“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 of 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 thatin and outgoing 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?”
