“What do you want, Brigit?”
Spinning her bracelet so the gold lobster clasp was visible, she shifted her gaze past him and out the window as trees and large brick estates blurred by. What did she want?
She wanted to go back in time and right a terrible wrong. She should have listened to her parents and worked at Francesco right after college, like they’d planned. If she had, they’d still be alive and Francesco wouldn’t be…
When he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers, she blinked away the regretful thoughts. Though she wanted to let his titillating touch erase her loneliness, she removed his hand.
“You’re driven, determined and need a challenge,” he said. “Working at Mitus is the perfect fit.”
“Yesterday you told me I was too strong-willed and too independent.”
“A lot has transpired since yesterday.”
Before she could process what was happening, he kissed her. And she didn’t fight him. Nope, not at all. Relishing his tenderness, she closed her eyes. Instead of deepening the kiss, he pulled away. Leaving her wanting.
“I’ve made my intentions known.” He paused while the energy vibrated around them. “I don’t want anyone else Seth is going to recommend. I want you. And only you.”
“I thought we agreed. No more kissing or touching or—”
“And we’ll stop, as soon as you agree to manage my wealth.”
“So, we’re back to forced choices, again? If you think I’ve any interest in—”
This time he unbuckled and slid into the center. His large frame dwarfed the too-small space and his legs spilled onto either side. With his gaze cemented on her, he reached over and unsnapped her belt, gathered her in his arms and placed her on his lap.
The most she could utter was a whimper. With a gentle touch, he cupped her cheek and turned her face toward him. Raw intensity paired with his deep, dark eyes sent a wildfire raging through her. She knew the ecstasy he could bring her. And that made him a dangerous temptation.
Moving at a snail’s pace, he ran his hand up her thigh, then back down. And then he repeated the motion. Up and down so very slowly. Every nerve ending came alive, tingling with anticipation of what he would do next. Unwilling to stop herself, she placed her hands on either side of his face and leaned close, but she didn’t make contact with his lips. His whiskers prickled her palms and his minty breath stung her eyes.
He threaded his other hand through her hair, cupped the back of her neck and gave her a gentle nudge. Lip-to-lip contact was her tipping point. Brigit could have pushed him away, scrambled off his lap, broken the connection any number of ways, but she didn’t. Closing her eyes only magnified his breath, roaring hard and fast in her ears.
The kiss turned ravenous. Her mind shorted. All she could do was absorb the erotic sensations.More, I need more.Straddling him, she placed her hands on the sides of his face and devoured him with another ferocious kiss. He slipped a hand beneath her sweater and cupped her braless breast.
“Oh, Brigit,” he said between kisses.
Moaning, she ground against his erection. Her panties grew wet. Colton’s powerful touch, his sexy smell, his delicious taste, and the way he made her feel magnified each breath, all sensation, the tiniest movement, every intention.
It would be easy to let go, to unravel. But she had to stick with the plan. Time to sever all ties. Sucking in a steadying breath, she grew still and ended the kiss. With a quick squeeze on her waist, he removed his hand from beneath her clothing.
“I can’t control myself around you,” he whispered. “What the hell is wrong with me?”
A smug smile spread over her face. “Ah, now that’s a question Icananswer.” Why did he have to be so damn addictive? She tugged down her sweater and clambered off him, shielding herself with the seat belt.
“I can’t hire you.” He slid away, leaving her cold.
“Finally, we agree.” But the relief quickly subsided, replaced by the unexpected sting of rejection.
“I can’t hire you because I’m crazy attracted to you. That’s not the kind of relationship I’ll permit with my wealth manager.”
“Then you’ll have to work with someone else. Problem solved.”
Chad tapped on the separation shield. They were parked in her driveway. That was the fastest forty minutes of her life. Opening the door, she turned back and stared into his eyes one final time. “I’ll let Seth know.”
She scooted up her walkway as Chad pulled her bags from the trunk. Her heart felt heavy, like this goodbye shouldn’t be happening.How ludicrous.With a flick of her mane, she tossed the thought and slipped her key into the deadbolt. “Thank you for the ride, Chad. I can take it from here.” Brigit turned and startled.
Colton held her bags. “I’ll carry these inside for you.”
Was there no escaping this man? As she stepped into her townhouse, she cried out, “Oh, my God!”
