When she did, her face exploded in a grin. “Whoa, that’s beautiful!”
Her happiness tugged at his heart. She lifted the keyboard lid and ran her fingers over the keys. “Who plays?”
“You do.”
Her eyes grew wide. “You bought this for me?” He nodded. “Thank you. It’s exquisite.” She stepped close and whispered, “I can’t play in front of others.”
“You already have.” Relaxing into the oversized burgundy chair, he propped his feet on the ottoman.
She shifted her attention to his bare feet, then let her gaze roam slowly up his body. As their eyes met, she ran her tongue over her lower lip. His thoughts were filled with things he wanted her to do with that sexy mouth and his twitching dick agreed.
“You seem distracted, not that I’m complaining.” He tossed a nod toward the instrument. “Go ahead, give it a try.”
She eased onto the bench. Brushing her fingers over the keys, she tapped several notes, then spun around. “Fingers in ears.”
Feigning frustration, he obliged. She turned, but didn’t move.
I believe in you.
As if she’d heard him, she struck the keys. What were the chances? She was playing his favorite piece—“Andare” by Ludovico Einaudi. As the hauntingly moving melody washed over him, she threw herself into the music. When she finished playing, applause shattered the silence. Half the staff had congregated in the foyer, some visibly moved by her performance.
“What the—” As Brigit spun around, her cheeks turned strawberry red. “Thank you.” She slid off the bench and edged away from the crowd.
He rose to block her escape and looked at his team. “Guys, what are you waiting for? You’ve needed a pianist.”
“I’ll get my guitar.” Red headed toward the stairs.
“Chad, help me carry my drums up,” said Ryan.
“I won’t sing alone.” Taylor nibbled her fingernail.
“I’ll grab my bass and sing with you,” Chad hollered as he jogged after Ryan.
The remaining staff watched from the foyer. Colton sat on the bench and patted it. Reluctantly, she sank down and stared at the keys. What happened to his strong-willed Brigit? “Doing what terrifies us makes us stronger when we achieve the impossible.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “You’re pushing me into unchartered waters. I don’t swim with sharks.”
“We both know you can do this, Brigit.”
The color had drained from her cheeks, but she swiveled toward the keyboard. Though she had to overcome this and find the gumption, he’d remain seated on the bench, by her side.
Heaving in a breath, she struck the keys. This time she chose “Nuvole Bianche” also by Ludovico Einaudi. The emotion she rarely showed blossomed when she played. When finished, she flashed him a prideful smile. She’d done it again. Last night wasn’t a fluke or the magical setting bolstering her courage.
“My brave Brigit.” He put his arm around her and pecked her forehead. As she gazed into his eyes, her lips parted. Just as he leaned toward her, Vanessa sidled over.
“You have a never-ending array of talents, Brigit. Colton’s hired more than a money manager this time around.”
He slid off the bench.Thank you, Vanessa. You saved me from a major faux pas. C’mon, Mitus.
From the chair in the corner, Colton watched his team form a makeshift band. They fumbled through several current numbers until they found their rhythm. Even normally reserved Dez joined in on the fun by contributing pitch-perfect harmonies. The remaining staff started dancing and Vanessa sauntered over to Colton. “Time to get those bones a-movin’.” Vanessa extended her hand and Colton accepted.
While everyone else danced in the foyer where there was ample room, Vanessa stayed in the living room. That worked to Colton’s advantage. While dancing, he had a great shot of Brigit as she made love to the keyboard. And if she wasn’t making love to him, the instrument was an acceptable alternative.
An hour later, Shane rolled a cart of iced herbal teas and sparkling waters into the living room.
“No wine, huh?” Brigit stood. “I’ll grab a glass.”
“I, um…well, I was advised today’s event is alcohol and caffeine free.” Shane glanced nervously at his boss.
