THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series

by Stoni Alexander

  His phone rang. He punched the speakerphone button on his desk console. “Mitus.”

  “Sethfield, here. How’d Friday go?”

  “Brigit did a phenomenal job.”

  “As I expected. Did you extend her an offer?”

  “She’s due in my office any minute.”

  “To accept it?”

  “No, she moved in Saturday and she starts today.”

  “Well, that’s fantastic. I’m surprised I didn’t hear from her.”

  “She got caught up in the move. You know women and their shoes.”

  Seth laughed. “Ask her to check in with me or email her key accounts that require white glove treatment.”

  “Will do. I’m going to keep her tied up all morning, though.” Thoughts of Brigit anchored to his guesthouse bed shot a jolt of heat straight to his groin. What he would give to make that happen again.

  “Congratulations, Colton. Mitus Conglomerate is going to benefit from her smarts and tenacity. Thanks for your business. Next round of golf is on me.”

  Colton chuffed out a laugh. “I bring your firm a boatload of business and you thank me with a round of golf?”

  “You’ve got Brigit. She’s worth her weight in gold.” The call ended.

  There was a light tap on his office door. So light, he wasn’t sure it was a knock. “Enter.”

  Brigit walked in and his heart pumped faster. Her tailored brown suit fit snugly over her sexy curves, but her naked form had been branded into his mind. She’d pinned up her hair and he imagined kissing her exposed neck. She’s the best way to start my day.

  Colton pushed out of his leather chair and extended his hand. “Welcome to Mitus Conglomerate.” He shook her hand as he would any new employee, but the energy that soared up his arm was anything but normal. Damn, she feels good.

  “Good morning,” she said. “I’m ready to dive in.”

  So am I. His desk phone rang. Crockett Wilde’s name flashed on the console. “Have a seat.”

  He hit the speaker button. “Tell me good news.”

  “Beta testing rocked. The string of Crockett Boxes along the I-95 corridor from south of Baltimore to Fredericksburg outperformed even my stringent expectations. The success rate is off the charts. We’re ready to go live. Has Francesco solidified which wireless carriers are rolling this out first?”

  Still standing, Brigit inched closer to his desk.

  “The industry leader is ready to go. The second is negotiating production expectations with Francesco. I expect the final two will be moving forward as well. My new wealth manager, Brigit Farnay, is with me.”

  “Hey, Brigit. Welcome. Colt, take me off speaker.”

  “Brigit, meet Crockett Wilde,” Colton said.

  “Am I off speaker?” Crockett asked.

  He cradled the phone to his ear. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “What happened to keeping this under wraps?” Crockett asked. “Marjorie is itching for that loan.”

  “And that’s why Brigit’s here. Congrats. I’ll call you later.” He hung up.

  Brigit looked keenly interested. That’s a good sign. She’s jumping right in. He gestured to the chair across from his desk. “You’re welcome to sit. I need to make one quick call, then we’ll get started.” Colton hit the speed dial on his desk console. After several rings, the caller answered.

  “Good timing,” Marjorie said. “I’m headed outside to grab a quick smoke. Hang with me a second.” Her gravelly voice sounded like she had a perpetual frog in her throat. “So, is that crack wealth manager on board yet?” Marjorie liked small talk even less than he did.

  Colton flipped his gaze to Brigit. A whisper of a smile softened her expression. “Yes, she’s with me and you’re on speaker.”

  “Did she sign an NDA?”

  “Of course,” Colton said.

  “I just got out of an exec meeting and we have a serious problem.” Marjorie clicked a lighter, inhaled slowly and blew out sharply. “Bob Dobb was contacted, again, by MobiCom’s V.P. of Acquisitions, Wilson Montgomery.” She inhaled. “He put Dobb on notice. MobiCom is giving serious consideration to a merger. Merger, my ass. They’re going to make an acquisition play. Everyone in that conference room looked like they’d soiled their pants.” She inhaled, coughed, then started hacking.

  This is the worst fucking news. “Marjorie, put out that damn cigarette before you hock up a lung.”

  “Leave me alone, Colton. It’s my one vice. If it hasn’t killed me by now, it’s not going to. Now, where was I?”

  “MobiCom,” Colton said as he flicked his gaze to Brigit, who stared at the console like it was the bogeyman.

  “Right.” Marjorie cleared her throat. “Bob said he and Montgomery had an exhilarating discussion about the next generation of wireless until the conversation turned contentious and he told Montgomery to back off. Do you know this Wilson Montgomery?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Isn’t MobiCom spitting distance from your mausoleum?”

  “Yes, twenty minutes away, in Reston,” Brigit interjected.

  “Thank you, dear,” Marjorie said. “MobiCom is putting together an investment banking team. They’re talking with acquisition attorneys, one of them being Melvin Parsons. And thank the gods he wasn’t available because if he were, we’d be screwed! He’s fantastic.” Marjorie inhaled a sharp breath.

  “Someone leaked the information and MobiCom wants in,” Colton said. “Who on Francesco’s executive team would do that?”

  “I haven’t a clue. I’m sucking down antacids over here,” Marjorie said. “Do you think someone on Crockett’s team contacted MobiCom?”

  “No,” Colton replied. “Speaking of Crockett, he’s ready for phase one rollout.”

  “Then stop gabbing with me and get to work. We’re waiting on your loan,” Marjorie said. “I swear to God, if Sammy Francesco were alive, she’d find the mole in less than a week and hang him by his toes. Lord, I miss her! Keep me posted.” On another nicotine inhale the line went dead.

  All the color had drained from Brigit’s face as she sank into the leather chair across from Colton’s desk.

  “Dammit!” He pounded his fist on his desk and she jumped. “Someone at Francesco is a damn traitor.” Colton punched a number on the console.

  “G’morning,” Chad replied through the speaker.

  “Get me everything on a Wilson Montgomery of MobiCom and his association with anyone on Francesco’s executive team and board of directors.”

  “Got it.” Chad hung up.

  Colton cut his gaze to Brigit. For reasons he couldn’t explain, having her there assuaged his agitation. “Let’s get started. Seth needs a list of your key accounts. You’ll have time later to get that to him.”

  Colton pushed out of his chair. MobiCom’s interest was real and the timing couldn’t be worse. Brigit needed to free up the monies as soon as possible.

  “Chad will connect you to the network so you can review my complete portfolio,” Colton said. “Today, we’ll use my computer.” He opened a closed door at the far end of the room. “Your office.”

  “I’m working in your closet?” She hopped up and walked past him and into her workspace. Her swaying hips distracted him for a split second. Even that was too long. Dammit, stop.

  Brigit’s office was a smaller version of his, but instead of dark paneled walls, these walls were painted pale green. The color of money. He’d not replaced the dark oak desk or leather chair. Once she got settled, Ryan would assist with any changes. She could also choose new furniture for her cozy sitting area. Though he assumed the small conference table and four chairs would remain, she could redecorate the entire room to her liking. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the back wall and French doors opened to a small patio overlooking the backyard.

  “This is nice, but—”

  “Ryan will work with you on furniture selection,” Colton asked.

  “Furniture works. It’s just that my office is an offshoot o
f yours. I’ll be in and out constantly—I didn’t mean that. It came out…uh, never mind.” She pursed her lips.

  He cracked a grin. “Is all that in and out going to be a problem for you?”

  “It’s…well—” Her cheeks turned pink and she blew out a notable sigh. “It’s fine.”

  “Intrusive or controlling?”

  Her mouth quirked up, but she shook her head from side to side and the smile fell away.

  Controlling. “We’ll be working closely together,” he continued. “At some point, you’ll know the intimate details of all my business transactions.”

  The air sizzled between them as they held each other’s gaze. He wanted to caress her soft shoulder or run the back of his finger down her sweet, pink cheek. When she moistened her lower lip, his dick moved. Hell, at this rate, he’d never get anything accomplished. Though her sweet coconut scent drew him in, she was off-limits. He shoved his hand into his pocket and tossed his thoughts in the gutter.

  She swallowed, hard. “You’ve confided that you’re financially bleeding to death. I’m ready to get started. Will I be working with Red?”

  “No, with me.” Colton pointed to three boutique shopping bags on the tawny-colored loveseat. “Those are for you.”

  Brigit peeked inside one of the bags. “Bras and panties?”

  “I understand you took the weekend to settle in and didn’t get to the mall. Knowing you don’t have any lingerie is a torturous distraction.”

  Her lips curved into a Mona Lisa smile. “Thank you. How much do I owe you?”

  “Do your job well and we’ll call it even.” He started walking toward his office.

  “First I’ll stop the losses,” she said as she fell in line with him. “Next, I’ll pinpoint investments we should sell in order to free up the cash you need.” She sat in the chair across from his desk. “How much money are we talking about?”

  Colton eased into his swivel leather chair, propped his knee over his other thigh and leaned back. “Thirty million.”

  “Time frame?”

  He held her gaze. “Yesterday.”

  “I’m a wealth manager, Colton, not a magician.”

  With the exception of Shane delivering lunch and Red dropping off a revised weekly itinerary, along with an update of what urgent issues she’d handled, they worked uninterrupted until after five o’clock. “I’ll expect the thirty million transferred to my cash account tomorrow,” Colton said.

  She stared at him for several seconds. “We only reviewed a portion of your investments. Once I analyze each position, I’ll make my recommendations.”

  “Do you need an extra day?”

  “At least. I have to study industry trends to determine where you have the most to lose or gain by selling. My recommendations will focus on two key areas. First, investments that depleted your bottom line. Second, yielding lucrative results by redirecting those monies elsewhere. Since you need a sizeable amount of cash, that’ll take priority. I’ll have my findings summary and detailed report completed by close of business Friday. Are there any investments you’re committed to keeping?”

  “The Francesco Company and all real estate, both commercial and residential. I need your report by Wednesday, close of business.” He checked his watch and clicked on a screen.

  “I’ll have my analysis to you by noon, Thursday.”

  “You do like to negotiate.”

  She shook her head. “I’m setting reasonable turnaround expectations.”

  There was a knock on his door. “Enter.”

  Chad barreled in. “Is now a good time?” He glanced at Brigit.

  “Did you find anything on Montgomery?” Colton asked.

  “It’s going to take several days for the reports, but here’s what I’ve got. People hop from one wireless company to another, even at the executive level. At first glance, he’s crossed professional paths with several on Francesco’s board and leadership team. I suspect he’s got more than one source feeding him information.”

  Fuck.

  22

  New Girl

  Eyeing Colton, Brigit rose. He’d morphed into a fire-breathing dragon, with flared nostrils and lips drawn into a thin line. He might not need a break, but she did. It was almost five thirty. Where’d the day go? “Excuse me. I should check in with Seth. Chad, am I connected to the network?”

  “We have to set your passwords,” Chad said.

  “Let’s do that after dinner. I need to get started on an urgent project.”

  Chad smirked. “All of Colton’s projects have a short fuse.”

  On the way into her office, she read her texts. Couldn’t resist the challenge, could you? Miss you, but happy for you, texted Shaniqua. Brigit texted back, Temporary assignment. Miss you.

  Don’t forget about me, here in the real world, Kat texted. Back before you know it, Brigit texted back.

  Her phone buzzed with a text from Taylor. Gym before dinner? Brigit didn’t want to leave the compound. Where? she texted back.

  Lower level. I’ll swing by your bedroom 5:45.

  Surprised and relieved to learn Mitus Mansion had a gym, she opened her French doors leading to the patio and stepped out back. The chilly breeze caressed her heated cheeks and she inhaled a Zen-like breath.

  As vibrant streaks of sienna and fuchsia infused a lapis sky, the fiery yellow ball hung low on the horizon. From the lack of humidity it must’ve been a crisp fall day, but the last ten hours had been consumed by everything Mitus.

  She’d learned a lot her first day, the worst being that MobiCom, the wireless and mobile products behemoth down the road, was making a play for Francesco. This is bad. Grunting her frustration, she dialed Seth’s number.

  He answered on the first ring. “Brigit, congratulations! I’m thrilled you took the position.”

  She thought of her trashed home, the disturbing placement of her lingerie on her bed, and the terrifying message on her mirror. “Under the circumstances, it made the most sense.”

  “I had a feeling you wouldn’t be able to resist Colton’s charm or his beautiful home.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “How was day one?”

  “Charm? The man’s a workhorse. I’ll email you my list of clients requiring kid gloves, but you do know this situation is temporary, right?”

  “Thank you, Brigit. This is a great win for the firm. Let me know if you—”

  “Need anything.” A rueful smile touched her lips. “Just don’t give away my office.”

  She hung up and did a three-sixty, ensuring the grounds were quiet. Confirming she was alone, she dialed the district attorney’s number. Though her pulse pounded in her temples, she needed to know Vinny Ray’s whereabouts.

  “Good afternoon, Jim Sausalito’s office,” said the young woman.

  Brigit followed the cobblestone path toward the guesthouse. “This is Eve Francesco. Is Jim available?”

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Francesco, but Mr. Sausalito had a family emergency. He’s on personal leave. Can I take a message?”

  “Is Peggy there?”

  “His assistant is on maternity leave. Can I get your number?”

  Brigit didn’t like leaving messages as Eve, but in this case, she had no choice. After providing her contact information and request for inmate status, she retreated inside and collected the shopping bags. Since she’d no intention of leaving the compound for bras and panties, she was grateful for Colton’s thoughtful gesture.

  As she headed out of her office, she abruptly stopped. She had two choices. Either trek through the backyard, up the porch stairs, into the kitchen, down the hallway and upstairs to her bedroom, or pass through his office. Don’t be ridiculous. Just go in.

  She stopped in the doorway. Colton sat at his desk with his back to her.

  Hours ago, he’d removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. She’d tried not to notice how his white dress shirt clung to his sinewy chest. And she tried not to imagine removing that pink tie, unbuttoning his shirt and running her f
ingers down his sexy, muscular torso. But she’d failed, and her cheeks had heated from the erotic thoughts. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed.

  Colton’s hair rested on his collar and she wanted to finger his unruly waves. Her body stirred with thoughts that had nothing to do with business. Stop. Shaking her head, she tapped on the doorframe.

  He swiveled around. “You don’t have to knock.”

  “Day one, you know.” With shopping bags in hand, she paused near his desk. “I haven’t found the Mitus Conglomerate instruction manual and I’m flying without a net.”

  His gaze floated over her face. “I’ll catch you.” His voice dropped, the husky timbre making her forget why she was standing there in the first place.

  She cleared her throat. “I’m not going to fall.”

  “Thanks for your efforts today, Brigit. I’m glad you’re on my team.”

  His kind words made her chest tighten. “I was counting on you being a first-class jerk. Please stop proving me wrong.”

  He smiled, but the spark quickly faded and his expression grew stern. “Just don’t ever deceive me.”

  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.