LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter 1

      The ballpoint pen in Nathaniel Stallion’s right hand shook ever so slightly as his real estate agent pointed out each line on the purchase contract where he needed to sign. With each Post-it arrow, the lot of them multicolored in neon pink, orange, yellow and blue, which she removed after he’d inked his name, his heart beat a little faster.

      Twenty minutes later he was the proud owner of the prettiest piece of real estate in Carmel, California. The property was perched on one of the world’s most iconic stretches of coastline. With pristine views of the Monterey Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean, it was the ideal spot for his newest business venture and it was all his.

      Nicholas Stallion wheeled himself around the table to shake his twin brother’s hand. “Congratulations! I’m very excited for you,” he said as he locked his wheelchair in place.

      Nathaniel took a deep breath to steel the last of his nervousness. “Thank you,” he said, his own smile galvanizing. “Now the real work begins. I only have six weeks before the grand opening.”

      Nicholas laughed. “Only you would buy a restaurant and only give yourself a month and a half to renovate and reopen!”

      “Natalie would do that, too!”

      “Yeah, but you know better. Our baby sister has always been impulsive.”

      Elise Montgomery gave them both a bright smile. The former fashion model was Carmel’s leading real estate agent and her exuberance over the six-figure commission she’d just earned had her beaming like an LED lightbulb. “Well, this is definitely cause for celebration!” she exclaimed excitedly. A tray holding crystal flutes seemed to appear out of nowhere. Elise popped the cork on a bottle of champagne.

      The two men watched as she filled the flutes with bubbly, passing them both a glass. “Congratulations,” she said, lifting her own glass in salute. “May you have a lifetime of prosperity with your newest venture.”

      “Hear! Hear!” Nicholas echoed before taking a small sip of the beverage.

      “So tell me,” Elise said as she set her glass down on the table. “Do you two call each other in the mornings to plan your attire?” She looked from one to the other, pointing out their identical polo shirts and matching slacks.

      Nathaniel laughed. “Never! It’s our twin thing. We have the same tastes and shop in the same stores.”

      “Even when we try not to dress alike, we dress alike,” Nicholas finished.

      Laughter rang warmly through the conference room.

      “I really need to get something to eat,” Nicholas said as he put his still full glass onto the conference table. It’s a little early for me and I have to take my meds.”

      “Would you like to join us for lunch?” Nathaniel questioned, turning his gaze toward Elise.

      “I actually have another closing in two hours so I’ll have to pass, but maybe you and I could finish this bottle of champagne later over dinner?” Her eyebrows were raised suggestively.

      Nicholas smiled. “I think I’ll get a head start toward the car,” he said. He extended his hand. “Elise, it was a pleasure to meet you.”

      “The pleasure was mine. I hope we’ll see each other again soon. I’d love to meet your wife. I’ve heard wonderful things about her.”

      “Tarah is an amazing woman,” Nicholas said. “I look forward to you two getting to know each other.” He winked an eye at his brother. “I’ll see you outside.”

      Nathaniel nodded. “I’m right behind you,” he said as Nicholas rolled himself out the door. When his twin was out of sight he turned his attention back to the woman who was still eyeing him like he was a slab of meat for the taking.

      Elise took a step closer to him, drawing her palm against his chest. “So, what about that dinner?”

      “I wish I could,” he said, his tone apologetic. “But I really won’t have any down time for the next few weeks. Too much to do. I’m actually meeting with the contractor this evening. Can I get a rain check?”

      Disappointment washed over Elise’s face. She took a deep breath. “You owe me, Nathaniel Stallion. I think this is the

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