Without a second’s hesitation, he captured her face in his hands and he kissed her. Soft. Tender. Worshipful.
Did he realize the incredible gift he’d just given her? She did and she’d never forget it.
With walkie-talkie in hand, Colton requested Will’s assistance. After escorting them to the cavern with the small pond, Will left.
Brigit and Colton stood in peaceful silence admiring the still waters of Dream Lake. The glassy surface reflected the long, bony finger-like stalactites hanging from the ceiling, creating an illusion that the water’s depth was far greater than a shallow pool. Nature’s majestic sculptures had designed a breathtaking sight, a wondrous work of art that filled the room with serenity. The fantasy lured Brigit into seeing something that simply wasn’t there. But if she believed it, it must be real. Mustn’t it?
Staring into the quiet liquid, she reflected on how her contrived life was as much of an illusion as Dream Lake. Hidden beneath her beguiling surface were secrets, lies, fear, anger, pain, and so much loneliness. And when the harsh light was shone, and the truth revealed, the illusion would be dispelled. Reality would turn everything dark, murky, and ugly.
How she envied Dream Lake.
39
A Painful Past
At first, Brigit had tried ignoring the feelings, and then she’d tried fighting them. In the beauty and stillness of Dream Lake, she silently acknowledged the truth. She was falling in love with Colton. Completely and unconditionally. Instead of feeling joyous, emptiness ripped at her heart. Once he knew her secrets, his rejection would bring unbearable heartache. But how much longer could she withhold the truth?
Will escorted them back to the Stalacpipe organ room and left. Covered dishes had been placed on the white tablecloth—cherry tomato, mozzarella ball and herb skewers, fried chicken bites, roasted potato salad with scallions, and cucumber and sugar snap salad.
“Everything looks great.” Brigit pointed to the array of foods. “Did you do this?”
“My specialty is breakfast and grilling,” Colton replied. “Picnic prepared by Elliott and Shane.” They filled their plates and dug in.
“Tell me about your life prior to Porter, Gabriel and Sethfield,” Colton said after they’d sampled everything.
Oh, God, no. She poked at the potatoes. “Nothing much to know. Why do you ask?”
“I’m interested. Where are you from?”
“Earth.” She white-knuckled her cloth napkin.
“Well, that’s a comfort. Can you narrow it down for me?”
“America.”
“How did you find your way to being a wealth manager?” He popped a chicken bite into his mouth.
“I like helping people realize their dreams of having long-term financial peace of mind.”
Colton smiled. “You do know that sounds like a commercial, right?”
“No.”
“Do you like being a wealth manager?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t like talking about yourself, do you?”
Though the caverns were cool, she felt like she’d erupt in flames if she didn’t change the subject. “I thought we’d discuss a more relevant topic like MobiCom’s hostile takeover attempt.”
“And just like that the mysterious princess shuts down the prince who’s come to rescue her.”
She stared at the strangled cotton in her lap. “I don’t believe in fairy tales and I rescued myself a long time ago.” She fidgeted, then blurted, “So, how much did this evening set you back?” Humiliated, she closed her eyes. Earth swallow me, now.
On a flutter, she opened them, but was too embarrassed to look at him, so she took several sips of water, hoping to cool her heated cheeks.
“I had just enough pennies in my piggy bank to pull this off. Thanks to you, I’m no longer hemorrhaging cash. Thought I’d splurge.” He took a bite of the cucumber salad.
“That was rude. I’m sorry.”
He stayed quiet for several seconds, his eyes never leaving hers. “I paid seven thousand to rent the caverns, donated ten to the preservation fund and tipped Will a few hundred.”
Brigit’s mouth dropped open. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How ‘bout ‘thank you’ or ‘that deserves another blow job.’” He waggled his brows and gave her a playful grin.
She laughed. “In other words, you want a seventeen-thousand-dollar blow job. No pressure there.”
He laughed. Her embarrassment was replaced by the lusty thought of doing that to him. Again her body heated, but for a different reason. She needed him in all those ways.
Suddenly his expression turned from playful to somber. “Tucker mentioned he spoke with you about your home. It’s disappointing he couldn’t lift any prints.”
“Ah, so, you brought me here to discuss the break-in.”
“I brought you here to show my appreciation, but I am concerned for your safety. And so are you.” He set down his fork. “After the gunshot at the benefit, you shouted, ‘He’s going to kill me.’ Who were you talking about?”
“I…um…I was scared and not thinking clearly.” She looked away. “I don’t want to put you or your staff at risk. I can move out.”
“Brigit, I don’t want you to leave. I want to help you.” He scooted his chair closer and caressed her cheek with the back of his finger. “My brother was murdered in a home invasion when we were ten. I understand the real danger you’re in.” He pulled her hand from her lap and held it. “Living in fear isn’t really living.”
Thick silence hung in the air for a long moment. “I’m sorry for your loss,” she said and threaded her fingers through his.
He looked down at their entwined hands. “My monster of a father couldn’t conduct a legitimate business deal to save his fucking life. He owed some people a lot of money, which he didn’t have, so they broke into our home to clean us out. Cain wasn’t supposed to be there. They drowned my twin in the tub to prove they weren’t messing around.” He lifted his face. “I found him, blue and bloated.”
In seconds, she was on his lap. She wrapped her arm around his back and hugged him. Though she could never assume to know his pain, she knew her own. “I’m so sorry.”
They sat in silence until Colton continued. “The message on your bathroom mirror wasn’t a coincidence. Who trashed your home, Brigit? Talk to me.”
Was now the right time to come clean? Should she tell him the truth and pledge her support against MobiCom, even if he fired her and kicked her out? “I…uh, I…want you to…um…there’s something I need to te—”
Will came jogging into the room. “Sorry to interrupt. I was monitoring the grounds and saw someone in the parking lot. When I checked it out, they were gone, but, well, there’s no easy way to tell you this. Mr. Mitus, your tires have been slashed.”
An hour and a half later, Vonn pulled out of Luray Cavern’s parking lot and activated the privacy screen in the Bentley. To Colton’s surprise, Brigit curled into his lap, rested her head on his shoulder and nuzzled his neck. He wrapped his arms around her, breathed her beautiful scent and listened to her steady breathing.
He didn’t consider himself a romantic, but as the miles blurred by, he thought of how much his life had changed since she’d walked through Seth’s door. This woman had an inner strength that rivaled his own. Determined, bold, difficult, sassy. Yet in the darkness, her fear and loneliness spoke volumes.
When Vonn stopped the Bentley at the Mitus gates, Colton dropped a light kiss on her lips. Brigit had barely spoken a word since Will had burst in with the news. She’d looked terrified, so he didn’t press her further.
“We’re home,” he whispered.
The muscles in her back relaxed and she lifted her face to his. “Thank you for a once-in-a-lifetime evening. It meant so much to me.” This time she kissed him, then scrambled off his lap.
At the circle, Vonn cut the engine and opened Colton’s door.
Exiting the vehicle, Colton said, “Thank you for goi
ng the extra mile, Vonn.
“I’m relieved you’re both safe,” Vonn replied.
In silence, Colton escorted Brigit to her bedroom. When he turned to leave, she placed a soft but firm hand on his arm.
“Stay with me tonight.”
40
The Grand Gift
Colton awoke spooning Brigit, his hard-on pressed against her toned bottom. She didn’t stir, so he slipped out of bed, threw on his pants and strode down the hall to his bedroom. When he made up his mind, there was no stopping him. After listening to Brigit play, and watching her come alive at the keyboard, he was determined to complete the project that day.
By late afternoon, he stood admiring the unblemished instrument in his living room.
His thoughts drifted to the previous night. If some asshole hadn’t slashed his tires, would Brigit have confided in him? And what would she have told him? Her baby news or something from her past that could help Tucker? Seemed farfetched that the vandalism to his vehicle was related to her home invasion, but he couldn’t rule it out, either.
He’d learned nothing about Brigit, but had revealed plenty. Despite being a private person, he couldn’t stop talking around her. Going forward, he needed to shut the hell up. Let her spill her guts for a change.
Taylor walked by the living room and stopped short. “I didn’t know you played.”
“I don’t.”
She smiled.
With a playful tone, he said, “Wipe the grin, Taylor. Could you bring Brigit out here so she can see her surprise?”
“She’ll love it.” Taylor vanished around the corner.
Moments later, Taylor led Brigit, with her eyes closed, into the living room, then left.
Colton stood next to the piano, ensuring he could see her expression. “Open your eyes, Brigit.”
When she did, her face exploded in a grin. “Whoa, that’s beautiful!”
Her happiness tugged at his heart. She lifted the keyboard lid and ran her fingers over the keys. “Who plays?”
“You do.”
Her eyes grew wide. “You bought this for me?” He nodded. “Thank you. It’s exquisite.” She stepped close and whispered, “I can’t play in front of others.”
“You already have.” Relaxing into the oversized burgundy chair, he propped his feet on the ottoman.
She shifted her attention to his bare feet, then let her gaze roam slowly up his body. As their eyes met, she ran her tongue over her lower lip. His thoughts were filled with things he wanted her to do with that sexy mouth and his twitching dick agreed.
“You seem distracted, not that I’m complaining.” He tossed a nod toward the instrument. “Go ahead, give it a try.”
She eased onto the bench. Brushing her fingers over the keys, she tapped several notes, then spun around. “Fingers in ears.”
Feigning frustration, he obliged. She turned, but didn’t move.
I believe in you.
As if she’d heard him, she struck the keys. What were the chances? She was playing his favorite piece—“Andare” by Ludovico Einaudi. As the hauntingly moving melody washed over him, she threw herself into the music. When she finished playing, applause shattered the silence. Half the staff had congregated in the foyer, some visibly moved by her performance.
“What the—” As Brigit spun around, her cheeks turned strawberry red. “Thank you.” She slid off the bench and edged away from the crowd.
He rose to block her escape and looked at his team. “Guys, what are you waiting for? You’ve needed a pianist.”
“I’ll get my guitar.” Red headed toward the stairs.
“Chad, help me carry my drums up,” said Ryan.
“I won’t sing alone.” Taylor nibbled her fingernail.
“I’ll grab my bass and sing with you,” Chad hollered as he jogged after Ryan.
The remaining staff watched from the foyer. Colton sat on the bench and patted it. Reluctantly, she sank down and stared at the keys. What happened to his strong-willed Brigit? “Doing what terrifies us makes us stronger when we achieve the impossible.”
She lifted her gaze to his. “You’re pushing me into unchartered waters. I don’t swim with sharks.”
“We both know you can do this, Brigit.”
The color had drained from her cheeks, but she swiveled toward the keyboard. Though she had to overcome this and find the gumption, he’d remain seated on the bench, by her side.
Heaving in a breath, she struck the keys. This time she chose “Nuvole Bianche” also by Ludovico Einaudi. The emotion she rarely showed blossomed when she played. When finished, she flashed him a prideful smile. She’d done it again. Last night wasn’t a fluke or the magical setting bolstering her courage.
“My brave Brigit.” He put his arm around her and pecked her forehead. As she gazed into his eyes, her lips parted. Just as he leaned toward her, Vanessa sidled over.
“You have a never-ending array of talents, Brigit. Colton’s hired more than a money manager this time around.”
He slid off the bench. Thank you, Vanessa. You saved me from a major faux pas. C’mon, Mitus.
From the chair in the corner, Colton watched his team form a makeshift band. They fumbled through several current numbers until they found their rhythm. Even normally reserved Dez joined in on the fun by contributing pitch-perfect harmonies. The remaining staff started dancing and Vanessa sauntered over to Colton. “Time to get those bones a-movin’.” Vanessa extended her hand and Colton accepted.
While everyone else danced in the foyer where there was ample room, Vanessa stayed in the living room. That worked to Colton’s advantage. While dancing, he had a great shot of Brigit as she made love to the keyboard. And if she wasn’t making love to him, the instrument was an acceptable alternative.
An hour later, Shane rolled a cart of iced herbal teas and sparkling waters into the living room.
“No wine, huh?” Brigit stood. “I’ll grab a glass.”
“I, um…well, I was advised today’s event is alcohol and caffeine free.” Shane glanced nervously at his boss.
Shaking her head, Brigit continued playing with the group.
No alcohol. You’re pregnant with my child.
Their rock band fun ended when Shane announced dinner and the hungry team bustled toward the dining room.
“Glad to see you’ve still got some ‘Saturday Night Fever’ moves left in you, Colt,” Vanessa said. “I’m going to let Brigit know how much I enjoyed our afternoon.”
Vanessa plunked on the bench, wrapped her hand around Brigit’s shoulder and glanced back at Colton. He could always count on Vanessa. She was a loyal Mitus employee. Vanessa spoke quietly, but when she removed her hand from Brigit’s shoulder, Brigit left the room, head down.
What the hell happened?
Vanessa rushed back to Colton. “That is one strange chick. She might be your best accountant and she plays a mean piano, but she’s not all there.” Vanessa tapped her skull.
“What happened?”
“I told her how great she played. She told me she didn’t need my approval and to stay away from her.” Vanessa’s eyes glistened and she choked back a sob. “Why doesn’t she like me?”
Why would Brigit lash out? That made no sense. If it happened again, he’d speak with her. Draping his arm around Vanessa, he tenderly patted her shoulder. “Thanks for your efforts. You know how much I appreciate you.”
Vanessa lifted her tear-streaked face. “I do, Colton, and that means everything to me.”
41
The Missing Mask
At one minute past four the following afternoon Brigit hollered, “Woo hoo!” and jetted out of her desk chair. The stock market had just closed for the week and she was ecstatic. Her plan had worked. Francesco’s stock price had jumped a whopping twenty-four percent after their technology innovation announcement.
Colton strode into the office, whisked her into his arms and spun her around. “Great work! Your strategy was ingenious. This will shut Mobi
Com down.”
Brigit laughed. Seeing Colton this happy was infectious. If only. “Okay, hotshot, you can put me down now.”
“Oh, yeah, I don’t want you getting nauseous.” He set her down as if she were a porcelain doll.
After one twirl? “I’m not that fragile.”
He placed both hands on her shoulders and shot her a stern look. “No more secrets. You and I are in this together.”
She jumped back. “Wait, what…um…uh…what are you talking about?” Her heart rate skyrocketed. Did Tucker uncover her true identity? Had Marjorie given away their secret? No, she’d never do that. Colton didn’t look angry. He looked concerned. Hopeful, even. If he’d found out who she really was, hope wouldn’t be springing from his soulful brown eyes. He’d be a spewing volcano of scalding lava.
Colton’s phone rang and he sprinted into his office, calling over his shoulder, “Probably Marjorie.”
She followed. Colton pressed the speaker button on his desk phone console. “Mitus.”
“Colton, Colton, it’s Wilson Montgomery. How are we doing today?”
His singsongy voice sent goose bumps careening down Brigit’s arms.
“I don’t have time—” Colton’s tone changed in a nanosecond.
“Make time.” Wilson’s voice turned staccato.
His eyes narrowed. “The takeover is never going to happen.” Colton’s chillingly cold voice scared her.
“MobiCom is well prepared for anything you or your little underlings might throw our way. Driving up Francesco stock won’t stop us. We have a laundry list as long as my–—well, let’s just say it’s impressive—of reasons why shareholders should, and will, vote in favor of the acquisition.”
Colton grew rigid. “You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better.”
“I will win, because I’m a winner. You will lose, C-C-C-Colton, because you are a l-l-l-loser. And I can pro—”
THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Page 24