Page 41 of Her Irish Boss

He'd ridden with Cathal, hoping to have a chance to soothe over their fight, but he'd not engaged in any conversation. Rian, on the other hand, had talked non-stop to him all day. About nothing important. Just there. Talking. Bothering him. And the more irritated Brogan had become, the more Rian talked.

Their treatment was intentional. His brothers knew precisely how to annoy him and make a situation worse. He wanted to brood in silence. Or grab the first opportunity he could find to be alone with Selena. But they'd prevented that as well.

Selena's car pulled up to the curb. The valet jogged around, opening her door, a broad smile on the man’s face as he helped her out of the vehicle.

Brogan’s stomach tightened, and his hands flexed.

She walked around the car, those sexy high heels she'd worn at the bar the other night, giving her a few extra inches. A black dress stopped short in the front fell to the bottom of her thighs in the back. She'd mentioned she never exercised, but her long, legs were toned from spending hours waiting tables.

She'd left her hair down, pulled over one shoulder, exposing her neck and collarbone on one side of the off the shoulder dress.

She stopped three feet away instead of walking straight into his arms where he wanted her.

“Close your mouth, Brogan,” she said, a cute smile on her lips. “But I appreciate the unspoken compliment.”

“You look amazing.” And Jacob would have the opportunity to drool over her as well.

“Thank you.” She tilted her head to the side. “Too bad about being the VP of Advertising right now.”

He cleared his throat. “Yes, it is.” His voice deepened, and he didn't care about his accent sounding thick. “But later, Selena. If you can forgive me for acting like a complete jerk this morning. Watching another man touch you drove me insane.”

“Selena!” Jacob held the door open to the restaurant. The pup's eyes raked over her body.

Brogan fisted his hands in his pockets.

She didn't glance back his direction, her eyes locked on Jacob as she walked to him.

Brogan turned to follow, careful to keep his eyes averted from her body.

With her arrival, the host picked up menus and led the way through the restaurant to a seat in the back.

Cathal spoke, his voice low and oddly serious. “Not surethis was the best idea. It's hard to swallow watching another man touch her that way, and she’s not my woman. Are you going to be alright?”

Brogan would rather witness it than to live in his imagination for them to go out alone.

“I'll sit beside him,” Cathal whispered. “You sit beside her.” He nudged him. “But keep your hands to yourself.”

Impossible.

“Maybe I should sit across the table—”

Rian appeared on Brogan’s other side. “And scare off our loan officer with that murderous look? I'll sit across from him.” Before Brogan answered, the host began to pull out the seat for Selena, but Jacob took over.

Rian grunted. “I suddenly agree with Cathal. You might not make it through the night.”

The three of them paused, waiting to see where Jacob sat.

Selena watched the three of them, her eyes narrowing until Jacob sat down beside her. As planned, they each took their seat.

She busied herself with her napkin, cutting her eyes in Brogan's direction. Had she forgiven him? He'd hold off giving her another apology at the moment. He still had to make it through dinner without making her mad, which wasn't likely with his current track record. Then he could apologize for everything at once.

But he did have one change to make. He leaned close, barely whispering his request. “Can you switch your hair to the other shoulder?” Because she might not be his date, but she sure as hell wasn't Jacob's date, and between the two of them, he wanted the best view possible.

Her lips twisted to the side, her small dimple appearing. As if on cue, she leaned her head back and pulled the lengthto the other side. With her cheek, neck, and shoulder exposed, Brogan picked up the menu. Great. He was a glutton for punishment. But at least he had the best view in the restaurant.

Rian shook his head, sending Brogan a sympathetic look. Someday, a woman would drive him to do stupid things as well.

“Welcome to the Five-Seven-Nine. I'm Luke and will be your waiter. Can I start you with something to drink?”

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