THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Read online

  Brigit redirected her attention to the power couple sitting across her desk. “So, Frederick, when will our conversations include your retirement plans? You’re working more now than you did a decade ago.”

  Sixty-three-year-old Frederick Mundy, a lobbyist during the Reagan era, had turned into a successful business owner and multimillionaire. His wife, Alyssa, a former marketing exec, now focused her time on philanthropic ventures.

  “Fear drives me,” Frederick replied. “Greatest motivator in the world.”

  Alyssa rolled her eyes. “His greatest motivator.”

  “I thought love was the greatest motivator,” Brigit said.

  “If that’s the case, love will guide your life. Doesn’t matter how many millions I have, it’s never enough.” Frederick pushed out of the chair. “And on that note, it’s time for me to make some more.”

  “Thank you for your recommendations.” Alyssa stood. “You’ve been spot-on the past few years.”

  “Thank you, Alyssa.” Brigit rolled back her chair and walked around her desk. “These changes are our first steps toward less volatile investments. Frederick, you’ve been fighting me on this, but you’ve taken some recent hits that we need to mitigate going forward. Moving into a more conservative financial arena is key.”

  She escorted them to reception and almost had a heart attack. Colton Mitus and his attorney, Dez Livingston, were chatting with George Internado. Her business-as-usual day came to a screeching halt.

  “Senator!” exclaimed Frederick. “Great to see you!”

  After greeting Frederick and Alyssa, George turned his heavyset torso toward Brigit. His smile dropped and his rotund body grew rigid. He stood motionless, refusing to even shake her hand. His comb-over shone beneath the harsh fluorescents.

  Brigit’s palms grew clammy. “Hello, George.”

  “You can imagine my surprise when Seth called me this morning.” George crossed his chunky arms. “Had to rearrange my packed afternoon. Will you be joining us?”

  She swallowed. “No, I won’t. Please excuse me.” Brigit faced her clients. “Thank you for coming in. Always a pleasure.”

  “That’s Colton Mitus,” Alyssa whispered as she hugged her. “Would you like an introduction? Last I heard he’s unattached.”

  She forced a smile. “Thanks. I’ve met him.”

  Colton stepped close. “Brigit, I need a moment.”

  The timbre of his husky voice rumbled through her sex-starved body, setting off a series of mini explosions that warmed her insides. Brigit loved men. But the way her body reacted to this man enraged her. “Excuse me a second.” She stepped over to reception. “Has Seth been notified the senator is waiting?”

  Shaniqua’s deep brown eyes twinkled. She glanced at Colton, a smile ghosting over her lips. “Yes. Kaleb is on his way.”

  Did Colton expect she’d drop everything to speak with him simply because he’d shown up? Blowing out a muffled huff, she cut her stare to him. The man exuded an abundance of confidence. From the way his tailored charcoal gray suit complemented his sculpted frame to the determination in his dark, powerful eyes, his strong essence was palpable.

  And then he smiled. A full-blown, testosterone-laden smile. A blast of heat coursed through her veins.

  Whoa.

  Her thoughts blurred. Delicious tingles cascaded through her as a collective sigh floated from the bullpen.

  But Brigit had more willpower than to fall victim to his charm. Standing tall, her five-foot-five-inch frame was no match for his, but her four-inch stilettos greatly aided her cause. She refused to allow his massive size to make her feel small in any way.

  She offered the man standing next to him a cordial smile. “Brigit Farnay.”

  “Dez Livingston, Colton’s legal counsel.” They shook hands.

  With his impressive bio posted on the Mitus Conglomerate website, the fifty-three-year-old had been Colton’s personal attorney for years. A man of few words, he was fiercely protective of him and was seldom quoted in articles written about the Mitus empire. Also a distinguished dresser, Dez’s close-cut Afro, beard and mustache were in sharp contrast to Colton’s unruly head of hair framing his clean-shaven face.

  “What bring you by t-t-today?” Brigit tried to keep her voice steady, but a tremble caught the last word.

  Colton’s eyes narrowed. “Unfinished business.”

  Panic churned in her gut. Was he going to confront her about her shares of Francesco stock? She’d done nothing illegal and had every right to scarf up that stock. “Let’s discuss this in my office.”

  Heads craned from cubicles like prairie dogs poking out of their holes. Colton’s gargantuan ego needed no additional stroking. After closing her office door, she shielded herself behind her desk and steeled her spine.

  Colton eyed the sticky note affixed to her clutter-free desk. “I see Seth gave you my number.”

  “Yes, my plan to contact you next week got bumped to now.”

  Dez reached into his briefcase and pulled out a folder. “We need you to sign a nondisclosure agreement.”

  “Why?” What’s Colton up to?

  “We’re providing you with a list of Mitus Conglomerate’s most distressed accounts.” Dez set the folder on her desk.

  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, you will interview 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 was her tiny 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 e
asy 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

  Yes

  Brigit’s world shifted a little. She wouldn’t dismiss Colton as he’d done to her, but she wasn’t going to work for him, either. “Until Seth provides you with a list of viable candidates, I’ll offer a one-time consultation.” Brigit pulled a pen from her center drawer.

  Colton’s jaw muscles ticked. “You’re moving in the right direction.”

  “Before I sign anything, I’d like to view your list of distressed companies.”

  Colton nodded. Dez handed over the summary page. Though the Francesco Company should have been included, it was not. That made no sense. The stock had been lackluster for months, yet he didn’t want her reviewing that investment. Unknowingly, he’d cut her a break. She’d no intention of providing him with any counsel on her company.

  “I sign this and you leave.” She placed the tip of her pen on the signature line and shifted her gaze to Colton. His nod left her no choice.

  Escorting the men out, Brigit couldn’t ignore the stares. Were brokers eyeing Colton because of his wealth or his reputation? Probably both, but neither mattered. The painful irony of her situation was apparent. Had he agreed to a meeting years ago, he might not have been in his current predicament. But the past was just that.

  Time to step into her future, which included Colton Mitus sooner than she anticipated, and in a way she never imagined.

  Standing in reception, she watched as the two men vanished into the elevator. “There goes a handful.”

  “Nothing you can’t manage,” Shaniqua said.

  “Taking that man on as a client is so not happening.”

  “I’m not sure even headstrong Brigit Farnay can stop the Colton Mitus locomotive.” Shaniqua raised an eyebrow. “And who would want to?”

  Brigit tapped the counter twice with her knuckles. “Me, that’s who.” She took off toward her office, hoping to pack up and leave in the next ten minutes.

  Her desk phone buzzed. Kaleb. Not again. It had been such a long week. Here goes. She lifted the handset. “Hi, Kaleb.”

  “You might want to leave,” Kaleb whispered. “I heard Internado yell, ‘How dare you accuse me of that?’”

  Her stomach churned. “What did Seth say?”

  “He yelled back, ‘Then why the hell did you give Brigit this hotel key?’”

  Brigit’s mouth dried up. She had, after all, accused a very powerful senator of a highly inappropriate action. “And?”

  “The senator stopped shouting,” Kaleb said. “I can’t hear anything else. You’ve spent a lot of time in Seth’s office this week. Thought you’d like a heads-up.”

  “Thanks. Join us at Sullivan’s for happy hour.” Eager to leave, she hung up and shut down.

  Kat popped into her office. “I don’t need to ask if you’re ready for a glass of wine.”

  “My sights are set on a bottle.” Brigit shrugged on her coat, threw her laptop satchel over her shoulder and grabbed her handbag. “Let’s bolt.”

  In congested D.C. traffic, Kat inched her car toward Sullivan’s of Georgetown. Rather than girl-chatter about their day, Kat punched up music on her playlist and belted out the lyrics. Brigit loved how Kat knew she needed chill time.

  Brigit stared at the storefronts and office buildings, trying not to dwell on her surprise visitors. The anxiety-inducing events would drift away as soon as she took that first sip. Ever since her parents’ deaths, alcohol helped numb her pain.

  After Kat parked on a nearby side street, the two woman hustled inside the restaurant and claimed their table for six in the bar area. Within minutes, the popular watering hole grew crowded with Washingtonians jump-starting their weekend. The familiar smell of beer on tap, the warm amber lighting and the rich mahogany and leather decor comforted Brigit’s restive heart. Rick Sullivan, owner and head bartender, treated Porter, Gabriel and Sethfield’s wealth advisors like royalty with discounts on the drinks and eats.

  Both women ordered a glass of wine, delivered by their server in record time. “I’ve had an unusual job offer.” As Brigit sipped her pinot noir, the delicious bouquet of berry flavors blossomed on her tongue.

  “I had a feeling something was up,” Kat said. “You spent most of yesterday in Seth’s office.”

  “Colton Mitus needs a wealth manager.”

  “Ah, yes, the tall, handsome and intimidating man guilty of causing hysteria amongst the ranks. Everyone is envious, Brig.”

  “Because of Mitus?” Brigit rolled her eyes. “Puhleeese.”

  “Newest client?”

  “Seth wants me to give up all my clients and work only for him.”

  Kat’s eyes widened like saucers. “Does he have enough business to cover your earnings?”

  Shrugging, she added, “Doesn’t matter. I’m not interested.” Brigit tipped more liquid into her mouth.

  “Why not? Sounds like a sweet deal.”

  “I’d have to move into his home.”

  Kat bolted upright. “What!”

  “Now you feel my pain. He lives in a mansion in Great Falls, as in crossing the bridge into Virginia. His staff lives with him.”

  “Sounds extreme.” Kat twirled a chunk of her brunette waves.

  Just then, a posse of coworkers barreled toward their table. Time to share seats.

  “Matthew or me?” Brigit asked.

  Kat made room on her chair. “That man makes my skin crawl.”

  As Brigit started to slide over, Matthew plunked down and wrapped his arm around Brigit’s waist, holding her captive. “Evening, ma’am. I appreciate your cozying up with me. A cowboy sure can get lonely on the range.”

  A shiver flew down her spine and she shot out of her seat. “Well, buckaroo, find yourself a buffalo.”

  Matthew threw back his head and laughed.

  Ew. “Let’s sit at the bar,” she whispered to Kat. With no stools available, the women squeezed into an open space, flush against the wall. “Matthew’s become a pain in the ass,” said Brigit.

  “He’s been a pain in the ass,” said Kat. “He’s going to get an earful if he doesn’t back off.”

  Rick Sullivan laid a napkin in front of each woman. “How are Porter, Gabriel and Sethfield’s smartest wealth managers doing this evening?”

  Kat smiled. “Growing America’s wealth one portfolio at a time.”

  Rick chuckled
. “Mine included, I hope. Brigit, Kat what can I get you?”

  “Split a bottle of pinot?” Brigit drained her glass.

  Kat nodded.

  “A bottle, please,” Brigit said to Rick. “The good stuff.”

  Matthew sidled so close his chest brushed Brigit’s shoulder. “Rick, put that bottle on my tab.”

  She jerked away, goose bumps spilling down her arms.

  “Not cool.” Kat shouldered the wall.

  “The lady’s not buying whatever you’re peddling,” a husky voice growled behind them. “Let me clue you in. These women aren’t interested.”

  The women wheeled around. Colton Mitus loomed directly behind Brigit. A lightning bolt shot through her and she gasped. What’s he doing here?

  Kat’s jaw dropped. “Okay, well, wow.”

  “Look, buddy, my friend’s not interested in you. Get lost.” Matthew sounded tough, but looked like he’d pissed his pants.

  Colton glared at Matthew, his jaw muscles working overtime. “I’m not your buddy, these women aren’t your friends, and you have no idea what Brigit needs.” Colton’s piercing intensity bore a hole through Matthew.

  Brigit pursed her lips. The hovering testosterone needed to go away. Matthew’s skirt chasing bordered on harassment and Colton needed to find a wealth manager who wanted to manage his wealth.

  “I’ll be here when you’ve had enough of this…this loser.” Red- faced Matthew turned away and guzzled his drink.

  Had Colton followed her? Had Seth tipped him off? Slowly his attention shifted from Matthew to her and when their eyes met, his lips split into a charming grin. A zing traveled at Mach Whoa. Her body was so not helping. She introduced Kat in an attempt to diffuse the undeniable heat smoldering between them.

  “Brigit, I thought I’d pay you a social call.” His harsh tone had been replaced with a soothing timbre like rich, creamy chocolate. When his hand jutted onto the bar, separating her from Matthew, a sexual urge flooded her traitorous body.

  Pinned by Mitus. And she liked it.

  His eyes were the color of Colombian coffee. Deep. Dark. Decadent. She managed a calming breath and caught his scent. Cologne-free, he smelled of cedar soap and lager beer. That particular beer reminded her of her daddy. Her thoughts turned laser-focused in an instant.