Page 42 of Her Irish Boss

Jacob sat straight and began to talk as though he were in charge. “Do you have a wine list?” He looked at Selena. “Do you still enjoy white wine? I’ll order for you like before.”

“I do, yes. But,” she said, pausing and looking at Cathal. “I think I'll let Cathal order my drink. My tastes have changed slightly.”

His younger brother grinned with pride. “She'll have a Salt and Honey, with the Eighteen Reserve Jameson's.”

“You drink whiskey now?” Jacob's use of the word like it was dirty pulled a quick smile from Rian's lips. “Here?” Jacob shook his head like he didn't agree. “Maybe a glass of wine with dinner?”

“Definitely. But, if you don't mind, I'd like Rian to pick the wine.” She took a sip of her water.

The waiter stood by, observing the passive-aggressive power play she'd set up.

Brogan's shoulders relaxed. Maybe he could make it through dinner after all.

Jacob sat back in his chair and nodded his head toward Rian. “You’re the cook, right?”

The amused smile dropped from Rian's face.

Hell.

Rian pushed back from the table and stood, buttoning his suit jacket. They always teased Brogan that he was thecontrol freak. Couldn't sit back and relax. Both his brothers had specific triggers, per se, that lit the same intensity Brogan felt about the restaurant.

For Rian, it was anyone doubting his resume or ability. He'd fought for years to be recognized internationally. He regularly traveled, and nothing or nobody would ever come between him and his goals.

For Cathal, it was the way men treated women. They gave Cathal a hard time, but it kept them all from remembering the hell he'd been through. One of the main reasons they'd moved away from Ireland. Beating a man to death changed someone inside.

“Luke,” Rian said. “If you wouldn't mind leading me toward the kitchen.”

“What?” Jacob asked over Luke's confusion.

“Lead the way.” Rian motioned Luke along.

Luke looked at Jacob. “Sir, did you want something to drink to start?”

“A glass of pinot grigio. Whatever brand is fine.”

Brogan leaned his elbows on the table, aware his arm sat close to Selena's. “I'll have a glass of the Eighteen Year Reserved Jameson's as well. No salt or honey.”

Rian left with Luke.

Jacob shifted, facing Selena. “Why would he go to the kitchen?”

She shrugged, her delicate shoulder lifting. Brogan had an overwhelming urge to kiss the smooth, exposed skin.

“Do you know any history about Rian O'Keeley?” she asked.

“He puts the menu together at your pub.”

Brogan and Cathal shared a glance. They had to cater to this man to secure a loan, and he had no clue about their restaurant or the prestige that Rian carried.

Selena apparently took offense for the entire family. “Jacob, Rian is a really famous chef. You just called him an everyday cook. That's why I thought he'd be better suited to pair wine with my meal.”

“But I know what you like,” Jacob cooed, setting his hand on top of hers.

Cathal rolled his eyes.

Brogan swallowed down the shout, building in his chest.

Selena smiled sweetly. “I know, and I do like white wine, but my tastes have changed in four years. I'm sure yours have as well.”

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