Page 32 of Her Irish Boss

Tender. The man that had threatened to dismember Simmons on her behalf had such a soft side that made her fall even more.

The reality of their situation sucked.

“She has memory problems. I'm trying to get her into a special facility. But I've fought the insurance company every step of the way, and I can't afford to put her in one alone.”

His hand lingered along her neck before it dropped to his side. No. It wasn’t fair that Brogan sent those signals expecting her to do something about it. As much as she hated giving up control, he was in the driver's seat on this one. He held the rulebook in his back pocket.

“Let me know if I can help.” He backed away, giving her air to breathe. He began to button up his shirt. “The kitchen staff should be here soon. And my brothers.”

“Early morning meeting?”

“Yes.”

“I'll start on the advertising as soon as I can.” She tapped the closed laptop sitting on his desk. “Do you mind if I take this home?”

“Not at all.” He buttoned the cuffs of his shirt. “But don't concern yourself about it tomorrow.”

“I should have time. The meeting is at ten thirty. I hope to take her for a tour after that, but it depends on what the insurance says. Can I swing by and pick the computer up after my shift today?”

“Sure. And let me know what they say about your granny's situation.” He slipped his navy tie around his neckand began to tie it. She watched as she did every day. Couldn't help it. He glanced up once, his blue eyes snagging hers for a heartbeat before looking back down.

He reached out and took his suit coat from the back of his chair. And, as she'd done a few times, she stepped closer and straightened his already straight tie. Her hand smoothed the tie. She'd gotten bolder each time. She aimed dozens of signals Brogan's way. This time, she let her hands rest along his waist.

She tilted her head up. His chest rose and fell with a deep breath.

But he never made a move.

All they did was torture themselves.

“Well, this is interesting.” Rian leaned against the door. Didn't knock. Didn't make a sound.

Brogan's work mask slipped over his face as he brushed past her and sat back down at his desk. “It's not interesting at all.” He looked at his computer, flipping back to his email.

Selena stepped away, frustrated. “Don't worry. I'm about to leave so you can work,Mr. O'Keeley.”

Brogan's shoulders inched higher.

“Please, don't leave on my account,” Rian said.

“I have work to do.” She drummed her fingers on the closed laptop case. “I'll find you to get this when I'm leaving.”

Brogan nodded without making eye contact. “Alright.”

She sighed and passed by Rian. He shifted, blocking her way enough that she stopped. He winked. “Nice to see you, Selena.” He held his arms out wide for a hug looking more mischievous than flirtatious. And she thought Cathal was the one up to no good most of the time. She gave him his hug. “Let me know the next time you plan on going out to the bar,” he said.

“Rian—” Brogan grumbled.

He lowered his voice to barely a whisper. “Works every time.” He released her, and she exited the room, feeling the eyes of both men on her back. What had Rian meant? What worked every time? Brogan made her mind a mess each morning when she left. She didn't need to add another Irishman to the confusion.

Brogan staredat Selena's text.

The insurance company fell through again. I have another meeting in 30 days. This sucks.

Figuring out what to do about her confused him more than he needed with the restaurant on the verge of closing.

“Are you with us, Brog?” Rian leaned over to look at his phone. “Ah. I see your mind is occupied.”

Brogan tossed his phone to the low coffee table in front of them. “No. You don't see.” Because they didn't see it his way. Didn't see the responsibility to ensure their future was secure. The fact they were grown men was beside the point. His Ma would expect him to do everything he could to keep the pub open. Keep them together.

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