THE MITUS TOUCH: Book One of The Touch Series Page 7

  Suddenly, her body warmed. An ache, deep inside, burned for release. Glancing around, she found her answer.

  Colton.

  Her heart skipped a beat. She’d sensed his strong presence before she’d even seen him.

  With one hand in his pocket and the other holding a glass of whiskey, he chatted with Dez, the Mr. Muscles guy from Sullivan’s, and a lanky fellow. Colton hadn’t shaved. The dark whiskers gave him a rough, edgy appearance. That shadow would leave red marks if he dragged his mouth over her face, down her neck, her breasts, her stomach, and between her legs. She would feel the raw burn, a sweet, painful reminder, long after he’d ravaged her.

  She trembled at the thought. Though the room temperature was comfortable, she wished she’d worn a wrap. Bare shoulders made her feel vulnerable.

  Aside from the obvious quality and expense, there was nothing special about his duds. A brown suit paired with a white dress shirt, and a vibrant tie bursting with reds, oranges and yellows. Yet on Colton the material lay against his steel frame as if it was an extension of him. A suit of armor designed to enhance, not distract. He had the ability to demand attention simply by existing.

  Their eyes met in a fiery exchange of lust and need, but something unexplainable flowed between them. As he strolled toward her, heat bubbled off him with the ferocity of a lava-spewing volcano.

  His hard body, angled face and those shadowed eyes, the windows to his mysterious soul, had her body thrumming in all the right places. The closer he got the faster her heart galloped. Had someone turned up the thermostat?

  “Ladies.” Colton pecked Taylor and Red on their cheeks.

  Her body tensed in anticipation. But he didn’t take her hand or kiss her cheek. Instead he slid his free hand back into his pocket. Had he done that on purpose? Maybe he was getting the message or trying to provoke a reaction. Well, he wasn’t getting one. His hair was one hot mess and she bit the insides of her cheeks to keep from smiling. The man lived with a house full of females. Could no one tame his unruly mop?

  His eyes grew cold and a shudder ran through her. “Brigit, your dress is festive.”

  Ohmygod, he thinks I look like a Christmas tree.

  An attractive woman with short blonde hair sidled next to him. Her canary yellow gown left little to the imagination. Brigit recognized the sturdy employee from the Mitus website where leadership posted their bios.

  “Vanessa, have you met Brigit?” Colton asked.

  Ignoring Brigit, Vanessa kept her attention glued to Colton. “Handsome as always.” Wrapping her hand around his arm, she leaned close, forcing his obligatory kiss on her cheek. The warmth drained from her face when she addressed Brigit. “I’m Colton’s staff manager, Vanessa Ellison.”

  “Vanessa’s a wealth of knowledge about all things Mitus Conglomerate,” he said. “She’s put up with me longer than anyone else.”

  Vanessa’s shrill cackle pierced Brigit’s eardrums and she hid her grimace behind her wine glass.

  “I understand you’re interested in the accountant position,” Vanessa said when she’d gotten her shrieks under control.

  Accountant? “Not exactly,” Brigit replied. “One of my firm’s partners volunteered me.”

  Vanessa glanced at Colton, but his attention was diverted when a young man appeared with a glass of red wine balanced on a small silver platter.

  Colton placed his empty lowball glass on the tray but didn’t take the goblet. “Shane, I’ll have wine with dinner.”

  “Would you like another whiskey?” the attendant asked.

  “No, thanks.” Colton shifted his attention to Brigit. “Shane is a recent culinary school graduate who’s been spoiling the staff with his sinful chocolate pastries.”

  Shane beamed, his bright blue eyes standing out against his flushed face. Although his hair appeared combed, the wavy ends jutted every which way, giving him a disheveled appearance. He puffed his chest. “Thank you, Colton. Dinner is ready.”

  Colton extended his arm, offering Brigit an escort. Rather than placing her hand in the crook of his elbow, she wrapped her fingers around the muscular curve of his bicep.

  Big and hard. Her insides melted a little. It had been too long since she’d laid hands on a man. And she’d never touched one who felt like this. Tightening her grip, she peeked at him through her lashes. Although he didn’t look at her, his eyes turned stormy and sexy as hell.

  The dining room’s focal point was an impressive cherry table that spanned the length of the room, with twenty upholstered chairs outlined in a rich cherry border. Another stately room made cozy with a wood ceiling, and burnt cinnamon walls accented by dark wood wainscoting. In contrast, the white china, with its thick gold border, was simple yet tasteful.

  Another sensational room in Colton’s castle.

  As he escorted her past the grand china cabinet, she stopped. “These tea sets are exquisite. What an unusual collection.”

  “Passed down from my grandmother. Each boasts a unique design. Which is your favorite?”

  As she examined the sets, she tried ignoring his intense gaze boring into her. After a pregnant pause, she removed her hand from his bicep and pointed. “That one.”

  “Why?”

  “At first glance, it’s a simple white cup. But a town bursting with color has been painted in magnificent detail on the inside. With each sip of tea, the magic is slowly revealed. Everything happens beneath the surface.” Refusing to get pulled into the rip current of his penetrating stare, she fixed her attention on the china. Then, his hand glided across her bare back between her shoulders, leaving an eruption of fireworks in its wake.

  For years, all she’d wanted to do was scream at him for what he’d taken. As he caressed her skin, the only thing she could think of screaming was more. Her body tingled, tantalized by the sensual way he touched her. His hand trailed down her back, separated from her heated skin by the thin layer of black cloth.

  Hypersensitive nipples strained against the silky material, hungry to feel his hands, his mouth. A sexual need sent blood racing to her core. Had he touched her there, she would have shattered. Her heart pounded too fast and too loud.

  Breathe. Nice and easy.

  She didn’t want him to know the effect he was having on her, but she might as well have been holding a sign flashing orgasm-ready. His hand came to rest on the small of her back, above the curve of her ass. Another tectonic shift. Her core throbbed. His heat seeped through the clingy material, setting her skin on fire.

  Though wrong, she wanted him in the absolute worst way.

  “I will never look at that teacup set the same,” he murmured, stepping close.

  Shifting her gaze from the cabinet to the man, she found her breath and her voice. “Having an open mind makes life exciting.” She spoke softly. “It keeps the magic alive.” As soon as their eyes met, her senses took over. She inhaled his musky scent. Her fingertips itched to stroke his sexy, unshaved scruff. And then she heard it. A low growl shot out from the back of his throat. Her panties grew damp. Damn him. Damn her for reacting this way.

  He held her gaze for several seconds while the air crackled between them. Then, he leaned close and whispered. “You will not defy me.”

  With her free hand, she gripped her hip. “Oh, is that so? I’ll assume you’re referring to my wardrobe selection.”

  “My employees do as I tell them.”

  “I wore the necklace. Consider it a compromise.”

  “That’s not a win.”

  “I disagree. Everyone wins with compromise.”

  With a guiding hand on her back, he escorted her to the far end of the long table and pulled out the chair.

  She turned to face him. “Don’t assume I’m naïve Little Red Riding Hood skipping through the forest to Grandmother’s house. You, however, are—”

  “The big, bad wolf.” He gave her a devilish smile.

  Her blood pressure spiked. Yes, you are.

  He seated her, then left to dine at the
complete opposite end. Gazing at her across the lengthy table, he raised his wine glass in a silent toast. Was he keeping his distance on purpose or making a point by placing her in the opposing power position?

  To be cordial, she raised her glass, though her middle finger itched to salute him. Without question, he was the most infuriating man she’d ever met. By standing her ground, she was proving a point and tormenting him.

  Who knew payback could be so much fun?

  11

  The Big Bad Wolf

  Brigit had no way of knowing whether the staff always ate like royalty, but the sumptuous five-course dinner gave her pause for thought. C’mon, it was only food. No, I eat food. That was culinary perfection.

  Immediately following after-dinner liqueurs and specialty coffees, Taylor whisked Brigit into an elevator with several other staffers, but no Colton. As the doors opened to a large room in the lower level, they were greeted with the twang of a country singer determined to win back his long-lost love. Mr. Muscles sat behind the DJ console, spinning tunes with Zoe, Colton’s personal shopper.

  Unlike the elaborate style upstairs, the only furnishings were two sofas and a smattering of chairs in the far corner. A wooden dance floor took up most of the space and a rotating disco ball dangled from the ceiling.

  What held her attention were two stunning seventeenth century French tapestries clinging to adjacent walls. On closer examination, the artwork featured nudes in various sexual positions. Brigit dropped her gaze, not because the scenes were graphic, but because she hadn’t had sex in a long time. Staring in envy didn’t seem like polite party etiquette.

  Shane offered a tray of crystal flutes filled with champagne. Though she loved her bubbly, Brigit declined. Time to sober up. While Red and Ryan Catalano—the lanky fellow from earlier—bantered about the pros and cons of protein supplement shakes, Taylor and Dez weighed in.

  Brigit’s first impressions of the staff had been positive. Most everyone made her feel welcome and encouraged her to take the position, but she assumed their controlling boss had something to do with that. And Seth had been right. The magnificent home was one of a kind. If she didn’t have her own agenda, she would have given serious consideration to accepting the position, even with Colton’s demanding personality.

  Just then, Colton walked in and Brigit’s heart did that annoying little flippy-thing. Beyond his dashing looks and magnetic presence, she was drawn to him in a way she couldn’t explain.

  Within seconds, Vanessa tugged him onto the dance floor.

  Though the group conversation had moved beyond protein shakes, the chatter couldn’t hold Brigit’s attention. While Colton tried dancing at a respectable distance, Vanessa kept cozying up. By the end of the third song, her octopus arms encircled his neck. But he wasn’t holding her snugly. Instead, he’d grasped his own wrist with one hand, while his other hand fisted against the small of her back. Even with his arms draped around her, he wasn’t actually touching her. Interesting choice.

  The song ended. After detangling himself, Colton raised his hands in surrender. Not even Vanessa’s exaggerated pout could deter him. He folded his suit jacket over the back of a chair and spoke briefly with Mr. Muscles and Zoe, busy at the music controls.

  When finished, Colton glanced around the room.

  Brigit couldn’t look away fast enough. Their eyes met. His raw gaze made her heart beat faster. With each step sexual energy billowed off him, his magnetic pull undeniable.

  “Dance with me, Brigit.” Her insides quivered from his melodic timbre.

  “And if I won’t?” The loud music drowned her quiet voice.

  He leaned closer and a chunk of hair shadowed his brow. Her fingers twitched. Though dying to finger-comb his hair out of his eyes, she didn’t.

  “I’ll make it impossible for you to refuse me.” His warm breath caressed her cheek.

  Their unblinking connection remained unbroken. He collected her hands, and bolts of coiled passion traveled up her arms, over her neck and down her chest. She tried tugging her hands away, but he tightened his grip.

  “You know you want to dance with me.” His playful smile wasn’t helping.

  She raised her brows. “You know nothing about what I want.”

  His warm lips brushed against her sensitive ear. “I love a good challenge, just like you.”

  Oh God, yes. Her throbbing core made thought impossible. Though she shouldn’t take that next step with this man, she couldn’t deny herself what she so desperately needed.

  Him.

  As if on cue, a love song bathed Brigit’s lonely soul in romantic lyrics and a soothing melody. With their hands still entwined, Colton stepped backward. She stood her ground. Their fingers separated, but he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Pinned against his granite chest, she quietly moaned. Mmm, hard and strong.

  “We’ll dance here.” He wrapped his arms around her, pressed his massive palms against her back and swayed to the music.

  She pushed up on her tiptoes and pressed her mouth to his ear. “Take me,” she whispered. His breath caught and another low growl echoed in her ear. Her panties grew moist. “Onto the dance floor.”

  With a possessive hold around her waist, he slow-danced their way onto the wooden flooring, so they could sway beneath the silvery moon. But they still weren’t close enough. He twirled her halfway around, encircled her chest with his muscular arms and continued moving to the erotic beat. His long, thick erection pressed against her backside. Closing her eyes she floated in his arms.

  “I’ve got you exactly where I want you.” His breath heated the back of her neck. “In my arms and in my control.” Her eyes flew open and she pulled away. But he gripped her tighter. “You can’t escape me.”

  A tiny whimper shot from the back of her throat as muscles deep inside ached. His strong grasp turned her insides into liquid heat. Feeling alive and safe, she needed to surrender herself to him. I’ve lost my mind.

  One dance turned into many. Colton loosened his tie, unfastened the top button of his dress shirt and rolled up his sleeves. Watching him slowly bare his skin confirmed what she had to do.

  She had to have him.

  Tomorrow would be too late. The light of day would give way to rational thought. Consumed by an unrelenting need, she imagined his mouth on hers while his large hands forged trails across her sensitive skin. How could she want this man so desperately? This man? He captivated her like no one she’d ever met.

  For one night she’d let go. Not think about her painful past or her uncertain future. She’d free her lonely soul. Like the black widow, she’d wrap him in her web and take him.

  For. One. Night.

  As the song ended, Vanessa appeared. “Can I steal him?” she asked Brigit.

  “He’s all yours.” Brigit stepped away, but the distance left her feeling cold. And lonely.

  “We’ve already had our fun tonight, Vanessa.” Colton threaded his arm around Brigit’s waist.

  And just like at Sullivan’s, his anchoring grip exhilarated her. Her senses magnified everything around her. Everything Colton, that is.

  Though Vanessa smiled, the warmth didn’t reach her eyes. “A rain check,” she said and left the dance floor.

  A tender love ballad broke the awkwardness. Without hesitating, Colton snaked both arms around Brigit’s waist. Though she wanted to run her hands along his shoulders, she left her arms dangling by her side.

  “It’s easier and a lot more fun if you actually touch me.” The thickness in his voice landed at the apex between her legs.

  I want him. So badly.

  His smoldering stare sent a jolt of electricity pounding through her. “Here, let me help.” He draped her arm over his shoulder. “Your turn.”

  Pursing her lips to hide the smile, she placed her other hand on his shoulder. Her body heated, but not from the warmth of his skin seeping through his cotton shirt and onto her fingers. Laying her hands on his strong, hard body cemented her decisio
n.

  Tonight she would sleep with the enemy.

  His stare never left hers. Could he feel her unrelenting need? The song ended and the lights brightened. Some staff continued drinking and talking, while others headed upstairs.

  The connection hummed between them and her heart kicked up speed. Time to make her move. “Thank you for the opportunity to interview and meet your staff.”

  “Calling it a night?”

  With a sly smile, she nodded.

  “Are you tired?”

  “No. You?”

  As he shook his head, his gaze wandered from her eyes to her mouth, then back to her eyes. “Thirsty?”

  Slowly, she nodded. “I’ll text Taylor for sparking water.”

  His lips curved just enough to let her know he was amused. “Putting me through the paces, aren’t you?” He offered his arm and she gripped his bicep. Rather than heading upstairs, he led her out back, onto the cobblestone walkway.

  The blast of frigid air against her overheated skin felt invigorating. The full moon shone through the swaying tree branches illuminating their way like dancing fireflies as they headed toward the light in the guesthouse cottage.

  Halfway there, he stopped. Slowly, he pivoted toward her. His deep, dark pools confirmed she wanted this—she wanted him—more than her next chilly breath. She squeezed his arm, set her sights on the house and continued forward in silence. He pressed a code on the keyless entry pad and the door clicked open. He pushed it wide and waited.

  “No water in the main house?” She crossed the threshold.

  “None.” He closed the door behind them. “Fortunately, I’ve stashed some bottles here. You know, for emergencies.”

  “What a godsend! I can’t imagine having to drink tap water.”

  On a chuckle, he held her hand and led her through the small foyer. Sizzling energy skirted up her arm. Her hand felt tiny nestled in his large one, but as soon as they entered the kitchen, she pulled her hand away.

  “Shane whipped up a surprise dessert. Shall we be naughty and have a bite?”

  He planned this. “Perhaps a nibble.”