Page 55 of Her Irish Boss

He turned back to the sink, scrubbing the dishes well before setting them in the drying rack.

“She likes you, you know.” Estella sat at the table, her golden eyes watching him. Her Southern accent sounded regal. “Don't let me be the reason you don't pursue a relationship with my granddaughter.”

He turned the water off and dried his hands on the worn towel. He walked to Estella and squatted down in front of her. “I'm proud that she takes care of you.”

“I know it's a burden. I keep hoping the insurance will pull through for her.” Her eyes shined, and she glanced away.

He took her thin hands in his. “She wants to get you the best care possible. Would you like for me to help you back into the living room or your room?”

“Yes.” He took a hand under her elbow, helping her rise. He turned. Selena stood in the doorway.

“I can help her.”

“I got it. Where are we headed?” He followed Estella's instruction, helping her back into the bed to finish getting some sleep. It was barely five thirty.

But when he returned, Selena wasn't in the living room or the kitchen. He found her in her room, sitting on the side of the bed, staring at the windowless wall.

“Are you alright?” He sat down beside her.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I did want to quit. I told her that when she wasn't in her current mind. I was surprised that she remembered it. Sorry I snapped at you.”

He set a hand on her knee. “I really don't want you to quit.”

“That's nice to hear.”

“We really need you right now. Cathal has this idea to generate more income and help make up that five hundred thousand that the owner tacked onto the price. A big promotion to draw in a huge crowd.”

“So my boss doesn't want me to quit. The man that slept in my bed last night doesn't have an opinion?”

That was the tricky part. He swallowed and shifted to meet her gaze. It amused him that she looked a little annoyed. His Selena was definitely not a morning person. “I enjoy seeing you at work. But if you stopped working for the restaurant, I wouldn't stop trying to pursue you. So, no. The man that's here right now still wants you, be it you work at O'Keeley's or not.” It'd almost be easier if she didn't work there, but he'd keep that to himself. He relied on her too much to let his own wants or needs to get in the way.

She kissed him lightly. “I like that answer. What do you need me to do for the restaurant?” She moved to her dresser, opening a drawer and pulling out clothes.

“Plan the promotion. Make it happen. Make it a success.”

She swiveled around. “What? You want me to plan a big party? I don't know how to do that.”

“I mean, we'll help and everything. But we were going to feature Rian, make him the center of it.”

Her lips turned up in a small smile. “Have you told him that yet?”

“Cathal drew the short straw.”

She nodded and walked across the room to her bathroom, pushing the door to, but not shut. “Keep talking. I'm just changing.”

He went through the ideas they'd discussed, along with a few of his own. He stretched back on her bed, not wanting to face the reality of the situation between them when they got to work.

He liked being with her, touching her when he wanted.

She opened the door. Her work shirt was tucked into tight jeans. Her hair in a ponytail. “Don't you look cozy and relaxed on my bed.”

Whatever had put her in a bad mood earlier seemed gone. He grinned. “You have a very comfy bed. I'd be obliged if you invited me back to stay.”

“We'll have to see when my boss lets me off. He can be a real tyrant.” She sat on the bed beside him.

He reached over, gripped her by the shoulders, and dragged her across his body so he could finally kiss her good morning.

They'd kissed a few times before going to sleep the night before, but awake, lying with her, her body on his, those sweet kisses flew away.

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