Page 23 of Her Irish Boss

“I'll try to control myself.”

Selena headed back, scanning the table, noting that they were partway through their entrees. A few drinks needed a refill. She stopped beside Randy Simmons, who sat at the head of the table. An attractive man, well into his sixties that still worked out based on the way he filled out the dress shirt he wore. A pretty boy is what Katie had called him. Boy was a little stretch. He looked more like a grandpa Malibu Ken doll than a real man. Fake tan, bright white teeth, and a Rolex watch that must have cost him a small fortune. She hated flashy men like that.

He probably drove an overpriced sports car, too.

“Yes, sir?”

He shook his head slowly. “I've asked you to call me Randy, Selena.”

He had.

And she hadn't.

“Did you need something?” She looked at his plate, mostly empty. His drink was empty. “A vodka and tonic?”

“Yes, and,” he said, lowering his voice, making it hard to hear above the conversation at the table, “I'd like to take you out sometime.”

Damn. Even their leader was scuzzy. “I'm sorry, but I'm only available to provide you with another drink.” With most men, that provided them an easy way out of an awkward situation.

“Are you sure about that?”

She arched an eyebrow and stood straight. “Same type of vodka?”

“Do you know who I am?” He sat back in his chair like he'd tell her a story—definitely Malibu Ken Grandpa. “I'm about to renovate this entire corner of Atlanta. Put in a big plaza shopping center.”

“Oh.” Her face felt hot. Straight anger from the cocky way he didn't care about the people he'd put out of a job. But it wasn’t her place to butt in. “So you don't want the drink?”

He smiled brighter. “I like your spunk. Once we close O'Keeley's down, I'll have use for someone like you on my staff. If you're interested.”

She crossed her arms. “And what does your staff do, exactly?”

“Whatever I need them to do.” His hand encircled the outside of her thigh and squeezed.

She smacked his arm away and stepped to the side. Her face flamed hotter. Adrenaline. “I'll get your check.”

His lips quirked to the side. “I'm not through with my meal.” He motioned to the table. “Neither are my colleagues, and they'll leave when I do. You wouldn't want them to have to leave without paying since you didn't allow them time to finish? I'm sure your boss wouldn't like that.”

The restaurant didn't need the loss of revenue on a party this size. It didn't mean they had to finish their dinner at O'Keeley's. Even Brogan had mentioned tossing them out. He'd have her back. She lifted her chin. “I'll be sure to bring you all a to-go box.” She turned and stormed out of the room and down the stairs.

As promised, Cathal stood behind the bar, looking like he entertained the crowd better than serving drinks efficiently. But it was manpower on a night they desperately needed it. She took a strong, deep breath to cool her temper as she crossed the floor.

She didn't want to bitch and moan about Simmons to Cathal. She'd handled it. Now, the group needed to pay and leave before Brogan came out to check on things. He had enough to worry about with the bank without her adding to it.

Cathal met her at the end of the bar. He cleaned off two empty pint glasses and began to wipe down the wood. His red collared shirt with the O'Keeley's logo and blue jeans looked far more casual than he normally dressed.

“Now, what has displeased you?”

“Nothing. Why?” She tried to give him a perky smile. Judging by his look, he didn't buy it.

He leaned his elbows on the bar. “Brogan mentioned a few of the guys in the party might give you a hard time.”

Selena shrugged. “I can handle it.” She wished she could have tossed Simmons out on his ass and covered their tabherself. But this was a more professional way to treat him. Even if he didn't deserve it.

Katie stepped up beside her. “I figured you could use an extra set of hands with that many to-go boxes. I'm glad you kicked them out. No tip is worth letting Simmons paw all over you.” She brightened when her eyes landed on Cathal. “Well, hey there.” She nudged Selena's shoulder, completely oblivious that her confession about Simmons just darkened Cathal's gaze significantly.

“Hello, Katie,” he replied with a sharp glance at Selena.

Katie smiled wider. “I can proudly say I had the cutest guy in the bar take me home last week. Too bad, he dropped me off and told me to drink some water and take two aspirins.”

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