Page 47 of Her Irish Boss

“I know.” And it pissed her off, but she kept her silence. He had to work through something in his mind. His eyes scanned over her face, searching for an answer.

He stepped closer, his hips pressing hers until he picked her up by her thighs and set her on the counter. This Brogan she could handle.

He gripped the back of her knees, pulling her as tightly against him as possible. He tilted her face up but didn't kiss her. He looked at her like he tried to see inside. She didn't hide anything from him. Never had. Never would.

She cupped his face, skimming her fingers along his temple. “What is it, Brogan? Just tell me.” She kissed him lightly, trying to ease his frustration. Maybe to ease her own.

“I don't want you to go out to the bar.”

She wanted to smile, really, at the small amount of insecurity he'd shown. Brogan, literally, the hottest guy she'd ever seen, had her legs wrapped around his waist, holding her. He was scared of her going to a bar with Katie.

“I don't know how to get out of it, now. I told her I wouldjust to cover for her thinking we were together.” Selena straightened his already straight tie. “I didn't know what else to do. I think it would look worse if I didn't go at this point.”

“I don't want another man touching you.” His hands squeezed her thighs, tugging her closer. “I don't think I could stand it again.”

His breathless intensity almost made her come unhinged. She kissed him hard and deep. This was what she wanted from him. Commitment even if he couldn't say the words.

She broke it off just as quick. “Is that a request for your VP of Advertising to work exclusively for you?”

“Absolutely.” His lips twisted to the side. “So what are you going to do about Katie.”

“I'm going to go to the bar with her.”

“But....”

“Going out with a friend doesn't mean I'm going to go home with another man. We might need to keep this under wraps for a little bit, I'll try to understand that, but I'm not going to hide-out at home, waiting for you to decide when we can see each other. I did that once before.”

“With Jacob?”

“Yes. I'm not doing it again.”

“What will you do if you're not there to pick up guys?”

She smiled and slipped her hands into his perfect hair. “Watch Katie hit on guys—or girls. I'm not sure what bar we're going to yet. And think of you.” She nipped at his bottom lip. “And wish you could be there, in public, with me.”

“I don't know if that will ever happen.”

Ever? Would she forever remain his secret girlfriend? She ignored the deep ache growing in her stomach from the thought. He couldn't have meant it like that. She'd just toldhim about Jacob hiding her. Why would he think she'd ever go back to playing the role of a secret girlfriend?

“We need to get back to your brothers.”

“I'm pretty sure they know about us.”

“Well, I know I'm wasting your time.” She needed some air. Space. He'd easily announced that he'd keep her hidden in the closet, away from the world, forever. She deserved more than that. She'd watched her mom be used, tossed around by men growing up. And, after Jacob practically did the same thing, she'd sworn she wouldn't ever chase after a man that way again.

But she wanted Brogan. She'd try to understand for a little bit longer.

“No. Never a waste of time.”

“Well, you at least have more important things to do than wrap me around your waist.” She held up her hand. “Okay, bad example for both of us.” She pushed him back with a little nudge and hopped down. “Go figure out how to save your restaurant. They're here to meet with you. You can wrap me around you anytime.”

“Is that a promise?”

She draped her arms around his neck, putting on a happy face even though her heart hurt. “Absolutely.”

12

Hell.

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