Brigit found her breath and her raging insides settled down. “And if I don’t sign it?”
“Your presentation won’t be relevant.” Dez smiled, his mocha eyes warm and friendly.
“I’m not interviewing for the position, so I don’t need to sign anything.”
Colton leaned forward and placed his large hand on her desk like he was staking his territory. “Brigit, youwillinterview and you will sign that form.” So much power radiated from his dark eyes as his unrelenting gaze drew her in.
Her nipples tightened at the thought of those sexy hands fondling her breasts and caressing her inner thighs.
“Not happening.” She crossed her leg and arched a brow. This washertiny office and she was queen of it.
“Let’s skip the back and forth and get right to the good stuff,” Colton said.
His quiet and commanding voice was hypnotic.Dammit. Get a grip.
“You have two weeks to prepare.” He removed his hand and leaned back.
His magnetic presence may have worked on others, but his needs meant nothing to her. They held each other’s gaze. This time, his intensity fueled her resolve. “Barking orders won’t work with me. I’m not your minion, nor do I have any intention of becoming one.”
Creases around the edges of Colton’s eyes softened and the corners of his mouth lifted. “Would you prefer I flatter you? Tell you I’m bleeding tens of thousands of dollars daily and that you and only you can save me?”
She perked up at the thought of his groveling. “Yes.”
Pursing his lips, Dez slid the one-page nondisclosure across her desk.
Colton crossed his legs. His massive thigh distracted her and before she could stop herself, she checked out his legs, then eyed his crisp white dress shirt hugging his muscular torso. She imagined his black and brown tie dangling around his neck, his dress shirt opened, her palms pressed against his hard chest. Her insides stirred with need and she blinked the fantasy away.
Determined to inflict bodily harm on herself for her feverish thoughts, she fisted her hands beneath the desk and her long fingernails dug into her palms.
Colton’s phone rang and he pulled it from his pocket. “Excuse me.” He answered. “Mitus.” As he listened, he turned pensive.
Brigit swiveled toward her computer and checked email. It was either that or gawk at his face.
“Marjorie, hold on.” Colton stood. “Brigit, I need a moment.”
“Stepping into the fray won’t buy you any privacy,” she said. “You’re better off in here. I deal with sensitive matters daily. These walls and my lips—” She mimed zipping her lips.
Brigit wouldn’t relinquish her office. If he wanted her to leave, he’d have to ask. She would make nothing easy for this man. Nothing.
“Thanks.” He eased back into the chair and pressed the cell to his ear. “Marjorie, who from MobiCom contacted Dobb?”
Ohmygod, he’s talking to Francesco’s Chief Operating Officer, Marjorie McAllister.Heat flamed her cheeks. She had wonderful childhood memories of the larger-than-life Mrs. Mic. Dobb had to be Bob Dobb, the just-promoted president of the Francesco Company. Brigit turned back to her monitor but beneath her desk she fidgeted with her thick, corded bracelet.
“His timing is coincidental,” Colton said. “No one at MobiCom knows about Crockett Boxes. There’s too much at stake for anyone to leak the information.”
Brigit shot him a hard stare.What’s happening at my company?
“Dobb knows that. I think you’re worrying needlessly.” Colton glanced at Brigit. “I’m interviewing a potential wealth manager. I’ll call you later.” He hung up.
“Sorry for the interruption. Now, where were we?”
Brigit swiveled to face him. “You, about to grovel.”
“All right, we’ll play this your way, this time.” Colton sat tall. “It’s my understanding that your specialty is portfolios in distress. Mine hasn’t been managed in months and has been neglected for far longer. I trust Seth and his glowing recommendation. I believe you can breathe life back into me.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, into my portfolio. Please educate me on your solution, preferably at Mitus Mansion, where I hope you’ll move in, in short order.”
She could ruin him, or she could save him. Was it payback time, or an opportunity to build trust and gain his confidence so she could find out what had Mrs. Mic so concerned?
5
