Out of habit from all the recent construction, hed worn cargo pants and a t-shirt, his feet clad in steel toed boots. Part of him was itching to get down there on the floor and plunge in. But he realized he had to stay at the helm.
He had over a hundred and fifty workers now, operating on three shifts. They needed a leader, not a colleague. And he had to keep focused on the companys strategic direction.
Good luck, said Wade.
Talk to you in a few days. Riley ended the call.
As he settled back in his chair, his thoughts went fleetingly to his father, Dalton Colborn. The man had never once acknowledged Riley as his illegitimate son, and hed certainly never given him any support or encouragement. Still, their lives had ended up following a similar path.
At the moment, Riley couldnt help but wonder if this was how Dalton had felt in the early days when his fledgling company had first started to grow. Had he experienced this same combination of exhilaration and flat-out fear? Dalton had gone from nothing to a billion dollar aerospace company before hed died, so he must have taken chances along the way.
Shane Colborn had inherited that dynasty. Shane was the legitimate son, the golden child.
Well, Shane, Riley said out loud to the empty office, wishing he had a shot of tequila or even a beer to use for a toast. Lets find out if your illegitimate half-brother can give you a run for your money.
His phone pinged with a text message.
He set aside his thoughts and checked it. The text was from Ashton Watson, his high school friend. It was a photo tagged: Blew my mind.
Another text came immediately from Ashton. Ive met the bride.
Curious, Riley tapped the photo. It expanded to show a picture of Shane dressed in a tuxedo standing next to a gorgeous, auburn haired woman in white lace. She had a trim body, bright green eyes and flawless skin, a true ten on the hotness scale. Then again, a ten was exactly what Riley would have expected for Shane.
His office door opened, and Ashton strode right in. Shes a piece of work, that one. Nasty as they come.
She doesnt look nasty, Riley couldnt help but observe. She looked classy and beautiful, and also very happy. Then again, shed just married a billionaire in a lavish wedding that was reported to have cost several hundred thousand dollars. That would probably make the nastiest of women happy.
Just dont tick her off, said Ashton.
How do you know her?
She was Jennifers roommate.
Jennifer?
Ashton gave an exasperated sigh, lowering himself into the single guest chair. I dated her for four months.
Did I meet her?
Yeah. At least once. Im sure you met her. Blond hair, blue eyes, great legs.
You just described every date youve had since freshman year.
She was different. Anyway, it doesnt matter. Its going to go bad for Shane. Id put money on it.
Couldnt happen to a nicer guy, Riley drawled.
Ashton grinned and cocked his head toward the interior windows. Looks really good out there.
I cant believe were finally up and running.
I knew youd do it.
I havent done it yet. Riley rose to gaze out at the factory himself. Machines were running. People were working. But it was a long, long road to any kind of profitability. He sure hoped he could make it.
Ashton stood beside him. Yeah, you have. Before long, youll have more contracts than youll know what to do with.
Believe it or not, Ive been thinking about Dalton.
Seriously?
I was thinking, he had to have started out like this, same risks, same fears, same hopes.
It took Ashton a second to respond. When he did, his tone was thoughtful. Youre more like him than Shane is, you know.
Thats not my ambition. Riley had no admiration or respect for his biological father. He hated the man.
Shane had it handed to him on a silver platter. You had to fight for every inch to get where you are.
Where I am is deep in debt and tip-toeing along a cliff of complete disaster.
Thats what makes it exciting, said Ashton. No risk, no reward.
Is that why you fly the way you do? The adrenaline rush?
Ashton was a helicopter pilot, and he volunteered for search and rescue on his days off. He had a reputation for saying yes to the riskiest of flights.
Sure, Ashton said with a shrug. That and it impresses the girls.
Like youve ever had trouble getting girls. For some reason, Riley took another look at the picture of Shane and his bride.
Her name is Darci Rivers, said Ashton.
There was something compelling in the womans emerald eyes, a secret in her lush smile. Riley suddenly pictured her shiny hair splayed across a white pillowcase.
He shifted and quickly banished the image.
You think he made a mistake? he asked Ashton.
Oh, he made a mistake all right. That creatures got claws.
Well, I hope she distracts him, said Riley.
He and Shane would be going after the same airline contracts from here on in. If Shane was newly married to a handful of a wife, it might give Riley an advantage.
* * *
Through the glass of the restaurant window, a good looking, neatly dressed man caught Kalissas eye for a second time. He was staring openly now as she wheeled a trio of azalea plants across the lighted patio garden.
It would be nice to think he was interested in her. He was extremely attractive, with dark eyes, a straight nose, and the kind of square chin that made a man seem powerful. But she was dressed in dirt streaked blue jeans, a faded green T-shirt and a pair of scuffed, serviceable work boots.
Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. At least it had started the day that way. By now, it likely resembled a rats nest. And the mornings fifteen second application of mascara would have long since rubbed off.
No. The thoughts running through his head were not about getting her phone number. Judging by his growing frown, he was probably offended by her dirty, disheveled state as he tried to enjoy a refined meal.
She kept right on walking, focusing on the uneven cobblestones in front of the wheelbarrow tire, finally stopping at the raised garden bed between two magnolia trees.
Two foot intervals look right to me, said Megan, straightening from where shed dug a trio of holes.
Kalissa focused her attention on the garden bed that stretched along the wrought iron fence. As long as the evergreens stay properly trimmed, this is going to be stunning.
Someday, her budget permitting, Kalissa wouldnt mind dining out here, or even inside. Her gaze darted back to the bank of windows that revealed the elegance of the main dining room.
The man was still staring at her, and she quickly looked away. He was probably just curious about what they were doingthough it had to be obvious. It was also possible he was bored with his dining companion and seeking a distraction.
Despite herself, she covertly shifted her glance to take a look at his date. She was surprised to find he was sitting across from a man. The man looked serious, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. It could be a dull business meeting, she supposed. They were both wearing suits.
Lets do it, said Megan, releasing the rope on the burlap sheet that surrounded the azaleas root ball.
Lets do it, said Megan, releasing the rope on the burlap sheet that surrounded the azaleas root ball.
Kalissa quickly took the other side of the plant, lifting it and then adjusting it to position it in the hole.
Suddenly, a male voice surprised her. What are you doing out here?
Megan looked up, and Kalissa turned her head.
It was the man from inside the restaurant, and he was obviously angry. Her first thought was that they had somehow disturbed his dinner. But they werent making any noise. Surely planting azaleas wasnt that objectionable.
She straightened to face him.
Are you spying on me? he demanded.
The question took her completely by surprise. Am I what?
Youve been watching me.
Only because you were watching me.
He gestured to the wheelbarrow and the plants. What is all this?
Azaleas, said Megan from behind her.
Were planting azaleas, said Kalissa, squaring her shoulders and folding her arms across her chest.
He scoffed a sound of disbelief. Outside my window.
You own the restaurant? Her question was sarcastic. If he had anything to do with the management of the restaurant, hed have known Mosaic Landscaping was working here all week.
I meant the window next to my table.
I have no idea who you are, said Kalissa. Whats more, I dont care who you are. If youll excuse us, we have work to finish.
You have no idea who I am? There was a note of disbelief in his voice. He jammed his thumb over his shoulder. And Ill bet you have no idea Im having dinner with Pierre Charron?
Kalissa reflexively glanced at the window. Then she looked straight into the strangers eyes. None whatsoever.
His steel gray eyes narrowed.
Im getting the manager, said Megan.
No, you wont, said the man.
Excuse me? said Kalissa, widening her stance. You think you can stop us from getting the manager?
Youre bluffing, he told them with conviction. His critical gaze took in her outfit. Youre not going to want to explain this to any manager.
Explain why were planting flowers?
Explain why youre trespassing.
Kalissa searched her brain for an explanation. Hed accused her of spying. What was he doing worth spying on?
Are you breaking the law? Perhaps theyd inadvertently stumbled on something to do with a crime or maybe national security. Should she be frightened?
I cant believe he sent you. Then a flash of confusion came into the mans eyes. His voice lost some of its edge. Why did he send you? Why would he send you?
Kalissa extracted a business card from her pocket and held it out. Mosaic Landscaping, she said. See, thats us.
Looking suspicious, the man took the card and read it.
Nice level of detail, he said, sounding ever so slightly impressed. But why you?
She took a stab at answering the bizarre question. Because I have a diploma in landscape design.
He drew back. Are you serious?
Completely serious.
He took a long look at her clothes and her hair. It still doesnt make sense.
It makes perfect sense, when you think about it, said Kalissa.
Her apprehension began to moderate. The man was clearly more puzzled than angry.
He shook his head. Why send his wife? He wouldnt send his wife.
Im not married, said Kalissa.
Give me a break.
Kalissa? Megan interrupted.
No, seriously, said Kalissa. She stripped the glove from her left hand and wiggled her fingers to show him.
The diamond is probably in your safe.
Kalissa.
I dont have a safe.
Megan grasped her shoulder from behind, stepping closer. Kalissa, he thinks youre Darci.
Kalissa twisted her neck to look at her friend. What?
She is Darci, said the man.
Darci, Megan repeated with a meaningful stare.
Darci Colborn? Kalissa asked, the lightbulb coming on inside her head.
This is ridiculous, said the man.
Kalissa turned back to him, realizing there was a simple explanation. I get it. Im not Darci Colborn. I look a little bit like her.
A little bit? asked Megan.
The jig is up, said the man.
There is no jig, and its not up. Im Kalissa Smith. I can prove it. I have identification.
He peered at her, and the minutes stretched by. It was obvious his brain was piecing through the situation.
What have you got against Darci Colborn? she asked him.
Ive never even met her.
Then, thats why youre confused. Shes quite different than me in person.
You know her? he asked.
Ive seen videos.
Theyre twins, said Megan.
We dont know that, Kalissa said to Megan.
You should contact her, said Megan.
Shut up, said Kalissa, having no intention of getting into that debate again, now or in the future.
This is going to keep happening, said Megan.
Its a fluke.
Youre a landscape designer? asked the man.
Yes.
Your name is Kalissa Smith.
Says it right there on the card.
And you dont know Darci Colborn?
Didnt even know she existed until last week. Its weird, but its no big deal.
Im sorry, he said, looking like he probably was, even though he was still watching her intently.
No problem.
The strength of his gaze sent a shimmer through her chest. He really was an incredibly good looking man. He was tall, fit, and somewhere around thirty. Too bad she was such a mess. And too bad his interest had nothing to do with her personally.
Can I keep the card? he asked.
Do you own a house? asked Megan, stepping up beside Darci. Do you have a yard?
He pocketed the card. I do. Goodnight, ladies.
Goodnight, Kalissa automatically echoed.
With a nod, he turned to walk back to the restaurant.
He was hot, said Megan.
He was strange, said Kalissa, watching his broad shoulders as the glass door opened and then swung closed behind him.
But she had to admit, he was also hot. There was something extraordinarily sexy in his deep voice. Part of her hoped he might actually call. Against all logic, that same part couldnt help but hope it would be about more than just landscaping.
Two
The next evening, sitting on his deck with Ashton, Riley was still trying to figure out Kalissa Smith.
His brothers wife had a sister. She had a sexy, feisty, secret twin sister. And nobody seemed to know she existed.
Setting aside the how on earth questions, said Ashton, helping himself to a slice of pizza from the carton on the wood slat table between them.