A chill careened down her spine. She couldn’t leave his office fast enough.
After lifting and spinning in the lower level gym, Taylor and Brigit headed upstairs to shower. “What rules does the Clothing Czar impose for dinner?” Brigit asked.
Taylor snickered. “Casual is fine, but no jeans, sweats or yoga pants.”
So many rules.Brigit showered and dressed in leggings and a sweater. Taylor escorted her into the already crowded dining room and parked her at the opposite end of the table.
“Who did I oust to sit in this coveted spot?” Brigit asked.
“Doesn’t matter. It’s yours now.” Taylor scampered off to her own seat in the middle of the table.
As Brigit sat, she stole a glance at Colton, seated at the far end. While listening to Dez, he swirled his Cab, then, as if he’d felt her watching, flipped his gaze down the lengthy table, pinning her with his intensity. She could stare at that man all day long. A sliver of a smile crossed his lips before he turned back to Dez.
Brigit treated herself to a glass of Cab and then another, but that was nothing compared to what Vanessa tossed back. Even Chad, seated across from Vanessa, told her to ease up.
“Vanessa, how about we review your portfolio sometime soon?” Brigit asked.
“I’m good,” said Vanessa.
After dinner, Colton tapped his water goblet. “Can I have your attention, please? I’d like to welcome our newest Mitus Conglomerate employee, Brigit Farnay.”
The cadre stared in her direction.Nothing like being the center of unwanted attention.She gave a little wave to the group.
“Please make Brigit feel welcome,” Colton said. “Living with coworkers is new. Keep in mind your own challenges when you moved in.” He glanced in Ryan’s direction. “Ryan, I still don’t know how Taylor survived with you as her mentor, but fortunately for us all, she did.”
A beaming Taylor raised her glass. “Here’s to Brigit.”
A glassy-eyed Vanessa toasted Brigit. “That’s the best seat at the table,” she whispered. “And it used to be mine. If I were you, little Brigit, I wouldn’t get too comfortable in that chair. Permanence at Mitus Conglomerate is a fucking illusion.”
23
VANESSA’S WARNING
Workaholic Brigit Farnay hadspent the first few days hunkered down in her office. By ten thirty Wednesday evening the numbers on her computer screen blurred together.Enough.She pushed out of her desk chair and tugged open the French doors in her office.Ah, fresh air.
As she stepped outside, she triggered the automatic patio light. A sudden wind gust blew her hair as the leaves rustled in the tall oaks bordering the property. She glanced into the darkened backyard and a shiver ran through her. Could someone be lurking nearby, watching?
Ever since the vengeful intruder had tornadoed through her home, she’d been overly jumpy. Only one person harbored that much wrath. Up until Saturday, she’d assumed Vinny Ray was behind bars. The Pennsylvania D.A.’s office hadn’t returned her call and she wasnotcalling the prison directly.
“Hey, there,” said a voice behind her.
Squealing, Brigit whirled around as the hair on the back of her neck prickled.
“Easy there.” Vanessa loomed in her doorway, wine bottle in one hand, crystal glass in the other. “You’ve been nose to the grindstone since you got here. Can I tempt you?”
Even though Brigit’s mouth watered, she didn’t want to encourage Vanessa to stay. “No thanks. I’m headed upstairs.”
That evening Colton had been absent at dinner. Had he tasked Vanessa with babysitting the newbie? Brigit walked past her, bolted the French door and retreated to her desk to shut down.
Rather than leaving, Vanessa meandered over. Seemingly preoccupied, she dragged her manicured finger along the border of Brigit’s desk, then shifted her attention to Brigit. “How are you settling in?”
“Pretty well.”
Vanessa filled the glass and slid it over to Brigit. “I’m here to help. You know, put things in perspective.”
Not interested.“I’m good.”
“I’ve known Colton for a long time. He needsvarietyto quench his sexual thirst and he does what he pleases, in all things.” Vanessa gaveled the wine bottle on Brigit’s desk. “I hope you don’t think your intimacy meant anything to him. It didn’t and that can be a hard pill to swallow.”
