“You didn’t Google him, didyou?”
Taylor held up her hand. “No, and I don’t want to know anything about Jagger Loving. If he calls you for my number, let me know. I’ve saved money working at Mitus and will reimburse thecharity.”
“That’scrazy!”
Taylor set down her mug and crossed her arms. “Our paths won’t cross again. It was fun—a lot of fun—but it’sover.”
Secretly, she wished it wasn’t. She had never met anyone like Jagger Loving and doubted she ever wouldagain.
6
Jagger’s Big Ass Problem
Jagger huggeda frail Kimberly Mitus goodbye before exiting the guesthouse on Colton’s property. He couldn’t leave Virginia without seeing one of his best friends. But his heart broke for Colton and his mother. “I’m sorry,” Jagger said to his longtimefriend.
“She’s a fighter, but she can’t beat brain cancer.” Colton couldn’t hide the sadness in his voice. “Thanks for spending time withher.”
In silence, the two men walked towards the main house, a sprawling mansion on Mitus’s fifty-acre estate in Great Falls,Virginia.
“I love your mom.” Jagger followed Colton into the house. “During college, she was everyone’s mother. Is she well enough totravel?”
“Possibly. What did you have inmind?”
“You and Brigit should bring her to my California property. The ocean views offer spectacular sunsets. It might be nice for her. I’d put you up in one of the Presidential suites. Each comes with two privatebedrooms.”
“Thank you,” Colton said as they stepped into the elevator. “I appreciatethat.”
“I don’t know what you’re going through,” Jagger said. “I only know how I felt when my dad passedaway.”
Colton’s signature nod signaled an end to the discussion about KimberlyMitus.
They stepped out of the elevator on the main floor, and walked down the long hallway toward the double doors at the end. “Scotch still your favorite?” Colton opened his office door andgestured.
“No alcohol for me, thanks,” Jagger said as he entered. “Sparkling or still water is fine.” He glanced around the large space. “Great man cave with all the Mitus bells andwhistles.”
“Thanks,” Colton said. “I’m glad you stopped by. It’s good to seeyou.”
As Colton poured two sparkling waters, Jagger lifted a framed photo from Colton’s desk. “Brigit’s beautiful. Maverick said she’s perfect for you. Congratulations.” Colton’s wide grin made Jagger chuckle. “Your smile says it all. Where isshe?”
“Her office.” Colton tossed another nod toward an open door in the corner before handing the water goblet to Jagger. “I’ll grab her when we’re finished catching up. I want to hear about your latest resort—especially since I have a stake in it—and the life of an internationalplayboy.”
Jagger laughed. “After the incident, I gave up the wild lifestyle. Except for golf, I work like a dog.” His phone rang. His assistant was calling. “Gotta grabthis.”
“I’ll check on Brigit.” Colton headed toward the corneroffice.
“Robby, what’s theword?”
“We’ve got a major effing problem. I’ve had no sleep and I’m freakingout.”
Robby operated at a higher frequency than Jagger, but the alarm in his assistant’s voice made the hair on the back of his neck prickle. “What’s goingon?”
“Erin moved toVegas.”
“What?” No way would his event director bail at such a criticaltime.
“She won’t return my calls or texts, but she posted a selfie outside a casino with a comment about her exciting, new life,” Robby continued.“Her laptop’s missing and, from what the event staff told me, she hadn’t offloaded much. Beyond the two grand-opening parties, we can’t figure out what else has been planned, if anything. We don’t know what shows are booked. We’ve been going nonstop but I have nothing solid to tell you. We aresoscrewed.”
With a slow and deliberate move, Jagger set down the glass. “Contact IT and have her passwords killed. HR needs to pull her non-compete. Have them check with legal about taking action against her if they determine she’s violated hercontract.”