Colton nodded. Then, he, too, poured a glass of sparkling water. With his gaze cemented on hers, he drank it. Mesmerized by his fluid movement, she wondered if he was aware of his commanding and graceful presence.
“Brigit, your presentation was thorough. I have no questions.”
Her prideful smile couldn’t be contained.Yes, yes, yes. I nailed it!“Thank you.”
“Should I extend you an offer, I’d double your current earnings.”
Whoa. I could buy a ton of Francesco stock.
“In addition, bonuses would be tied to a percentage of growth realized.” Colton set down the glass. “While generous, it’s well deserved. Since you can ballpark my worth, offering you less would be an insult, especially since you’ll be working round the clock.” He raked his hand over his whiskered cheek and the slow, repetitive motion distracted her. All the while, his expression remained unreadable. “It’s best to get everything on the table. I have a reservation.”
“Just one?” She leaned back and crossed her arms. “I have several.”
“You’re too strong-willed and too independent.”
“How are thoseproblems? Don’t you want a wealth manager who’s as passionate about your success as you are?”
He strummed his fingers on the table. “And I’m confident you’d ignore my orders.”
“Wrong again. First, I wouldn’t ignore you. That’s disrespectful. Second, I don’ttakeordersfrom anyone, but I would hear you out. Doing what you tell me and doing what’s best for the health of your wealth might be two completely different things. But since I’m not working for you, this conversation is pointless isn’t it?”
He stared at her with the intensity of a lion hunting its prey. At long last Colton Mitus had finally heard her.
9
THE GIFT
Colton didn’t believe inluck. He believed in nose to the grindstone, tenacity, and in winning. And then winning again.
Brigit’s phenomenal presentation was peppered with charm and humor. Colton despised bullshitters and fast talkers. She was neither. Her intelligence shone though without being showy. And her efforts impressed the hell out of him. Professionally she was quite competent to manage his portfolio and possibly earn a spot in his inner circle of trusted Mitus advisors.
But his initial impression of her hadn’t changed. She was independent to a fault and he was confident she wouldn’t follow his instructions. Her strong-willed nature could pose a considerable challenge. Bringing a wild card into the fold could hurt his wireless venture and possibly undermine his career. Was Brigit Farnay the right person to manage his flailing portfolio?
Skimming her analysis of MobiCom, he said, “This is well done and concise. You handled my last-minute request well.”
“Why was this urgent?”
“The nature of my projects requires immediate turnaround.”
“I’ll let Seth know. He’ll find an advisor who’ll meet your unrealistic demands.”
Colton flashed her a smile. “He already did.”
She swiveled to face him and arched a brow. “Were you testing me?”
Of course I was.Colton held her gaze for a few seconds. “Since you’ll be living here, let me show you around.”
She stood and squared her shoulders. A chilly demeanor replaced the warmth in her eyes. Her resistance to moving in would be a challenge, but he’d overcome it. He’d keep the tour brief, skipping the underground parking garage along with the additional bedroom suites on the uppermost floor.
The recreation level downstairs had a heated swimming pool, full-sized gym, and state-of-the-art home theater, but he wasn’t going to show her those amenities either. The main room was set up for a show. She’d ask questions, none of which he’d answer. She’d see that roomafterhis staff had reconfigured it for a party…a G-rated one. Withholding certain things until after she’d moved in might mitigate the likelihood of her moving out.
But Brigit wasn’t going to accept the position because of his amenities anyway.Well, not those amenities.Inwardly he smiled.
In the library, he showed her his Civil War gun collection passed down through five Mitus generations. She searched his face, paying little attention to the weapons. What was she thinking? A simple smile reached her eyes. He could not read this woman. That drove him crazy. He found it sexy as hell when a woman played hard to get. Although he doubted this woman was playing.
“I could have skipped the guns, right?” he asked.
“Not at all. The weapons are…well…they’re part of your family history and…a treasured heirloom.” She fiddled with the thick silver bracelet on her delicate right wrist.
