The ballroom was comprised of three large salons, their partitions tucked away to accommodate the expected seven-hundred-plus attendees. Bartenders stood at the ready at each of the six bars positioned near the front of the room where two curved staircases met at the landing to the mezzanine level. Too many round tables to count were arranged in the middle of the spacious room, and a small stage had been set up at the far end with a podium and five chairs.
Brigit stood in line for the bar. Though she and Colton had arrived early, the growing crowd indicated it was never too early to start hobnobbing at a D.C. shindig. This networking opportunity was a mecca for Washington’s elite, especially with the Mitus name behind it. Though the champagne would settle her nerves, she reluctantly chose sparkling water instead.
With glass in hand, she turned in time to spot Senator George Internado break from his party and beeline toward her.
Oh, great. Smile.
“Brigit, you look lovely.” He pecked her cheek.
She gave him a cordial smile. “Good to see you, George.”
“This is some event, isn’t it?” As he twirled his drink, the ice cubes clanked against the glass. “Mitus sure knows how to get our attention, doesn’t he?”
“How have you been?”I give him less than thirty seconds to bring it up.
“You know, it must be kismet that we reconnected. We had a misunderstanding that I’d like to resolve.”
Zero seconds.“How so?” She glanced around, looking for a getaway route.
“You assumed I wanted us to spend the afternoon together. To be honest, I was offended.”
Refusing to comment, she washed down the bullshit with a sip of sparkling water.
“All I wanted was portfolio advice. That should come as no surprise.” He tossed back his drink and an ice cube smacked him in the nose. Brigit fought the snicker while George wiped his nose. “I thought it would be smart to discuss that in private. Hell, we were at a restaurant.”
Oh, good grief.“How’s your new wealth manager working out?”
“Let’s move past the hiccup, Brigit. We’ve worked together for years. What do you say? Kiss and make up?”
Really?“I enjoyed working with you, George, but it’s best we leave things as they are.”
He stepped so close his whiskey breath stung her eyes. “You know, I can ruin your fucking little career with this much effort.” He wiggled his pinky.
“There you are.” Colton slipped his arm around Brigit’s waist. She greeted him with a relieved smile and he gave her a little squeeze. “George, great to see you.” Colton extended his hand.
The senator shook it. “Colton, this event is all the buzz! Your efforts are quite impressive. I could sure use your talents when I run for governor.”
A polite smile crossed Colton’s face, but his eyes went flat. “Thanks for your confidence, but I haven’t raised a penny yet.”
George looked at Brigit. “You two look cozy. That explains a lot.”
Let it go.“Enjoy your evening, George.” Moving away, she turned to Colton.
“Thanks for attending, Senator,” Colton said. “Good seeing you.”
With her hand wrapping Colton’s arm, Brigit found the shortest bar line. The sparkling water wasn’t cutting it and her mouth watered for a glass of bubbly.One glass.
Colton stepped close. “You couldn’t get away fast enough. Not a fan of the good senator?”
“Former client trying to bully me into taking him back.” She tilted her face toward his. “He’s a nincompoop.”
Colton chuckled. “I’ve heard George called a lot of things, but never that.”
She inhaled. Colton’s virile scent flooded her nostrils.Delicious. Before she could check herself, she tenderly brushed the hair from his eyes.
“Do you have any idea what your touch does to me?” His voice dropped, his lips parted and he looked at her mouth.
He was going to kiss her. And not a friendly peck, either. A full-on mouth-to-mouth smooch. As much as she craved him, she couldn’t allow it. This was a business event, an important fundraiser, and he the magnet. Kissing his wealth manager was not only bad publicity, it could thrust her into the spotlight. She jerked back and bumped into someone.
