“So you spent the holiday with your sister?”
“And our mom. She recently underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Unfortunately it turned out to be malignant. Though she’d hired fulltime nursing care, I’ve been spending as much time with her as I can. My mom told Alexandra about her health issue on the day you met her. She was devastated.”
Brigit stopped and looked at him. “I’m sorry about your mom.”
“Monday of Thanksgiving week Kimberly had a setback. Alexandra called me from the hospital. That’s why I left our strategy meeting. It was a tough holiday. My mom’s been through so much.”
“So have you.” Brigit caressed his arm and his body stirred from her soothing touch. She furrowed her brow. “How’d you find me?”
“When Chad connected your phone to the network he activated a locator app. You might think it’s invasive but I use it for emergencies. Since Cain’s death I’m overly protective of people I care about. Your phone saved you.”
“No, Colton,yousaved me.” Brigit wrapped her arms around his back and rested her cheek against his chest. “I’m so grateful.”
Relief surged through him. Folding her in his arms, he kissed the top of her head. Her strangled sobs shredded his heart. After several seconds, she pulled away and ambled into her bedroom. Using the furniture for balance, she walked slowly to the bathroom and closed the door.
While waiting in her bedroom, he rubbed his hands down his scruffy whiskers. Why was she still so guarded? Couldn’t she see how much he cared?
Mojo bounded in and plopped in his bed with Taylor following close behind. “Colton, how are you holding up?” she asked.
“I’m relieved,” he replied. “Thank you for taking such good care of Brigit. I’ll stay with her tonight. Get some rest. She’s all yours in the morning, although I can hire a day nurse.”
“You know I took care of my mom for all those months. I’m happy to help Brigit.” Taylor scooted out and closed the door behind her.
Brigit emerged and knelt to rub the dog’s head. “Good night, sweet Mojo.” His tail wagged and he licked her hand. She struggled to get up.
In a flash, Colton knelt next to her. “Lean on me.” She wrapped her fingers around his outstretched arm. “You ready?”
“Yeah.” Slowly, he stood and she rose alongside him. Wincing, she grabbed her side. “God, that hurts.”
They stood, inches away from each other. “I’d take your pain if I could.” Again, he couldn’t resist and he damn well didn’t want to. His kiss was soft, gentle, and filled with hope. He kissed her again. Kissing her felt fantastic.
She lifted her face to his and gazed into his eyes. “I’ve tried to fight this…us…but I have no strength left.”
“Then don’t.” He kissed her. “Do you know how fucking important you are to me?”
Color blossomed on her cheeks. “Yeah, sure, everyone likes their wealth advisor.”
“Not like this, they don’t.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her as if she were a priceless porcelain doll. Then he ran his tongue along her lower lip but even that wasn’t enough. Her lips parted and he eagerly stroked her tongue. And he hardened from her soft, sweet moan. Once she regained her health, he’d make love to her. Reluctantly, he ended their kiss. She needed sleep. “Let me tuck you in.”
“Where’s Taylor?” Brigit asked.
“I’m staying.”
Her lips lifted. “I can’t sleep in sweats.”
“I’ll help you take them off.”
Her brow furrowed and she broke eye contact. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”
“Let me help you, Brigit.” She stared into his eyes for a long moment then gave him a little nod.
He found a cotton nightshirt in her closet and helped her undress. She’d been through one hell of an ordeal. Her shoulder, torso and thighs were blotched in shades of purple. Seeing her like this reminded him of Cain and he bit back the emotion.
Before covering her in the nightshirt, he dotted her bruises with tender kisses. “You are so beautiful.”
She looked sleepy, but there was a tiny spark in her eyes. After tucking her in, he went into the bathroom. When he exited, he removed his phone and set it on her bureau.
“Will you lie with me?” she asked.
