Holy hell.
How did Vanessa know she’d had sex with Colton? Muscles traversing her shoulders turned to stone. “I don’t think—”
“It’s okay.” Vanessa made herself comfortable in the chair across from Brigit’s desk. “Colton is a complicated man with unusual needs.”
What does that mean?
Leaning back, Vanessa crossed her legs.
That is one short skirt and two powerful thighs.“I’m not comfortable talking about him, but thanks for the heads-up.” Brigit walked around her desk hoping Vanessa would take the hint and leave.
“He’ll discard you when he grows restless, and I can assure you, he will. Take tonight, for example. He’s doing something so kinky you’d blush at the thought, if you didn’t need someone to explain it to you first.” Laughing, Vanessa threw back her head. Brigit cringed. “If I didn’t know him as intimately as I do, I’d say he was a scoundrel. But I know better.” Vanessa shrugged. “Colton’s just beingColton.”
Did her super sexy client have a dark side? Though curious, Brigit would stay clear of office politics and gossip, especially where it involved Colton. “My only concern is his wealth. Perhaps he’s at a business function.”
Vanessa rose and, looking down her nose, pinned Brigit with a cold stare. “It’s hump night, you fool.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Brigit detected movement. Colton filled her doorway, clad in his black cashmere coat. Her heart skipped a beat. But tonight, his brooding expression and mussed hair overshadowed his striking looks. Even still, her fingers ached to tame his locks.Are you windblown or did someone unleash her hands in all those waves?
As he strolled into her office, his dark expression lifted. “Vanessa, thanks for going the extra mile to ensure Brigit feels the Mitus welcome.”
Oh, I felt it all right.
“Anything for the team.” Vanessa’s condescending tone had been replaced with a submissive purr. “You, of all people, know that.”
The scent of expensive perfume wafted from his direction, the flowery fragrance reminding her of Vanessa’s comment.He’s doing something so kinky you’d blush at the thought.
“You two having a little nightcap?” he asked.
“No, Brigit’s drinking alone,” Vanessa said. “Loved our girl talk, Brig. Keep it in mind and remember, I’m happy to help anytime.” She walked toward the door and called over her shoulder, “Night, Colton.”
Brigit was too stunned to speak.
* * *
As Colton shruggedoffhis coat, he couldn’t take his eyes off Brigit. Her beauty left him breathless. He hungered to take her into his arms and into his bed.Too damn bad, Mitus. A deal is a deal.
He’d had one of the worst fucking evenings of his life. After dinner with his mom, which he did most Wednesdays, she’d confided that she’d not been well. A recent imaging scan had revealed a brain tumor. With surgery scheduled, Kimberly Mitus had already arranged for post-surgery nursing care. Colton’s brain had short-circuited. She sounded like she was rattling off the amenities of a luxury home, but this was not a real estate transaction and he was not her client. He’d insisted on being by her side every step of the way. She would not endure this horrific ordeal alone.
Raking his hands through his hair, Colton shoved away the pain and anger. “I’m flying out of town tomorrow morning to do damage control.”
“I’ll push to complete my financial analysis and recommendations and email my report over,” Brigit said. “You can review on your return flight.”
Colton stepped close. “You’ll be joining me.”
She gripped her hips. “No can do.”
He couldn’t help but smile. He detested resistance, but for some inexplicable reason, Brigit’s pushback amused him. “We have an eight a.m. flight. Be downstairs, ready to go, by five forty-five.”
Her big green eyes popped. “You can’t boss me around like that.”
His cock moved. She was so damned hot when she got feisty.Watch me.“I can and I am. We’ll prep on the way to the airport.”
As if she’d gotten an unexpected chill, she hugged herself, then rubbed her arms. “Fine. Where are we going?”
He lifted the wine glass and took a hearty sip. “The Francesco Company.”
24
