Page 43 of Her Irish Boss

“That's why we need to go out, just the two of us, and get to know each other.” Jacob knocked on the table. “It's settled. Next weekend.”

Despite his brother's warning, Brogan set a hand on Selena's thigh underneath the tablecloth. Her dress had ridden up, though, and he unexpectedly touched her bare skin.

She sat up a little straighter and cleared her throat. “We can talk about it later. I have to check my schedule.”

“Surely, Mr. O'Keeley could lose you for one night.”

“I just don't know right now, Jacob. I have a lot going on in my life.”

Brogan brushed his thumb along the side of her thigh before releasing it. Their drinks arrived. The whiskey didn't cool his throat, but the warmth of the alcohol eased the tightness in his muscles.

Jacob changed tactics, bringing up the fun they'd had when they dated the first time. His stories went on and on, downright boring Cathal judging by his brother’s blank stare.

But they amused Selena. Her laugh didn't sound fake.

Brogan wanted to make her laugh that way. He'd never held that goal with a woman before.

Rian reappeared as Luke did.

“If you're interested, Jacob, Pierre will fix a special dinner for us.” Rian sat and glanced at Luke. “He'll inform you of the drink pairing as the courses arrive.”

Luke recovered well and looked to Jacob. “Are you ready to order, or would you like me to inform the head chef that you'll accept the same menu?”

“I'm up for a surprise.” Jacob nudged Selena. “If you are?”

“I trust Rian,” she said with complete pride.

What Cathal had said was true. If Brogan didn't figure out this situation, they might very well kick him out of the family and keep Selena.

Brogan's cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out.

We need to get him to talk about the loan. Not his pathetic dates from the last decade.

Cathal's hands rested in his lap, concealing his phone.

Brogan texted back.

I'll try to get Selena away. Then you engage.

Cathal nodded his head once.

If you can't beat out Jacob and win her, then I'm not sure I can call you my brother.

Brogan narrowed his eyes. But he had to agree. He had no plans to lose Selena to Jacob. He leaned closer to her as he began to stand and whispered, “Follow me.” He left, walking to the hallway that held the restrooms. A quick look into another room revealed the restaurant's supply room.

Fitting.

“What?” Selena asked as she approached thirty seconds later.

Brogan opened the supply room door and motioned her in. She passed him, her eyes laced with curiosity. He closed the door behind them.

She crossed her arms. “Cute. The supply room? I'm not going to kiss you right now. My lips will be all swollen, and he'll know.”

For the moment, he didn't care, but she was right. “Cathal wanted to approach the topic of the loan with the bank, try to get him to commit verbally.”

“Yeah. I think he's more interested in trying to ask me out again.”

“I hope you’ll decline his offer.” He slowly pushed her up against the back of the supply room door and locked the doorknob as he pressed his lips softly to the column of her neck.

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