“Of course not.” The tiniest hint of a smile brightened her eyes.
Of course not.
Because of her guarded nature, Colton directed the conversation back to wine, which seemed like a safe subject. Nearly an hour later the only thing he’d learned was her impressive knack for deflecting questions. Her specialty might be to drive him insane. The verdict was still out.
The soft rat-a-tat on his bedroom door felt like an intrusion and not an opportunity to escape. He rose, set his goblet on the coffee table and offered his hand. She stiffened, like a mannequin. Taking her wine glass, he placed it next to his, then extended his hand again. This time she accepted.
When they touched, blood whooshed through his veins at a maddening pace. Their eyes locked and her dilating pupils bled black over green. Aching to kiss her plump lips, he pulled her close and hardened. Her breath caught and she stole a glance at his mouth.
A louder knock broke their connection and he released her.Dammit.
“Enter.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off her.She wanted that kiss.Given another opportunity, hewouldkiss her.
Taylor appeared in the sitting room doorway and flushed. “Uh…um, you told me to be here, err…now. Bad time?”
That obvious? Throttle back.Slipping his hand into his pocket, he said, “Taylor, Brigit should wear the vintage gown, don’t you think?” He’d been fantasizing about her in that number all week.
As Brigit bit out a grunt, she cocked her hand on her hip. “Didn’t we just have a conversation about my refusing to take orders from you?”
Fidgeting, Taylor glanced furtively at Brigit while a thick silence hung in the air. The stare down continued. If Brigit wouldn’t wear a damn dress, she’d never follow his portfolio instructions.
“More wine before I steal Brigit away?” Taylor asked breaking the silence.
“Yes,” they both answered.
Taylor giggled until Colton cut his stare to her. Clearing her throat, she filled their goblets in silence. “Brigit, please come with me.” As Taylor removed the platter, she knocked over Colton’s glass. Red wine splattered onto the light upholstery of the ottoman, creating a stain resembling a Rorschach test. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Taylor’s cheeks turned as red as the spilled liquid.
Colton’s nostrils flared. “Taylor, please text Vanessa about the ottoman so housekeeping can work their magic.”
Though driven and determined, he maintained an even keel, especially when angered. Seeing the damaged furniture pissed him off, but that was his issue. Taylor made a mistake, and she knew it.
As a result of his father’s tirades, fear, humiliation and daily stomachaches had haunted the first ten years of his life. He’d cut off his arm before he’d do that to anyone, especially someone he cared about, like Taylor.
Trying to distance himself from memories of his father, he rose to his full stature, threw back his shoulders and breathed. The man Colton had become wouldn’t tolerate cruel behavior.Never again.
“Excuse me a moment.” Colton retreated into his bedroom. On impulse he’d purchased a piece of jewelry that would compliment Brigit’s delicate neckline. Returning to the sitting room, he offered her the small, rectangular wrapped box. “A token of my appreciation.”
Brigit stepped back. “I…I can’t accept this.”
Determined she take it, he placed the gift in her palm. “It’s part of the onboarding experience.”
She cracked a smile. “Thank you.”
The two grand he’d spent was worth her adorable expression. He wanted to run his fingers over her pink cheeks until his thumb brushed that pouty lower lip. And then he wanted to replace his thumb with his mouth, for starters.
Taylor ushered her out. Pausing in the doorway, Brigit turned. He’d been appreciating her backside. Her tiny waist, the sway of her ass, those defined calf muscles. She eyed him with such intensity he almost asked her what, or who, she needed. And then, she was gone, her beguiling image charred into his memory.
If he had one night with her, he could get her out of his system. Though he tried convincing himself it was a bad idea, the sweet temptation had taken hold. Against his better judgment and steadfast rule, he had to have her.
And he couldn’t wait.
10
KEEPING HIS DISTANCE
Brigit entered the guestsuite, located midway down the long hallway. When compared with the masculine touches throughout the mansion, this room mimicked an upscale hotel suite. Neutral colors, understated, modern furniture. Surprisingly, she missed Colton’s influence. Taupe walls matched the taupe love seat and the taupe throw pillows offset the bright white comforter.