Page 21 of Her Irish Boss

“No, sir.”

“Then go back and handle it the best you can until he gets here.”

The kid turned around, as if in a daze, and walked back to the kitchen. Rian might be considered the quiet one, but he didn't have that reputation in the kitchen. The awards he'd won over the years preceded him. As well as his demand for excellence.

Brogan pulled out his phone and dialed his brother's number. He answered after one ring. “Rian, we need you at the restaurant. Two of your kitchen staff have left sick. I have three sick on the floor. I'd hate to lose more and not have the manpower for Saturday night.”

“On my way. I'll pull Cathal.”

“Why?”

“He can work the bar if nothing else. See you in ten.” Rian hung up.

Selena breezed through the door, Katie right behind her. Both with serious, game-faces on as they scanned the dining room. It instantly reminded him of another significant reason he couldn't cross the line. The business was better because of Selena.

“Good,” Cara said. “They're here earlier than I thought. The Simmons party just arrived, too.”

Brogan hadn't noticed, his eyes locked on Selena's pursed lips as she walked his direction. “Is the upstairs room ready?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Selena and Katie came to a stop in front of him. “Where do you want us,” Katie asked, looking between Brogan and Cara.

“The Simmons party is back again.”

Selena winced and looked away.

“What is it?” Brogan had seen the tip reported from thatnight. With the apartment complex she lived in, surely, she needed the money.

Katie, Cara, and Brogan all waited for Selena to answer. She shot an annoyed look in his direction. “Nothing.”

“Something,” he answered. Katie and Cara looked at him. He didn't need this, to let anyone know that he had a little more than just a professional interest in Selena. But he couldn't ignore her discomfort.

She stared at the party as they passed by the group. Mr. Simmons was so involved in a conversation, he didn't notice Brogan. But two of the men, separately, both sent Selena a look he didn't appreciate.

A look that if Selena were his, he'd point it out to them both. Immediately.

“Oh.” He kept the fury out of his tone of voice and slipped his hands into his pockets to conceal the fists.

Selena shook her head. “I can deal with it.”

“There's no reason for you to deal with it, though.” He looked at Katie. “If any of those men are inappropriate, let me know. Immediately.”

She nodded her head. “Yes, sir.”

“Do you want to work it with Katie? If not, Cara can pull someone else.”

Selena took a deep breath. “I'm fine. Really. I'll give those two fine specimens to Katie.”

Katie grinned. “I'll handle them.”

“I'm sure you will.” Brogan patted Katie on the shoulder. “Let me know if you need any additional help.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Mr. O'Keeley.”

Cara walked back up to the front, and Katie headed to the employee break room.

“I mean it about those men. I'll ask them to leave if they say or do anything inappropriate.” He realized belatedlyhow deep his accent had grown. She didn't miss it based on the way her lips pursed together.

---