After speaking with security, Colton handed his business card to the one in charge, then addressed the crowd as Lance was hauled away. “Who wrestled him to the ground?”
“I did,” replied a middle-aged man sporting a shock of gray hair.
Colton walked over and extended his hand. “Richard, I’m indebted. Thank you.”
Richard shook it. “Paybacks will be steep, my friend.”
“Call my office after the holidays and we’ll set up a meeting.” Shifting his attention to the group, he painted on a smile and tried looking relaxed. Somewhat of a challenge after an assassination attempt though.
“That’s enough excitement for one evening, don’t you agree? Thank you all for attending and safe travels.” He scanned the crowd. “Where’s my Brigit?” Calling Brigithissounded damn good.
With rosy cheeks, she stepped forward and gave him the cutest smile. Had she liked that or was she relieved to get the hell out of there?
As soon as he clasped her hand, he relaxed. He’d been convinced Montgomery was trying to kill him. When he saw Lance on the ground, he knew he could manage the crisis. Walking briskly through the lobby, they slipped into a waiting elevator. Before the doors fully closed, Colton pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Rising on her tiptoes, Brigit wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. The doors slid open. Dammit, they’d reached the tenth floor too quickly. He ended the kiss. She pulled away as they stepped into the hushed hallway.
“This way.” She tugged him toward their suites.
She stopped in front of her suite and inserted her key. “Goodnight, Colton. You did a good thing, tonight. Two, actually.” Without waiting for his reply, she vanished behind the closed door. Colton smiled. She wasn’t getting away so easily.
He entered his suite and draped his jacket on the back of the chair, untied his black bow tie and unfastened the top button of his shirt. Time to unwind. He deserved it. That event was almost a year in the making. At the moment, though, he had more pressing things on his mind.
Brigit.
Dealing with Lance had left him off-kilter. He strode into the bathroom and splashed water on his face. After drying off, he opened the door to the adjoining suite and knocked.Time for some fun, Ms. Farnay.
No answer. He knocked again. Nothing. He texted Brigit.Sleeping?
Within seconds his phone lit up.Who wants to know?
A secret admirer.
She didn’t respond. He lifted the cradle and called the front desk. “Brigit Farnay’s room. It’s under the name Colton Mitus. She’s in the suite next to mine.”
“Yes, sir. Please hold.” After three rings, he hung up and left his room. He knew exactly where Brigit was.
Alone at the bar, she sipped her champagne. He slid onto the stool next to her. “Are you buying?”
“Sure. Put it on my room tab, under the name Mitus.”
He smiled. “Drinking alone?”
“Meet my buddy, Mr. Bubbly.” She tipped the liquid into her mouth.
“Seriously, I don’t want to intrude.” If she’d wanted him to join her, she’d have asked.
A coy smile lit up her eyes. “You’re resourceful. I knew you’d find me.”
“Consider yourself found.” He ordered a glass of the hotel’s best scotch, neat.
“Congratulations. Tonight was a huge success.”
“What an ending, huh?”
“No one got hurt and that’s what counts.”
They sat in a comfortable silence. The scotch took the edge off, but staring at Brigit brought the heat. When they’d drained their glasses, she ordered a second glass for them both. “You like to drink,” he said.
“I like to forget. This helps blur the lines.” She took a long draw of champagne.
