Double Take Read Online Free PDF

piece of gold hair falling over his brow. Her heart lurched hard. How was she going to handle this... him?
    First things first. She must regroup immediately, before her charade was discovered. And for one thing, Lana was not vulnerable or anxious; she was very confident, very charming. She also had a temper, and she knew how to do battle. Kait had to become that way, too, and immediately.
    Except it wasn’t in her nature to lash out, and she had a dilemma on her hands. How should she handle Trev’s declaration?
    Mrs. Dorentz appeared, a tray in her hands. On it was a beautifully prepared and presented chef ‘s salad and a cup of coffee, creamer, and sugar bowl, the last two items sterling silver. “Max, when you come down, can you take a look at the washer? I meant to tell you earlier that it is making an odd noise.”
    Kait watched Max nod at the housekeeper, his expression now perfectly agreeable. “No problem,” he said. He sent Elizabeth Dorentz a smile, one which made him an interesting and appealing man—he had a cleft chin and dimples—and then he left them standing there to trot upstairs with her bags.
    Elizabeth Dorentz gave her a reproving look. Kait realized she had been staring at Zara. She felt herself flush, and hoped that Elizabeth had not misinterpreted her look. “Boy, is it great to be back,” she said, attempting a smile. Was the salad for her? Somehow, she did not think so.
    Elizabeth did not respond.
    “I’ve been under the weather,” Kait added quickly. “I had a terrible flu. I spent two days in bed in New York. What a waste! I’m still not feeling all that great.” It was time to establish her story. She was a size smaller than her sister and the difference had to be explained.
    “I’m sorry you were ill,” Elizabeth said politely. “I’m going to be late. I just called the school to tell them. I put lunch out for you. On the table,” she added, as if that point needed clarification. “Trev, may I come in?”
    Trev looked up. Kait’s gaze went to him as if he were a huge magnet, and as he nodded at the housekeeper, his gaze swerved to her, as well. Their eyes met briefly before he looked away. “Thank you, Elizabeth,” he said pleasantly.
    She set the tray down. “I’m off to get Marni,” Elizabeth replied, her tone completely different now. It was unguarded, friendly. “Do you need anything from town?”
    “No, thanks.” Trev smiled at her.
    Kait’s heart seemed to stop. Elizabeth was going to pick Marni up at school. Marni—her niece. Lana hadn’t left any instructions regarding her care or even her routine, which now seemed glaring and odd. “I’ll go,” Kait cried impulsively, excitement sweeping her. She rushed to the door of the study; she couldn’t wait to meet her niece.
    Elizabeth whirled. “What?”
    Kait saw the absolute surprise on her face, which she could not understand. And she saw Trev’s wide eyes riveted on her as well. She hardly understood what she had done to surprise them both, but too late she realized she had no idea where Marni’s school was. Why hadn’t Lana written all the pertinent information down?
    Disappointment seared her. “I...uh...I really miss her. But I’m exhausted from the trip,” she continued lamely. The trip had been a forty-minute shuttle flight and an hour’s drive from D.C. “And that flu has sapped my strength. I, uh, had better let you go.”
    Elizabeth Dorentz simply stared. “You don’t pick her up. I pick her up. I pick her up and I take her to school every single day.”
    Kait stared back. Was Elizabeth being territorial as far as Marni was concerned? But at least she now knew a bit of Marni’s routine. She also didn’t believe that the housekeeper picked up Marni every single day— surely, now and then, Lana took her daughter to and from school. It was becoming very clear that Elizabeth had a chip on her shoulder. “You know what? I had better grab a bite to eat and go to my room. I’m going to