“Yum... this is delicious. And it’s not easy to make.”

“I worked as a bartender during college.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I also had a gig as a fitness instructor. Anything to pay the bills. I had a scholarship, but it only covered a fraction of the costs.”

“Wow. Well, this is delicious. It was one of those cocktails I always asked Landon to make.” At his questioning glance, I added, “My parents owned a pub. Landon and I ran it after their car crash.”

“Must have been hard.”

“It was. But you know all about it.”

“It’s a bit easier for me. When the girls came to live with me, I was older than you were, and already had a successful career, so at least that aspect was stable. And my mother spent half her time in LA.”

“Well, Landon and I were running around like crazy, trying to keep the pub and the kids afloat. Sometimes it felt like one little mishap would bring on disaster.”

“But you were still dreaming about your fragrance business, weren’t you?”

“Yes. How did you know?”

“You said your mom gave you the bug, so I assumed you’ve had this dream since you were little.”

“Well, yes, I did. I used to make notes at night—ideas for fragrances, ways to promote it.”

I turned on one side, watching him curiously. I had a direct view of his bicep, and that mouthwatering chest. The cocktail made me feisty. I was imagining myself licking those abs, showing my appreciation for every single muscle. Shit, and I was accusing him of forgetting we’re not alone.

“What finally made you start it?”

I whipped my thoughts back into line. “After Landon and I graduated from a local community college, we sold the pub and got jobs. We were better off financially. I kept working on my business plan on the side, and then one evening, I told Landon I’d like to try, that I’d start small, with a cheap website and production in our garage. He supported me all the way.”

“He sounds like a great guy.”

“He is. I couldn’t have done any of this without him. We worked together at first, and then he went on to start his own business in the software industry. Eventually he sold the company and opened an investment fund. He was in San Jose for a few years, but now he’s back.”

“That makes you happy.”

“Very.” I grinned, tilting my head awkwardly to sip from my glass. “Life’s always better when your twin is around to tease and annoy.”