As Will escorted them through the cavernous rooms, explaining the history behind the cave and how stalagmites and stalactites formed, Colton wanted to hold her hand or stroke her back, but tonight he kept one hand by his side and the other tucked in his pants pocket.
During the tour, they paused to admire Dream Lake cavern. The magnificent stalactites hung down, their reflections captured in the mirrored stillness of the pond. As Brigit turned from the shallow water toward him, she caressed his arm. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Every time she left the compound the fear in her eyes tore at his guts. But in the quiet of the cave, her angst melted away. As they stared into each other’s eyes, he hungered to pull her into his arms. There was no way in hell he’d be able to keep his distance. No fucking way.
Their last stop was the palatial Stalacpipe Organ room. The backdrop for the majestic instrument was the high ceiling and dramatic stalactites dangling like sand-colored icicles.
“Beautiful,” she murmured.
There was a four-person table in the center of the room, covered with a white tablecloth and set for two. A bottle chilled in an ice bucket and a giant bouquet of short-stemmed peach roses with yellow tips filled a vase.
“You’re welcome to play the organ,” Will said. “Please use these first.” Will set down a container of hand wipes and left a walkie-talkie.
Colton handed him an envelope.
“Totally not necessary, but thank you.” Will took it and shook his hand. “It plays ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.’” Will programmed the organ before trotting out.
As the hymn reverberated around the room, Brigit stood perfectly still in the middle of the room. “It’s breathtaking.”
Yes, you are.Needing to be close, he stood beside her.
“Your efforts and the results we’ve achieved have been outstanding,” he said when the music ended. “Thank you for stopping my financial bleeding and for helping ensure Francesco doesn’t get absorbed into MobiCom. I thought this would be a memorable way to celebrate and unwind.”
She blew out a frustrated breath and faced him. “What’s my punishment when I don’t fall in line?”
“Losing is never an option.”
She wrung her hands. “Sometimes we can’t control the outcome and we have to live with the consequences, no matter how difficult.”
What was happening? Their fairy tale evening seemed to be unraveling. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he strode to the bucket and lifted the bottle. Her expression fell. “Were you expecting champagne?” He poured a glass of sparkling water. “This is a healthier choice for you and…for…um, for us both.”
“Clothing Czar. Food Dictator,” she mumbled as she took the glass. He poured another and held it up.
“Cheers.” He toasted her. “To a strong and lasting partnership.” After taking a sip he said, “May I have this dance?”
Her eyes softened. He hadn’t a clue what had upset her, but he’d move on. After setting the organ to replay the song, he slipped his arm around her waist. In silence they swayed to the hymn. Though surrounded by people daily, Colton had been a loner until Brigit had entered his world. From that moment, he’d done whatever necessary to ensure she was by his side.
Reluctantly, she placed her hand on his bicep. But she wouldn’t look at him.
The music ended. He stopped moving, but didn’t remove his hand from her waist. “Look at me,” he murmured.
She refused.
“My strong-willed Brigit.” Her gaze drifted to his. The undeniable connection hummed between them. He could hear it as much as he could feel the never-ending magnetic attraction, pulling them closer. Her bottom lip trembled. “Can I get your jacket?”
She shook her head.
“I think your trembling lip is sending a secret message.” Unable to resist, he kissed her softly. “Message received.”
Her eyes grew misty and she stepped away. The distance left him cold.
“Brigit, there’s so much I like about you. I thought destiny and fate were for dreamers and fools, yet here we are. I can’t imagine sharing this profound beauty with anyone but you.”
Hugging herself, she faced him. “This is magical and I appreciate the accolades. You hired me to do a job and I’ll do my best to exceed your expectations.”
“Do you know what I like most about you?” He made up the distance between them and moved back into her personal space.
She cocked a brow and hitched her hand on her hip. “I have a pretty good idea.”
