“No.”
“I’ll take care of that.” With his weapon drawn, Smith headed down the hallway. A few moments later, he returned. “I found an empty whiskey bottle, duct tape, rope, another kitchen knife and a keyless remote to a Cadillac.”
Brigit gripped Colton’s arm. “After I was attacked, my Escalade was found two miles from where I was dumped.”
“Good to know,” said the officer. “Mr. Mitus, you and your staff won’t be able to return here until forensics has completed its investigation.”
“Understood,” said Colton.
Officer Henson arrested Vanessa, read her her rights, and cuffed her. As he led Vanessa out, she turned. “Colton, I’ll never give up on us.” Then she shot Brigit a death stare. “He’s mine. Don’t ever forget that.”
57
HOLIDAY PARTY
Brigit tucked her toesinto her Christian Louboutin stilettos and looked at the wall hooks that once housed Colton’s mask collection. His black mask from Halloween and the one he’d bought her were all that remained. Even though Christmas was two days away, she’d decided to give him one of his presents later that evening.
“I love when you wear your hair up,” Colton said as he buttoned his brown silk Armani sport coat.
She flashed him a smile. “I love when you don’t shave.” Turning away, she revealed the unzipped back of her black Versace cocktail dress.
Stepping close, he trailed his fingers down her back then kissed the nape of her neck. Slowly, he zipped the dress. “Something’s not right.”
When he finished, she gazed into his eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m zipping. Shouldn’t I be removing your dress?”
Leaning up, she whispered into his ear, “You’ll get to do that plus a whole lot more before the night is over.”
“How can we arrange forthatparty to start now?” He kissed her.
“No can do. I’ve been looking forward to meeting your mom all week.”
His eyes softened. “She can’t wait, either.”
His black dress pants and cable brown sweater hung perfectly on his sculpted frame and she ran her hand down his chest, over the soft knit. “Let’s rock this party.” They left their bedroom closet and walked hand in hand down the hallway.
“I’m disappointed Shaniqua and Monica already left for New York,” she said.
“Tucker left this morning, too. We’ll have a dinner party after the holidays when they’re available.”
“I love that idea.”
Unclasping his hand, he caressed her bottom. “I have a lot of ideas you’d love.”
Her body warmed from his frisky touch and she gave his butt cheek a little squeeze. “Me, too.” As they walked down the stairs, she said, “It’s so quiet. Where is everyone?”
The normally bright foyer was illuminated only by the flickering candlelight spilling from the living room. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, a chorus of “Congratulations!” streamed from the living room. To their surprise, the staff had congregated around the baby grand.
With his tail wagging, Mojo trotted over and Brigit rubbed his head. “Hello, my sweet boy.”
Elliott, Shane, Ryan and Taylor walked in, each carrying a tray of champagne flutes. “Thank you, Taylor,” Colton said as he lifted two glasses. “Foreverything.”
Chad belted out a whistle. “Okay, a toast, so…quiet down!” He raised his glass and waited until all eyes were on him. “Colton, Brigit. We wish you the best and we love you. Congratulations and bottoms up.”
After lots of clinking glasses, the group sipped the chilled bubbly.
“I’d like to add something.” Taylor cleared her throat. “In many ways, we’re family. Our living arrangement is impossible to explain, so I don’t try to anymore. Even though I love my job and all of you, something was missing. It’s whatever makes a house a home. Turns out it was never a something, but asomeone. Here’s to Brigit.” She raised her glass.
