Page 39 of Her Irish Boss

“Thank the Lord,” Cathal muttered from the sofa. “You guys are too loud this early in the morning with all your shouting.”

Brogan looked over Selena's head as she turned to look, too. His brother had one arm thrown over his eyes, sprawled out across the sofa. At least he'd faked not being hungover for Jacob.

Selena moved away. “I guess I need to call the nurse to see if she can stay or call Katie's sister.”

“I'm sorry to involve you in this.” He wanted to drag her back, kiss her again, and prove that she was his.

The feeling of insecurity creeping in around a woman put an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. He put himself back into control. Distant and safe.

“Let me know about those advertising sites when you get around to checking on them. And there's a delivery today that is supposed to arrive before the kitchen staff. Keep an ear out for that.”

Her open expression closed off again. “Got it.” And she left, taking everything she'd brought into his office with her.

“You suck at dating,” Cathal mumbled from the sofa. “I'm surprised you've ever had a ride the way you blunder things up.”

“I didn't ask for your opinion.” He sat down at the desk, pulling up his to-do list for the day. Reminders about payments and payroll information, boring, ordinary things that he could focus on instead of Selena.

Cathal sat up, squinting, reaching for his coffee cup. “No. You'll shoot yourself in the foot and lose Selena before you ask for help.”

“I don't need help. And you can go back to your bed anytime you want to.”

Cathal shook his head. “Oh, no. I plan on staying. The entire day. I need to make sure you don't royally screw everything up with that sweet girl out there.”

“Why is my relationship with her any of your business?”

“Because, dear older brother, if you act like a jerk much longer, Rian and I are going to kick you out of the family and adopt her.” Cathal left, slamming the door behind him.

Great. Everyone was against him. Why? All he'd done is treat Selena like an employee. He may have deeper feelings for her, but it didn't mean they didn't have a business to run. Kissing her senseless before ordering her about might have been a little extreme. He hadn't lied to her, though. He couldn't stand the thought of Jacob taking her out on a date.

Selena heardthe door slam shut. Seriously? How did Brogan have any reason to be angry in this situation? She turned, saw Cathal, wide awake, striding across the restaurant. She'd set up her laptop at a table near the front, as far away from Brogan as possible.

The temptation to go back in there, soothe it over, was too great. She didn't have anything to apologize for.

VP of Advertising her ass.

“Darling,” Cathal began, pulling out a chair. “I came to apologize on behalf of my family.”

She rolled her eyes. “Brogan can dig himself out of this one, but thanks.”

“Not for Brogan.” He sat down. “For me. Rian. And my Ma and Da. We've let him fester into this controlling arse that can't see beyond his own nose.” He patted her hand. “Itold him that we were going to kick him out of the family and adopt you.”

She laughed. “I bet he didn't like that. Is that why he slammed the door?”

“I slammed the door. Which didn't help the headache.” He took a sip of his coffee. “He's not the only one with a temper. I've just learned to control mine.” He winked. “Most of the time.”

Her laptop played the welcome music. She typed the login information and sat back while it finished booting up.

Cathal stared out the front window. “Tell me. How close were you and Jacob?”

It seemed so long ago. Four years. She was twenty-four and thought life would be wonderful. On her own. No responsibility. But the way Jacob had treated her still hung around. Still made her question her worth.

“Close. Three years. But, he wanted someone with a little more class than I had. Or have.” She picked at her nails, hating to relive the emotions. He'd hidden her away, gave her the insecurity she fought long and hard to overcome. Like she wasn't worthy of his friends or society.

He chuckled. “You were the one that got away.”

“Not sure I'd rate myself that high.”

“Don't sell yourself short. After all, you are the VP of Advertising.”

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