over his face of their own volition. Nostalgia for days gone by engulfed her, and she found herself moving closer toward him into the sofa.

His low voice reached her through a dense fog. “It was nice while it lasted. But it’s ancient history now. It doesn’t make sense to dwell on the past. We got married way too young. Neither one of us was ready for such a commitment.”

The words barely registered. “Mmm, it was nice, though, wasn’t it?” Just for a moment she allowed herself to remember the sweet, not the bitter.

Nice was a drastic understatement for the way things had been between them. They’d had everything a young couple could want. Almost.

“We were good together, weren’t we?” She wanted him to say it, needed to hear him agree.

She saw something flare in his eyes and instantly recognized the familiarity of old longings.

So much time had passed, and she’d missed him. Her mind may have ignored it, but her heart had ached all the while he’d been gone. But he was here now, and he was so close. She could smell the sweet woodsy scent of the imported wine on his breath. His familiar cologne triggered long-forgotten memories in the back recesses of her brain.

Her gaze settled on his lips. Firm and full, the way she’d remembered. Would they taste the same? Would his skin hold the same texture and warmth it had years ago?

The pounding of her heart grew painful. She watched as he lifted his hands up to reach for her. What would it be like to feel his touch again? She knew the reality would blow away even the dreams she’d had every night since she’d last seen him.

The heat of his hands burned through her silk blouse as they settled around her shoulders, his touch gentle, yet strong. She moistened her lips and moved into him. All she’d have to do was reach for his mouth with hers. She inclined her head, mindless now, and ready to take what she so desperately wanted.

He started to speak, and anticipation assaulted her. He had to acknowledge the magic their marriage had once held. Despite the bitter and swift ending, despite the searing pain of loss, he had to agree that they had been happy together as man and wife once.

She wanted to taste him again, wanted his mouth on hers like they’d never been apart. She reached for him.

His lips moved. “Don’t.”

He said it in a strained, barely audible whisper, but the single word struck her with the force of a physical blow.

His command echoed through her desire-fogged mind, and she froze. Yanking herself out of his grasp, she turned away from the tightness in his face.

Shaking with embarrassment, she kept her back to him. Dear heavens, she’d just tried to kiss her estranged husband. And he’d literally pushed her away. “Perhaps you had better leave after all.”

There was rustling behind her as he stood.

“Angel, you don’t—”

She didn’t let him continue. “I’ll see you tomorrow, R.J. Thanks for taking time to come out tonight. By this time tomorrow, it will all be over and we can both pretend this never happened. None of it.” Was she trying to reassure R.J. or herself?

She heard him let out a deep breath and moved her head sideways but couldn’t bring herself to face him. He patted the sleeping dog, then made his way to the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then,” he said.

For one final time, she thought, and a sharp hurt sliced her heart.

CHAPTER THREE

TIME ZERO. AND it was going to be a very trying night. R.J. braced himself in the hallway and tried to prepare for the upcoming evening. Stalling, he was definitely stalling.

He squeezed his eyes shut. It was one night. How hard could it be? After all, it hadn’t been that long ago since he’d lived the part he was being required to play. Surely, he could act out a role he’d already experienced. So why was his head pounding?

Because he had no business even being in the same room with Angeline Scott. This was insanity, an affront to any sense of equilibrium. Hell, she’d tried to kiss him last night. How could she taunt him like that? Did she think he could be immune to her twice in one lifetime? For her own good, he swore he’d try to stay unmoved throughout this whole charade. He couldn’t toy with rekindling their affections. He’d tried too hard to stay away. Angel deserved better. Because of him, her father had severed all contact with her and cut her off financially.

And any hope that the man may have changed had been shattered last year when they’d run into each other at an international business symposium. Richard Scott had made it very clear that, CEO or not, R.J. would never be in the same league as his daughter.

R.J. knew Angel had no hope of reconciling with her father unless R.J. remained out of the picture. Then maybe she’d have a chance to regain all Richard was keeping from her.

She was the sole Scott heir. How could R.J. allow himself to be the reason she lost that? In fact, if it wasn’t for him, Angel would have access to all the financial resources she needed right now to ensure her company survived. But she’d lost it all. For him.

He had to make that right.

He also had to purge all of that from his thoughts at the moment. It only served to agitate him further, and he couldn’t afford that right now. Tonight, it was all for show.

He used the key she’d given him to enter the apartment. The aroma of home cooking and a bristling fire hit him as he stepped in. Sudden, almost painful nostalgia overwhelmed his senses. He had entered their studio apartment countless times like this. Back then the various scents from the kitchen had been more mundane. Usually plain pasta or some meat roasting in the oven. Angel’s culinary skills weren’t quite enviable at that point, but she’d tried and he’d loved the attempts. He’d loved her for trying.

Without warning, she breezed into the living room through the swing door of the kitchen. As she spotted him, the silver tray in her hand slightly tilted off balance.

“You’re here,” she stated.

“Just walked in.”

She set her load down on the cocktail table. “The Bays are set to arrive in a few minutes.”

He took in the snug fit of her feminine tuxedo-cut black suit. The form-fitting jacket accented her waist. The lace camisole she had underneath peaked at the V below her neck and practically screamed temptation. His hand tightened around the wine bottle he was holding.

“You can set that in the kitchen,” she ordered, and then moved with catlike grace to the mantel and lifted the silver candle set.

Without responding, R.J. made his way into the kitchen. This night was not going to be over soon enough. She’d always been stunning, but he realized that now she was in her element. He set the wine bottle down and braced his palms on the counter in front of him. Dark, thick clouds moved through the window above the sink.

The storm was moving closer. He would have to make sure to still the one brewing inside him.

This was why he couldn’t be around her. This burning need to touch her, to claim her as his. It was the same insanity that had nearly destroyed both of them in the past, when they’d let physical desire rule their better judgment. By the time he found out how mismatched they were, the damage had been done. The memory of that pain should have been enough to guarantee he’d keep his distance tonight.

He walked back out into the living room just as the doorbell rang. Angel froze in the act of lighting a candle. The fiery glow of the forgotten match threw shadows over her face. Her eyes sparkled before the flame.

He took her palm and blew the match out. “We better let them in, don’t you think?”

“I—I guess so.”

“You guess so? It’s kind of late to back out now, Angel.” He was still trying to ascertain just how far they had come and how he would manage to recover.

“Why would I want to back out? I just need to tell them this little white lie until I can prove to them what good hands their tea plants are in. By then they won’t care anymore.”

“And if they do care?”

She gave a quick shake of her head. “I can’t worry about that now. I’ll need to think about it later.” She threw a slight Southern accent in imitation of the famous Gone with the Wind line.

He smiled. “In that case, Scarlett, I’ll go let the Yankees in.”

She nodded and swallowed. It was surprising to see her so nervous. She’d been the most self-assured woman he’d ever known. Granted, the circumstances were a little unusual, but something was throwing Angel off like he’d never witnessed before.

He had to wonder-could it have anything to do with him?

Of course not. She was worried about her business. She was worried about failing to continue the jobs program for all the women who worked for her.

He took a deep breath as he went to answer the door then yanked it open. A smiling, middle-aged couple stared up at him. Both of them had dark hair, hers a shade less brown. They both smiled wide, warmth exuding their features.

“Good evening,” R.J. said as he stepped aside to let them in. “I’m Angeline’s husband.” He nearly choked on the last word.

Angel strode toward them, beaming a warm, welcoming smile. She seemed to have recovered from her earlier nervousness. “Tavov. Mila. So nice to see you again. Please come in.”

R.J. felt her hand on his arm and flinched. He tried not to look affected. There was nothing unusual about a wife taking her husband by the arm as they greeted guests.

Man, it was going to be the longest night of his life.

“Nice to see you, too, dear. And very nice to finally meet you.” The older man flashed a wide, friendly grin as he turned to R.J. He stretched out his free hand, giving R.J. a welcome excuse to free his own arm. “We weren’t sure we’d ever catch up to you,” he continued.

“Tavov, Mila. Very nice to meet you both,” R.J. spoke over Angel’s head as Mrs. Bay had her in an affectionate hug. “I’m R.J.”

“Did you have any trouble getting here?” Angel inquired, still locked in the embrace.

“None at all. The driver was waiting for us right at the gate where we landed,” Tavov replied.

Before R.J. knew what was happening, Mila moved toward him and he found himself in the same bear hug he’d just witnessed. A stab of guilt hit him at the way he was deceiving such warm, genuine people.

One look at Angel’s pale face told him she was thinking the same thing. For one insane moment he wished with all his heart that it could have been different. That the charade had not been necessary.

Where had that thought come from? He didn’t have time to speculate. An awkward silence had settled around the foursome. Angel appeared to be frozen in her spot. So far, they weren’t doing a very good job of personifying the perfect American couple.

“Why don’t we move inside?” He guided the older couple in front of him. Waiting a beat for Angel to catch up, he cupped her elbow and pulled her to his side.

She was shaking. A sheen of perspiration had formed above her lip. He remembered that to be a bad sign. At this rate she wasn’t going to be able to go through with it. He gave her hand what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze. She leaned into him, and without thinking, he moved his arm around her waist.

He just held her, close to him, as if his closeness could absorb her anxiety somehow. In a moment, her breathing seemed to even, and he started to lead her toward the living room, where the other couple had seated themselves.

“It’s all right,” he whispered in her ear. “It will all be over soon.”

“I know, it’s just—I’d almost forgotten what nice people they were.” She wrung her hands. “I wish it hadn’t come to this.”

He dropped his arm. A sudden sense of loss hit him as soon as he did so. She felt so right near him, up against him. She always had.

“You’ll tell them the truth soon enough. For now, let’s go take care of business, all right?” He gave her a small nudge forward and followed her in.

Angel composed herself enough to start serving the hors d’oeuvres.

“Tavov, Mila,” she began. “It’s so lovely to have you here finally. How was your trip?” she asked over her shoulder as she held the tray out to R.J. He shook his head to decline. Somehow he couldn’t quite summon up an appetite.

“Oh, it was pretty uneventful,” Mila answered. “But it’s always so exciting when we come to the States. So much changes, yet it’s always the same. The energy level you Americans have, it’s just harrowing.”

“We should all slow down a little bit. It can get a little tiring to be on the go all the time.”

“Yes, my goodness, dear. I can imagine it can be exhausting,” Mila agreed.

“What we could use is that soothing herbal tea in this part of the world,” Angel said as she set the tray down and sat. He had to hand it to her. She knew how to segue.

“I can’t argue with you there, young lady,” Tavov stated. “That’s why we’re here.”

“Well, I’m anxious to start talking about it myself. How is the latest crop of Mila’s Bloom faring?”

“She hasn’t stopped talking about it since she got back,” R.J. added. He was pretty certain it was true enough.

She looked up and sent him a smile. A jolt of pleasure shot through clear to his toes. How adolescent of him, he thought.

“Well, it is turning into a pretty impressive crop.” Tavov nodded.

Angel jumped up in her seat. “Excellent. So we’ll be ready to start shipping when I come down for the harvest?”

Mila squinted her eyes and smiled. “That’s what I love about you, Angeline. Always assuming the sale.”

Angel had the decency to look sheepish. Then she lifted her head and gave R.J. a pointed look full of meaning. “I’ve managed to acquire some invaluable things that way.”

For an instant, silence took over the small room as the two of them just stared at each other. R.J. couldn’t seem to pull his eyes away. When he finally did, he watched as Mila’s smile turned into a wide grin.

“How romantic.” Mila laughed. “And to think, you gave us the impression originally that you were a staunch businesswoman with no mind for family or roots. And it’s so confusing that your last names aren’t the same.”

“That’s not uncommon in the States, Mila,” R.J. responded. “A lot of women prefer to keep their birth names for professional reasons.”

Tavov swallowed the last bit of his shrimp cocktail. “Well, we make it a point to deal only with family-run operations. We’ve found things are much more stable that way. Remember the last fiasco with that European businessman?” he asked his wife as he patted her knee.

Mila nodded. “Oh, it was awful. That man was much more concerned with turning a fast profit than nurturing a business. All the more resources to buy his bachelor toys. We swore we wouldn’t make that mistake again.”

“That’s why we’re so glad to see how happy the two of you are together,” Tavov said. R.J. noticed Angel’s slight cringe.

“You know, dear, they remind me of another young couple,” Mila spoke to her husband.

“They do.” Tavov beamed as he turned back to her and R.J. “We happen to have a major event to look forward to. Our groundskeeper’s son is marrying our cropper’s daughter. Two of the sweetest kids. So in love. We’re holding the ceremony right on our estate.”

“That’s quite generous of you,” Angel said.

“Nonsense,” Tavov retorted. “We’re almost more excited than they are about it. The ceremony will fall right on the week that you’re visiting us, Angel. I’m sure they’d love it if you could join us. Practically the whole town will be there.”

Angel’s expression became wistful, but it disappeared an instant later. “I would be honored. And I wish them every happiness together,” she said.

Mila nodded. “They seem very happy to have found each other. Those two are very committed, as if they just know they were meant for each other.”

Then they’d be rare exceptions, R.J. thought. A sudden flash of lightning tore through the sky in the window behind the Bays. The storm was going to be a furious one.

Mila leaned closer to him. “So tell me, R.J., what’s your secret?”

“Uh, secret?”

She smiled. “Yes, how did you know that Angeline was the one for you?”

* * *

Angel prayed for a strong gust of wind to tear the roof off and suck her right out of the apartment. This was excruciating. Mila Bay was actually asking R.J. about their relationship. R.J., the same man who hadn’t even held on to his wedding band.

She stood up quickly, sparing him the discomfort of having to answer.

“What’s wrong with me? You two must be starving after such a long journey. Let’s get started with dinner. R.J., would you show our guests to the table?”

He moved toward the dining table and pulled out Mila’s chair. Then he motioned for Tavov to sit down. Just as if he was the true man of the house.

“Excuse me while I start to serve.”

R.J. cleared his throat behind her. “I’ll help you.”

They both moved into the kitchen. Angeline couldn’t get to the sink fast enough. Splashing water on her face, she turned to catch R.J. watching her, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

“What?”

“Why are you getting so nervous? It’s going great.”

“Great? You think this is going great? Our guest just asked you to tell her what makes us such a great couple.”

He grinned. “I could have come up with something.”

She walked over to him, entranced by the way his smile transformed his face. “Oh? And what would you have said?”

“I would have said that you fell madly in love with me on sight and I couldn’t get rid of you for anything.”

Angel opened her mouth wide in shock, then saw his mischievous grin. She poked his chest with her index finger. “You wouldn’t have dared.”

He grabbed her wrist playfully and pulled her toward him. “Wouldn’t I?”

“R.J., if you had said something ridiculous like that, I’d, I’d—”

He pulled her closer, an amused glint dancing in his eyes. “You’d what?”

“I’d have laughed in your face.”

He gave an exaggerated shudder. “Ooh, violent.”

His sarcasm was not lost on her. “Then, I would have pretended to accidentally spill hot soup into your lap.”

The grin faded. “You wouldn’t.”

She shrugged. “You sure about that?”

“That would hurt.”

“That’s the point.”

He seemed to contemplate that for a moment, then let go of her hand. “All right, I’ll try not to make any snide comments.”

She laughed when he gave her a painfully put-upon look. “Why, thank you.”

He returned the smile, and it was so easy to remember all the reasons she’d fallen so hard for him. Nothing she’d experienced before or since had even come close to what they’d shared.

“Just be careful with that soup.” R.J.’s mock reprimand pulled her back into the present. “Actually,” he said as he moved toward the stove, “I think I’ll serve it.”

Angel watched him walk back out to the dining area carrying the serving dish. Still giggling, she was only vaguely aware that their little exchange had lessened her anxiety.

Minutes later they were all seated around the table, the aroma of cream of asparagus wafting up from the plates.

“Angel mentioned that you own a corporate security firm,” Mila directed to R.J., then blew on her spoonful of hot soup.

“Yes, that’s my primary focus right now. Angel heads most of the operations for TeaLC.”

He had managed to answer the question without one lie.

“Such a dynamic field, network security,” Tavov said. “I imagine something as trivial as tea distribution isn’t very exciting to you.”

Uh-oh. Angel swallowed. “More soup for anyone? R.J., I see you’re done already.” She started to stand.

“No, Angel. I’ll hold off until the main course.” He braced his elbows on the table and leaned toward the other man. “On the contrary, Tavov. I find my wife’s side of the business fascinating. But I would never presume to understand as much about it as she does. She’s the brains behind TeaLC. She always has been. I can only be impressed by her tremendous success.”

Angel blinked at R.J.’s answer. He was impressed with her as a businesswoman? She gave a mental shake of her head and spread her napkin back on her lap.

R.J. was playing his part as the doting husband. And he was doing it quite well. It was no more than that. He might sound convincing, but she couldn’t forget how fictional all this was.

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