When her best friend Rebecca Warden returns home, causing havoc, Jayne is pulled deeper into the Wardens' complicated family dynamics, especially when Rebecca's brother David, whom she has secretly loved for years, also returns.

Autorentext

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. As "the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations" (Library Journal), she has sold over forty million copies of her books worldwide. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

Klappentext

"In high school, studious Jayne Scott and wild child Rebecca Worden became unlikely best friends--a tie that endured even after Rebecca fled her family to live overseas. After Jayne's mother passed away, she became part unpaid assistant, part surrogate daughter to the wealthy Wordens. But now, ten years later, Rebecca is coming home to L.A. to cause havoc for Elizabeth, the mother who all but rejected her. And Jayne finds herself pulled deeper into the Wordens' complicated family dynamics--especially when Rebecca's brother, David, returns as well. David is the man Jayne always wanted and knew she could never have. But when he gravitates toward her in spite of Elizabeth's protests, her vow to escape the family's shadow is put to the ultimate test. And as lies are shattered and true feelings exposed, Jayne must decide where loyalty ends, and love begins...."--P. [4] of cover.

Zusammenfassung
New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is at her heart-stirring best in this witty, richly layered story about friendship, love, and breaking free.

In high school, studious Jayne Scott and wild child Rebecca Worden, the famous Worden jewelry heiress, became unlikely best friends—a tie that endured even after Rebecca fled her family to live overseas. After Jayne’s mother passed away, she became part unpaid assistant, part surrogate daughter to the wealthy Wordens. But now, ten years later, Rebecca is coming home to Los Angeles to wreak havoc for the mother who all but rejected her. And Jayne finds herself pulled deeper into the Wordens’ complicated family dynamics—especially when Rebecca’s brother, David, returns as well.

David is the man Jayne always wanted and knew she could never have. But when he gravitates toward her in spite of his mother’s protests, Jayne’s vow to escape the family’s shadow is put to the ultimate test. As lies are shattered and true feelings exposed, Jayne must decide where loyalty ends and love begins....

Leseprobe
One

“No gold-digging for me… I take diamonds! We may be off the gold standard someday.”

—Mae West

THERE WERE TWO TYPES of people, Jayne Scott told herself as she hurried from the waiting car toward the international terminal at the Los Angeles airport. Those who skated through life never spilling coffee on themselves, or tripping, or showing up at the wrong time for the wrong event. And the rest of the world. As she dabbed at the growing damp spot on her shirt, left by her grande nonfat latte, Jayne knew exactly into which camp she fell.

She scanned the crowded arrivals area, ignoring the dozens of different languages, the happy families reuniting, the couples in love. Instead, she looked for a tall, beautiful blonde with an excessive amount of luggage and a half dozen or so minions. Seconds later she spotted two porters with overflowing luggage carts, a burly guy with a briefcase chained to his wrist, and a head-turning woman wearing leather pants and a leopard duster. Rebecca always did like to make an entrance.

Jayne waited until her friend spotted her, then waved.

“I’m late,” Rebecca called, then hurried forward and hugged her. “I got stuck in customs. They thought I was a jewel thief. Don’t you love that?”

“Anyone offer to do a strip search?” Jayne asked, hugging her back and inhaling a custom-blended floral perfume.

Rebecca straightened and wrinkled her nose. “No, and I didn’t want anyone to.”

“No one cute enough?”

“Pretty much. Jayne, this is Hans, my bodyguard.”

The burly guy barely made eye contact before returning to scanning the crowd.

Jayne glanced at the briefcase in his hand. “You couldn’t use a courier service like everyone else?” she asked, leading the way to the waiting limo. “You had to bring them yourself?”

“That’s what the customs people said. They lack imagination.”

“Or maybe they were overwhelmed by seeing a couple million in loose gemstones.”

“I’m a jewelry designer. It’s what I do.”

“If you were a ship builder, would you travel with a three-ton hull?”

“Of course not. Ships are so last year,” Rebecca said, linking arms with Jayne. “Thanks for coming to meet me. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

They walked out to the waiting limo that Jayne had arranged. She’d known better than to bring her own car. Not only did Rebecca prefer to travel in style, there was no way all the luggage would fit in Jayne’s Jetta.

Rebecca stared at the vehicle with approval. “It’s a stretch limo.”

“I know you love them.”

“Wait until you see the place I rented in Santa Monica! It has a view of the ocean and everything. I’ll have to get a car, of course. Everyone needs a car in L.A.”

“You could just hire the limo permanently. It could go with you everywhere.”

Rebecca slid in the backseat, then looked up at her. “Now you’re mocking me.”

“I can’t help myself.” Jayne settled next to her. “Do you want to talk about your mother now or later?”

“How about never?”

“She’s the reason you’re back.”

“I’ve returned to announce myself,” Rebecca said, leaning back in the leather seat. “To reintroduce myself to society after a ten-year absence.”

“You’re here to be a pain in her ass.”

“That, too.”

“Rearranging your life to annoy your mother is expected at thirteen. At twenty-nine it’s just kind of sad.”

Rebecca turned to her. “Tragedy keeps my art fresh.”

“I see you’re still dramatic.”

“I see you’re still dressing badly.”

Jayne glanced down at the faded magenta scrub shirt she wore, now decorated by the latte stain. “I came straight from work.”

“Maybe something more tailored?”

“I’m a nurse, Rebecca. This is what I wear.”

Rebecca gave a little sniff, then pulled a bottle of water out of her carry-on.

She was the only person Jayne knew who could fly from Italy to L.A. and look ready to step into a photo shoot. Carefully highlighted blond hair hung past her shoulders in layered curls. Her skin was flawless, her lips full, and gold-and-diamond earrings, her own design, glittered as she moved.

Hans finished supervising the luggage being loaded into the trunk, then walked to the front passenger seat and slid in next to the driver.

“What about a workspace?” Jayne asked. “You’re not going to be making jewelry at the condo you rented, are you?”

Rebecca laughed. “I think the landlord would object to me melting gold in my living room. I&#82…