“No, Chad will drive you home after breakfast.” Rising to full stature, Colton raked his hair out of his face. “Negotiations aren’t over.”
When they stepped outside the chilly October dawn air wicked away the thin line of perspiration on his brow. His head pounded. Needing help displayed weakness. But what alternative did he have? Brigit’s professional expertise was key to ensuring Francesco’s success.
Shivering, she hugged herself. He wanted to warm her body with his, but hiring her meant hands off. Instead, he draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. The oversized clothing hung like a boxy dress.Adorable.
Though she whispered her appreciation, she refused to make eye contact.
Under a dark cloud of unresolved conflict, they continued up the porch stairs and into the quiet kitchen. He owed no one an explanation, but in this particular situation, it was better they not be seen together in last night’s duds. He glanced at the time on the wall clock. Just after seven. They’d pulled an all-nighter. “Taylor will escort you to breakfast at eight thirty.”
In a thickening silence, they walked upstairs and down the hall to the guest suite. Brigit opened the door, crossed into the room, and turned to face him. Her shamrock green eyes were no indication she’d gotten no sleep. “Last night was—”
“Yes, it was,” he said.
“Seth can assign a temporary broker to handle any trades you might make, based on my recommendations.” She handed him his suit jacket and started to close the bedroom door. “Goodbye, Colton.”
He jammed his foot against it. “Why do you defy me at every opportunity?”
Holding his gaze, she whispered, “Because you love it.”
Her pouty lips were inches away. On impulse he leaned in to kiss her, but she shut the door in his face.
16
THE MORNING AFTER
Brigit leaned against theback of the closed bedroom door and slowly inhaled. Once her lungs had filled, she let the air seep out with a sigh. The sex high she’d only read about had her head in the clouds, courtesy of the man she’d done nothing but despise for five long years. Though Colton’s offer was financially tempting, working with him would only further his needs while putting a hard stop to her own.And who in their right mind teams up with the enemy?
She tugged on charcoal leggings and slipped into a camisole and long gray sweater. Blow-drying her damp hair, she strategized next steps. A quick getaway, then a text to Seth, letting him know the arrangement wouldn’t work. By noon she’d have her life back on track.
After setting her phone alarm, she flopped onto the guest bed. An hour and a half later, she woke and brushed her teeth.
At eight thirty, Taylor escorted her to breakfast. “Did you have fun last night?”
Sex-crazed fun.“Yes, thanks.” Brigit waited for a snide comment, a sideways glance or a snicker, but Taylor said nothing more.
A tall and fit man covered in chef’s whites whirred around the spacious kitchen. He wore a small pierced hoop in his left earlobe, and his salt and pepper hair peeked out from the sides of his toque.
“Our chef, Elliott Towne,” Taylor said. “Elliott, meet Brigit Farnay.”
“Welcome to my little slice of heaven!” Elliott exclaimed. “Any food allergies, my dear?”
“Good to meet you, Elliott. No, none.”
“I don’t cook for the staff on weekends, but a little birdie told me we had aspecialguest. I whipped up a few quiches along with some other goodies.”
“Smells delicious.” His big hazel eyes reminded her of her mom. “My mom made a killer quiche.” Brigit’s cheeks heated and she pursed her lips.Where did that come from?She never spoke of her parents.
“Well, I hope mine measures up.” He smiled warmly. “Tell me you’re starting soon. Not that I don’t love working here, but I’d like to retirebeforeI’m dead.”
Brigit laughed. “Gotta love a man with hardy goals.”
“Once you’ve started and have settled Colton down—” Elliott chortled. “Rewind. Once you’ve settled Colton’sfinancesdown, please review my retirement fund first. That account has dwindled to chump change.”
Smiling sweetly, she followed Taylor to the coffee cart next to the dark granite counter. “Coffee or tea?” Taylor asked.
“Coffee.” Brigit pulled a white mug and Taylor filled it.
“Sugar and cream?” Taylor pointed.
