Its too hot.
His lips brushed hers. Its too everything.
Oh, yes.
He kissed her long and deep.
* * *
Its not really a date, Kalissa said to Megan as they moved through the racks at Annabelles Discount Boutique. Theyd found a couple of hours to spare this morning, and it had been ages since Kalissa had bought any news clothes.
Boy, girl, dinner, entertainment, said Megan. What part of that is not a date?
I mean its not a buy a new dress and get my hair and nails done kind of date. Kalissa held up a pair of dark blue, skinny jeans. What do you think?
Cute. Whats the price?
Thirty-nine ninety-nine, with fifty percent off.
You can add my thirty percent off coupon.
So, thats about fifteen bucks. I can afford fifteen bucks.
Theyll go with this, said Megan, holding up a white and silver tank top.
I sure couldnt show up at work in that, said Kalissa.
A camera flash went off in her peripheral vision, and she turned to see two young women giggle as they looked at their phone screen then back at her.
You like the top? she asked them, holding it out. It was cute, but shed give it up if theyd fallen in love with it.
They didnt answer, just gave her a thumbs up and backed away.
What the heck?
Its the Darci thing, said Megan.
What do you mean?
I mean, those two think they just saw the wife of a billionaire shopping at a discount store.
Kalissa glanced at the two retreating women. Suddenly self-conscious, she glanced around the store to see if anyone else was paying attention to her. They werent, thank goodness.
I wonder how theyd react to me using a coupon, she speculated.
I think a lot of celebrities buy things on the cheap.
Darcis not a celebrity.
But Kalissa now felt ridiculously conspicuous, and she glanced around the store again. Who else was out there covertly watching her? Who else might mistake her for Darci and think Darci was doing something inappropriate.
Oh, crap. She tightened her grasp on the jeans.
What? Megan looked from side to side.
Riley. The date. Me and him together at the Navy Pier.
Those jeans will look great, said Megan. And try on the top. I bet it works.
What if somebody sees us? What if they think Im Darci? What if they think shes cheating on Shane? Kalissa had absolutely no desire to mess up anybodys life.
It could happen, said Megan, looking thoughtful.
Kalissa put the jeans back. Maybe I should cancel.
You cant cancel. He seems like a great guy. And what are you going to do? Never go on a date again?
Maybe we could do something a little less public.
Theres always the symphony. Its dark in there.
I have no interest in the symphony.
Yeah. Megan nodded. Besides, at a snooty event like that, everyone really would think you were Darci.
This is a problem.
Megan lifted the jeans and handed them, along with the top to Kalissa. Its not your problem.
Its Darcis problem. Kalissa tried to work her way through the ethics of the situation. I at least owe her something for being my sister. Dont I?
So, tell her.
That Im going on a date?
That you exist. Give her a heads up. Thatll keep the reporters from blindsiding her with it.
I could call her, said Kalissa. Or drop her an e-mail. An e-mail sounded a lot less intimidating.
Shell think youre a wing-nut.
Maybe. Probably. I could send her a photo.
Shell assume its her, or that its photoshopped like you did.
Kalissa thought it through. I could hold up todays newspaper, so shell know that its current.
That would be a great way to meet her security team or maybe the Chicago Police.
Ill phone her, said Kalissa, deciding it was the best option. Do you suppose our voices are alike? Would she recognize it?
Just stop by her office, said Megan. Colborn Aerospace has its own building down by the river. Theres a huge sign.
How do you know this?
I internet searched her, of course. Didnt you?
No. Not really. Okay, maybe a little bit. I found out she has the same birthday as me.
Surprise, surprise.
Just drop by her office, Kalissa pondered out loud. Say, hi there. Im your twin. If anyone asks you why you were on a date at the Navy Pier tomorrow, you can let them know it was me.
Megan chuckled. Try on the jeans first. But, yeah, thats basically it.
I could be in and out in five minutes.
With the jeans?
With Darci. Kalissa couldnt quite shake the fear that any contact would be an intrusion on Darcis life. If she doesnt want to talk. If shes too busy. Im in, Im out, shes warned, were done.
Im guessing she might have a few questions for you.
Kalissa decided it was the best course of action. What Darci did with the information was entirely up to her. But it was colossally unfair to risk the press running with the story before Darci, and especially Shane, knew the truth.
* * *
Shane Colborn is on line three for you, Emma Thatcher, the Ellis Aviation receptionist, announced through the inter-office phone line.
Riley moved the receiver from his ear and stared at it for a moment.
Riley? Emmas voice came through the tiny speaker.
Are you sure? he asked her.
He claims to be Shane Colborn.
Did he say what he wanted?
You want me to ask?
No. Thats fine. Ill take it. Thanks, Emma.
No problem.
Riley pulled his thoughts together, waiting a beat before pressing the blinking button. Riley Ellis here.
This is Shane Colborn.
What can I do for you? It was the first time Riley had spoken to his half-brother in more than a decade. Theyd exchanged approximately three sentences their entire lives. And not one of them meaningful. Beyond that single moment when they were both teenagers, Shane ignored him. It was clear Shane preferred to live in denial.
I understand youve put in a bid with Askeland Airlines.
Where did you get that information? Riley had no intention of either confirming or denying it.
From Richard Price, the VP of purchasing. There was an edge of annoyance in Shanes tone. Hes hinting that your price is surprisingly low.
You expect me to discuss my price with you? You expect me to discuss anything with you about a bid that may or may not exist? You have heard of collusion, right?
The annoyance in Shanes tone ramped up. Im not asking you to collude.
Good.
This is a courtesy call.
Riley scoffed out a cold laugh. So far, this seems real courteous, Colborn.
Shanes tone was a growl. There are also laws against predatory pricing.
Those laws are there to protect small companies. Youre a billion dollar conglomerate. Im not even a tenth of that.
The law goes both ways.
Youd be laughed out of court. Not that Riley was doing anything remotely illegal.
You could be laughed into a jail cell.
Were leaner than Colborn. Thats just the way it is.
We have a reputation for excellence.
That and a tell-all book from your former mistress accusing you of collusion and corporate espionage. Are you spying on Ellis Aviation?
Dont be absurd.
Marrying a pretty wife cant fix everything.
Shanes tone went hard. Leave my wife out of this.
An image of Kalissa appeared in Rileys head, and guilt immediately slammed into him. Shane was right. This had nothing to do with Darci.
Youre right, he said. I apologize.
It took Shane a moment to respond. Everywhere I look, everywhere I turn, you seem to show up.
Were in the same business, said Riley, wondering if Shane would finally acknowledge their family relationship. He lobbed him an opening. It must be in the genes.
Again, there was a moment of silence. Is that a crack?
Take it however you want.
Inheriting something is only the first step. The place doesnt run itself.
Inheriting is a big step, said Riley. Hed have been happy to inherit a dollar. Hed have been happy if Dalton had even once looked him in the eyes.
Ive been on my own for over six years. Shane sucked in an audible breath. Forget it. I dont give a damn what you think.
And I dont give a damn what you think. I bid the contracts I see fit. Ive been independent since day one, and Im planning to stay that way.
This is strictly business? asked Shane.
Strictly business, said Riley.
It feels. There was a searching tone to Shanes voice, and he paused again.
Riley hated that a mere phone call could unsettle him like this. He hated himself for hoping that Shane would acknowledge him. Hed been waiting for scraps from the Colborn table his entire life. He needed it to stop.
Is that it? he asked, anger crackling his tone.
Thats it, said Shane.
Riley slammed down the phone.
Three
In the lobby of the Colborn Aerospace building, Kalissa lost her nerve. She felt suddenly vulnerable in the cavernous space, phones ringing, dozens of footfalls echoing against the marble floor, men in expensive suits, women in tailored black and white. Halfway to the long, curved reception counter, she turned back.
Mrs. Colborn, a woman approached her in a steel gray skirt and matching jacket. It was brightened by a teal blouse. Did you get a chance to read the food services report?
Im sorry, said Kalissa, her voice coming out raspy from her tight throat.
What was that? the woman asked. When Kalissa didnt respond, she kept on talking. I can ride up with you on the elevator.
Mrs. Colborn? called another voice, a man this time.
The first woman put a hand on Kalissas back, turning her. Dont look up. Just keep walking and listening to me. Pretend Im saying something absolutely riveting.
Uh, what? Kalissa glanced toward the voice.
Dont look, the woman warned. She gave a nod to a security guard who moved forward to meet the man.
Another security guard held an elevator for them.
Thank you, Bernie, said the woman as they stepped inside.
Kalissa nodded to the guard named Bernie, and he reached around to press the button for the twenty-first floor. Then he stood in front of the door until it closed. Kalissa guessed her sister and her husband didnt cram into the elevator with a dozen other people.
Her nerves ramped up even further.
The food services report? the woman asked.
Im sorry, Kalissa repeated, not knowing where else to go with the question. She didnt want to tell some stranger she was Darcis twin before she told Darci herself. She was beginning to realize how poorly shed thought this through.
Not to worry, said the woman. Give me a call when you get to it. Its all good news. The international stations are getting rave reviews, and weve had inquiries from two national food magazines about interviews. Can I tell them youll be available?
Can I, uh, get back to you? Kalissa asked weakly.
The woman peered at her. Are you okay?
Just fine.
Youre not getting that flu are you?
I do have a bit of a headache, Kalissa replied honestly.
The elevator came to a halt, pinging at the twenty-first floor. The doors slid smoothly open.
Kalissa stepped out, not sure whether to go left or right. There was a small reception desk in the foyer, but she didnt want to ask which way it was to her office.
Mrs. Colborn? A woman came worriedly to her feet from behind the reception desk. She glanced down a hallway behind her, then she looked at Kalissa again. I didnt see you leave.
Kalissa breathed a sigh of relief. At least she knew which direction to go.
Your clothes, said the woman, bustling out from behind the desk. Did something happen to the Farsen Kalick jacket? Do you need me to call the cleaners?
Its fine, said Kalissa, picking up her pace, heading for the hallway where the receptionist had looked. Im fine. Ill let you know.
She cleared the reception area, leaving the women behind her. She passed several closed doors. Two had nameplates on them, both belonging to vice-presidents.
At the end of the hall, she came to a set of double doors with brass handles, Shane Colborn, President. Her legs nearly gave way, and she put out a hand to brace herself against the wall. She did not want to run into Shane before she found Darci.
For a second, she considered turning back. But then shed have to face the receptionist again, and she couldnt see how shed make it out of the building without being approached by other employees.
She straightened from the wall and took the right turn. A few moments later, she breathed a sigh of relief. Shed found it, her sisters office door: Darci Colborn, Director of Staff Services.
It was open about six inches, and she could hear Darcis voice inside. Ill be down to the cafeteria later on.
Kalissas stomach clenched hard, but she couldnt help a nervous smile. Darci sounded just like her.
Okay, said Darci. Yes, I can.
Kalissa gave a tentative knock, and the door swung further open.
Darci looked up from where she was still speaking on the phone. She leaned over for a better view, and her jaw snapped shut.
I... said Kalissa, not knowing where to start.
Ill call you back, Darci said into the phone, replacing it on its cradle.
She moved around from behind the desk, taking several swift steps forward.
I didnt mean to disturb you, said Kalissa.
What on earth? Darci stopped about ten feet away.
Voices sounded around the corner of the hallway, coming rapidly closer. Kalissa quickly stepped inside the office so they wouldnt see her.
Im so sorry, said Kalissa, regretting her decision to show up unannounced. I thought this was the best way. But I didnt think...I didnt know...I realize this must be a bombshell for you.