The sun was setting beyond the park, over the vast stretch of orderly rows of houses north west of Chicago. The lengthening shadows showed Rileys yard as plain and stark.
Setting that aside, he said, though hed pondered the very question in bed last night, then again at work today.
Hed also pondered Kalissa, her crystal green eyes, those deep red lips, and what looked like a perfect body, nearly but not quite camouflaged by her work clothes. Hed checked social media sites today, but there were no tagged photos of Kalissa Smith. Her name was on the Mosaic Landscaping site, but it didnt have her picture.
Could she have been spying for her sister? Ashton asked.
Riley had considered and discarded that theory. If she was, she deserves an acting award.
And it seems pretty elaborate, said Ashton, propping his feet up on one of the wooden stools.
Riley had to agree. Theres no way she overheard our conversation from out on the patio. All she could report was that I met with Pierre Charron, and maybe for how long. And why would you use a Darci clone to do that? There are far easier ways. Bribe a waiter, for example.
So, what are you going to do?
Riley reached for his cell phone. Im thinking about doing some landscaping.
Ashton smiled. Keep your enemies close?
Riley fished into his shirt pocket for the Mosaic Landscaping business card. I dont think shes the enemy. I dont know what the heck this is all about.
You think theyre really twins?
Theyre absolutely identical.
You sure it wasnt Darci?
Im positive. I checked. Shane and Darci were at an art gallery last night, a charity event on the other side of town.
Ashton was silent for a few minutes. Then why pursue it? Whats in it for you?
Riley dialed with his thumb. I dont know yet.
Ashton shifted in his chair, turning sideways to face Riley. Youre attracted to her.
Shes attractive, Riley admitted.
This isnt about wanting what Shanes already got.
Riley frowned. Ive been over that for a very long time.
You sure?
Yes.
Mosaic Landscaping, came Kalissas breathy voice.
Is this Kalissa? He already knew the answer.
Yes, it is. She sounded like she was slightly out of breath.
This is Riley, he hesitated over his last name. Have I called at a bad time?
Not at all. How can I help you?
He pictured her pushing a wheelbarrow, flushed cheeks, a bead of sweat at her temple. I was hoping to make an appointment with you.
Okay. Are you looking for a site visit? Or do you want to come into the office?
The office. Is today a possibility?
Um. She blew out a breath. Well be back there in about an hour. Is that too late?
An hour is fine. He glanced at his watch and realized it was coming up on seven. Long work day? he couldnt help but ask.
About normal, she said. Riley...?
We met last night.
There was silence on the other end.
You asked me if I had a yard.
Megan asked you if you had a yard.
Well, I do. Have a yard. He gazed out over it, knowing the front yard was just as neglected. Ive been thinking about it, and it could use some landscaping.
Is this a joke?
No joke. I need some landscaping.
Ashton rolled his eyes and lifted his beer to take a swallow.
There was another pause before she continued. Whats the lot size?
Seventy by one-hundred and thirty. I have an oak tree.
Bully for you.
I mean thats all I have. Its a patchy lawn with a single oak tree. Its pathetic, really. I dont know how youll save it.
Maybe we should come out and take a look, she suggested.
Id rather talk first. You know, toss around some general ideas.
Whatever you prefer. Seven forty-five? Mr...
Seven forty-five sounds good. Ill be there. He disconnected.
Smooth, said Ashton.
Riley reached for his own beer. I dont want to tell her my last name.
He didnt want her to know he was Shanes competitor. She might not know the Colborns yet, but Riley was willing to bet shed meet them soon.
Make one up, said Ashton.
I dont want to lie to her either.
Ha, theres a challenge. Shes coming to your house, and youll have to write her a check.
Riley had already thought of that. The house is registered to Ellis Aviations numbered holding company, and I can pay the bill in cash.
Oh, that will allay her suspicions. Shell think youre a criminal.
Or a conspiracy theorist. Riley took a thoughtful drink. You know, that could work. I accused her of being a spy last night. If I behave like Im generally paranoid, shell think its just my personality.
Ashton chuckled. Can I come along? This sounds entertaining.
* * *
Kalissa couldnt decide if Riley was paranoid, a covert operative or maybe even in the witness protection program. He claimed to be a conspiracy theorist, but she wasnt buying it. Never mind that few conspiracy theorists would describe themselves that way, over the past week shed found his most dominant characteristics to be intelligence and hard work.
He was far more normal and much more agreeable than hed seemed at first, and she hated to think that somebody that great looking and sexy would be unbalanced. It wouldnt be fair to the women of Chicago.
After thinking it through, she was going with the witness protection program theory.
Hed offered to pay a premium, so theyd bumped him to the top of their list. After some initial work, mostly to level the ground and rip out the sickly lawn, the delivery service had dropped off a load of milled, Colorado flagstone. The installers were due on Thursday to lay the rock for the patio.
She was excited about the patio, and in particular that Riley had agreed to a spa and barbecue area. It was exactly how shed do the yard if she was the owner. She knew the final photos were going to look great on their web site.
The sun was setting now as she made her way around to the back of his house.
Thirsty? Riley surprised her by calling down from the sundeck above her.
She looked toward the sound of his voice.
Looks good. He nodded to the flat stones piled on wood pallets. Their tones were rich and varied in rust, browns and chalk. Come on up.
Sure. She crossed the raw dirt to the outdoor staircase and made her way up to join him.
Iced tea? he asked as she made it to the top. He gestured to a pitcher on a round wooden table that was bracketed by two wooden deck chairs.
Love some.
She lowered herself into one of the chairs, taking the weight off her tired legs.
It had been a hot day, and her powder blue cotton shirt was clinging damply to her body. Her jeans were dusty, and her hair was sticky with sweat and garden dirt.
She pulled out her ponytail and ran a hand through it, discovering a twig and a couple of leaves. She couldnt help but sigh as she discarded them. It seemed Riley was never going to see her at her best.
Hed arrived home from work about an hour ago, just missing Megan whod left for another jobsite. He was dressed in his suit pants and dress shirt, his tie loosened around his neck. His hair was neat, his face clean shaven, and his fingernails were spotless.
She glanced down at her own fingers and curled them into her palms. Shed worn gloves all day and kept them relatively clean, but she was in desperate need of a manicure. She couldnt remember the last time shed worn nail polish or had her hair trimmed. Shed pretty much kill for a spa day.
He poured the iced tea. Looks like youve made good progress.
Your lawn is gone, she acknowledged.
Wasnt much of a lawn to start with.
She didnt disagree. There must have been a lot of annual ryegrass in the mix. Did you aerate, fertilize, re-seed?
There was humor in his eyes. Your lips are moving, and sounds are coming out, but...
She found herself grinning in return. Never mind. Well take care of it.
Wheres Megan?
Were starting another job over in Oak Park.
You seem busy.
She accepted a glass filled with sweet tea and plenty of ice-cubes. Were getting there, slowly. We keep adding casual workers to our roster. But its hard to be competitive and still make a profit.
I hear you. He gave a sage nod as he sat down.
You said you own your own business? Shed come to understand that he was a private person, but she hoped hed share a few more details.
We manufacture parts, mostly for the transportation sector. Margins are tough in any business.
How long have you been in business?
Ten years all told. I started small. You?
Just under a year. Weve been working hard, and our customer base is gradually growing. She lifted her glass in a toast. Thank you for adding to it.
Ill tell my friends about you.
She took a sip.
Anything you need me to do tonight? he asked.
Though he rarely got home before seven, Riley had jumped in on several occasions, getting work done after the crews left, both to save money and to make things smoother the next day.
Weve leveled the ground. She rose to gaze over the rail. It was growing dark, but she could still make out the newly worked area in the yard. Next step is for the installers to lay the stone.
Riley rose and moved to stand beside her. Next step requires professional expertise?
It does.
And Im not an expert.
Not unless theres something youre not telling me. She let the comment dangle, wondering if hed decide to divulge something new.
A gust of a breeze came up, and she brushed her loose hair out of her face.
There is something Im not telling you, he said in an oblique tone than triggered a shimmer of sexual awareness.
What is it? She found herself holding her breath.
The silence stretched, so she looked up. He was closer than shed realized. His gaze was warm and intimate.
The awareness increased, warming the surface of her skin while paradoxically raising goose bumps.
Without a word, he brushed a stray lock of hair back from her temple.
His callused fingertips seemed to hum against her skin. His touch felt good. It felt sexy.
Youre incredibly beautiful, he whispered, easing slightly closer.
The statement took her by surprise. Im mostly dusty.
He smiled. I cant see any dust. But I can see your gorgeous eyes, and I can see your beautiful lips.
His smile disappeared, and he ran the pad of his thumb across her lower lip.
Soft, he whispered, leaning in.
She drew in a breath and held it.
His palm slipped up, cradling her cheek, his fingertips easing into her hair. He bent his head.
She stilled, waiting.
The kiss started soft, but soon heated between them. Her fingers curled into her palms, and she stretched up. Her lips parted, and he firmed his own, bracing his free hand across the small of her back.
She opened wider, and his tongue flicked in. She met him with her own, angling her head. She raised her palms to his chest, sweeping them upward, marveling at the definition of his pecs, then the breadth and strength of his shoulders. Her arms wound themselves around his neck.
He pressed their bodies together, her breasts against his chest, his thighs hard against hers. The kiss was sexy and deep, oddly familiar. She wanted more from him, even as she acknowledged this was happening at lightning speed.
He seemed to sense her hesitation.
He broke the kiss, drawing back.
Wow, she managed.
Wow, he echoed, gazing into her eyes.
The sun was completely gone now, and soft darkness surrounded them, a shaft of yellow light coming from a small window in his house.
He kept his arm around her, still holding her close. You should come out with me.
She hesitated, unsettled by the sudden shift between them. I dont usually...
Kiss like that?
Date customers. Though she had to admit, she couldnt remember a kiss like that.
Youve only been in business a year, he said. It cant have come up that often.
I suppose, she was forced to agree.
Has it ever come up? he asked.
Not really.
So you dont have a rule against it.
I dont have a rule for it either.
Where do you want to go? he asked.
She cocked her head. I havent said yes.
I figure Ill increase my odds of a yes if you like where were going.
The logic made her smile. Take a stab.
He smoothed her hair again. No help from the lady?
She struggled not to react to the intimate touch. No help.
Navy Pier. Ferris wheel and a pretzel dog.
She was surprised, but also intrigued. Youre inviting me out for a pretzel dog?
Ill throw in some ice cream.
She put a note of astonishment in her voice. You expect me to say yes to that?
He didnt look worried. You dont strike me as a symphony and Le Petit Soleil kind of girl.
She wrinkled her nose and gave a little sniff. Thats only because youve never seen me clean. Its an unfair bias if you ask me, and not worthy of you, Riley.
Uncertainty finally appeared in his eyes. Youd prefer the symphony?
Shed liked teasing him. Your first instinct was right. Add the fireworks, and youve got yourself a deal.
He gave her a squeeze. Youre messin with me.
I am.
I shouldnt like it so much.
Probably not.
Can I kiss you again?
The amusement went out of her, replaced instantly by desire.
Just once. It was a warning to herself more than to him.
Just once, he agreed.
Because...
He dipped his head toward her, voice dropping to a whisper. Because this is too fast.
Its too fast, she whispered back.
Its too hot.
Its too hot.
His lips brushed hers. Its too everything.
Oh, yes.
He kissed her long and deep.