And then, like a mirage, he was gone.
Oh. My. God.
His face seemed familiar. Was he a client? Unable to make the connection, she shook her head. And then a stinging reality smacked her cheek as if she’d been attacked by a swarm of killer bees. The endorphins stopped firing and she plummeted toward earth with no safety net to break her fall.
No, no, no, no, no! It can’t be! It just can’t.Jumping out of the chair and away from prying eyes, she Googled a man’s name. His image exploded onto her screen. As high as she had been a moment ago, with Cupid’s cherubs dancing in her head, she crash-landed with an unceremonious thud.
Oh, dear God, it’s Colton Mitus.
2
DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS
Nothing pissed off ColtonMitus more than failing. This meeting with Robert Sethfield meant he had, or damn near had. His portfolio resembled a medieval bloodletting, with pools of money draining from his accounts. Something had to be done, so he’d made the call.
But the moment—no the second—he’d laid eyes on that blonde in the conference room, his visit had been worth his swallowed pride. Hot and sexy was easy to find in the nation’s capital, but something about her compelled him to take that second look. Her vibrant eyes were laced with innocence and mystery. A deliciously dangerous combination.
But this meeting was strictly professional. He needed to keep his thoughts on his financial affairs, which, last he’d checked, were one hot mess.
“Coffee, water?” Seth’s voice jerked him away from much more appealing thoughts. As they entered his office, he tapped a guest chair before easing into his leather seat.
“No, thanks.” Colton unbuttoned his coat and sat.
“Hit a round since the Lansdowne tournament in July?” Seth asked.
“A few.” Small talk bored him. “You?”
“Same.” Seth leaned back. “All right, Colton, what’s going on? You said you could use my help.”
“I need your best wealth manager.”
“You’ve always used private wealth managers. Planning to steal one away from me?”
“No. My previous wealth manager left the area last year and I’ve been challenged to find the right fit. I’m considering moving my investments under the Porter, Gabriel and Sethfield umbrella.”
Seth grinned like he’d won the fucking lottery.
Colton couldn’t help but crack a smile. “We should play poker. I’d make a damn killing.”
Chuckling, Seth crossed his legs.
“You know Mitus Mansion is my home and my office.” Colton strummed the armrest. “My staff also resides there. My wealth manager needs to be available beyond market hours.”
“I see.”
“There are overseas calls in the middle of the night, dinner meetings, Sunday strategy sessions for the coming week. I’m always working.” Colton raked his hair out of his eyes. “He’d move into the mansion. I’d be his only client. Your firm would make a bundle, as would the appointed advisor. I could sleep at night knowing that I no longer have to play nursemaid to my shrinking portfolio.”
“You keep sayinghe. Not considering a woman?” Seth hiked his brows.
“I’ve interviewed plenty of female wealth advisors over the years. Several had families, which I can’t accommodate. The remainder wouldn’t have been able to handle my intensity. I can’t have a Nervous Nellie managing my portfolio. I’m demanding. That can be intimidating.”
“So, you’re not opposed to hiring a woman?”
As long as I’m not attracted to her.“No. Why?”
“My best is a woman and she’snoshrinking violet.”
“Tough as nails?”
