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would be excited over the broken engagement.
    He climbed the staircase, slowly and methodically. Already past noon and still he lacked the energy to face the day. Maybe he needed to pack a few things and take a long drive to regroup, clear his mind before deciding his next move.
    Twenty-four hours ago, he’d had his whole life figured out. He’d been prepared to announce that he wanted to come aboard the family business. Of course, he would be the second banana to Jordan, but only temporarily. He’d planned to help take Opulence to a new level, to a new generation of consumers.
    Reaching the top stair, Malcolm turned toward his bedroom just as Jordan stepped out into the hallway.
    Both men stopped in their tracks.
    Jordan’s guilt attacked his conscience as the memory of last night’s fiasco hung in the air. All morning he had betrayed his brother with dreams involving Christian McKinley.
    Jordan cleared his throat. “I want to talk to you.”
    Mimicking his brother’s stance, Malcolm asked coolly, “And what could you possibly want to say to me, bro?” Sarcasm edged each word.
    Jordan gazed into his brother’s bloodshot eyes and his guilt increased. “I’m sorry. There’s no excuse for what happened last night.” He held out his hand. “Can you forgive me?”
    â€œActually, I don’t know why I’m so surprised.”
    The verbal attack found its mark. Jordan lowered his hand. “You know I would never deliberately hurt you.”
    â€œBut you did hurt me just the same. Deliberate or not.” Malcolm turned his back.
    Words failed Jordan for the first time in his life.
    â€œAs it turns out, she dumped me.” Malcolm paused with his hand on the doorknob. “So, she’s all yours.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Or maybe you knew that already?”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    Disgust flashed across Malcolm’s features. “I just bet you are.” He shook his head, entered his bedroom, and then slammed the door behind him.
    Regret settled on Jordan’s shoulders, as he stood motionless in the empty hallway. Why? Why didn’t he tell Christian immediately who he was? And why did he ask for that kiss?
    Who knew how long Malcolm would be angry with him? His brother carried a grudge like their father: forever. What kind of excuse could he offer for his behavior last night? He’d never seen his brother so deflated, so hurt.
    He went to Malcolm’s door, but hesitated at knocking. He had so much to say and yet, didn’t know where to begin.
    Despite being twins, they were as different as night and day. Jordan had always been considered the left brain, business-conscious one who knew exactly what he wanted in life. After all, when you fail to plan, then you plan to fail, right?
    Malcolm was the right brain, the creative joker, and the charmer. He had a natural disdain with responsibility that had always rubbed against Jordan’s grain. In high school, Malcolm had been voted most popular, particularly with the ladies. He could always be counted on to show everyone a good time. Jordan wasn’t fooled by Malcolm’s elaborate schemes to underscore his own intelligence and he didn’t understand why Malcolm hid behind this jovial mask.
    Jordan moved from his brother’s door. Maybe he should just give him some time alone, time to sort things through. Heavyhearted, Jordan descended the staircase and wished he’d never met Christian McKinley.
    The doorbell rang as he reached the front hall.
    He groaned but forced an artificial smile in place as he went to answer the door. His face dropped. “Christian.”
    Positioning her purse strap over her shoulder, she smiled politely. “Hello…Jordan, right?”
    He nodded. Suddenly, last night’s emotions sprang to the surface. She was simply beautiful. The afternoon sunlight radiated behind her. He caught the way it kissed and