“No, thanks.” The hearty aroma wafted in Brigit’s direction and she took a sip. Hot and strong.This’ll clear the cobwebs.
Brigit stopped using cream and sugar when her parents died. If her parents could drink their java black, so could she. She wanted to preserve their memory. Even the little things helped keep her connected.
Taylor plopped on a cushy chair at the long walnut table and Brigit eased in beside her. The sweet sting between her legs reminded her of Colton. Was there no escaping that man? As Elliott and Shane whisked and stirred, baked and flipped, she questioned whether she’d fit in.No, no I wouldn’t. Stop thinking.
Six hickory leather chairs lined the center island. Eye-catching ruby and peach glass lights hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow on the shiny granite surface while winking copper pots dangled from an overhead rack. Even the professional-grade stainless steel appliances and a restaurant-size refrigerator didn’t detract from the charm and homey feel of the room. But the harsh light of day brought the realization that she was enjoying another fantastic meal with Colton’s staff. The situation seemed a little too cozy for her liking.
A group of seven trickled in and Taylor reintroduced Brigit. The second Elliott announced breakfast was ready they swarmed the center island like starving children. If the spread was designed to impress, it was a rousing success. Spinach quiches, hash browns, blueberry pancakes, chicken and apple sausage links and oven-fresh cinnamon muffins lined the island.
“Ryan, dude, Elliott made this forBrigit.” Red tapped his shoulder. “You need to step aside for our guest.”
“It’s fine.” Brigit waited to fill her plate, then slipped back into her seat.
“So, Brigit, did Colton make you an offer?” Vanessa asked, seated across the table.
“He did.” Brigit buttered her muffin.
“Are you giving two weeks or starting Monday?” Red asked.
“I declined,” Brigit replied.
“Shit,” Red mumbled.
“Stop eating my food.” Elliott winked.
Brigit smiled at him.
“I commend Brigit,” Vanessa said. “If it’s not the right fit, why throw her life into turmoil? Colton’s a handful. No one knows that better than me.”
“Save it,” Red mumbled.
Brigit braced for another cackle, but silence prevailed. Vanessa’s smug expression soured her stomach. Why would Vanessa care who Colton hired?
Loud laughter interrupted her thoughts. Colton and Mr. Muscles entered the kitchen play fighting like two little boys. She couldn’t help but crack a smile.
Colton wore a long-sleeved white running shirt and black running pants. Snug material designed to wick away perspiration. And there wasn’t a drop of sweat on that man, anywhere. His windblown hair and reddened cheeks made her heart patter wildly. That man was a whole lotta yummy.
Her gaze roamed over his sculpted arms and down his rock-solid torso. By the time she feasted on his thick thighs, she was plain old gawking. Thoughts of those strong legs beneath her as she straddled his steely length had her fidgeting in her seat.Stop.
To distract herself, she turned her attention to the other man. Football-player big with the face of a surfer, he wore basketball shorts and a cut-off T-shirt. But it was his bedhead blond hair and dimples that stood out, even over that hard body.Those two are serious eye candy.
Colton scanned the faces at the table until he found who he was looking for.
Brigit.
His expression turned from carefree to fiery. A ripple of excitement burst through her and she crossed her legs. The soreness made her flinch. “Brigit,” Colton said, “this is Chad Wright, my—”
“Human cyborg creation,” Chad said, and they started laughing all over again.
If things had been different, Colton might have captured her heart with his playful nature. But they weren’t and he hadn’t. He was still the man who’d snatched her family’s business, treated her with total disrespect, and guarded her company as if his life depended on it.
Chad got his laughter under control and extended his hand. “Good to finally meet you, Brigit. I handle security for Mitus. I hope you start soon because this guy”—he punched Colton’s shoulder—“hasn’t stopped talk—”
“Brigit,” Colton interrupted. “Did you have a restful sleep?”
“I slept on a slab of granite, but Elliott and Shane’s delicious breakfast made up for my restless night.” Though her face warmed, she held Colton’s gaze.
His mouth quirked up, but he cleared his throat and the smile vanished. “Once again, we disagree. A firm mattress provides a more restful sleep. Studies show hardness ranks high.”