Page 60 of Her Irish Boss

“You already are a double standard, be it people know about us or not.”

“I've been burned in the past, Selena. Lawsuits. Payouts. I can't afford to mess things up now. Not with the restaurant on the line.”

She didn't know that. It made her body relax. Slightly. That still didn't apply to her. She'd never pull something like that, but she could see his worry about his employees.

“Brogan, do you like me?”

“What kind of question is that?”

Selena pushed away from her car to stand in front of him. Close enough that they would touch if either one of them moved an inch. She kicked her chin out and stared at him.

“Do you like me? Yes or no.”

“Yes.”

“Do you think what we have between us is different than a one-night fling?”

His body swayed as his hands gripped her shoulders. “You know it is.” His rough voice and firm hands almost broke her resolve to stand up for herself. “I tried to tell you that this morning.”

“Then you need to figure this out. Because if you don't want us to break up and you don't want me to quit, then you need to find a different solution. I willnotstay hidden and in this limbo position forever.” She would not end up like her mother. Or the way she'd been with Jacob. She still couldn't figure out which category this relationship fell into. The man that strung her along, coming to her when he needed something or the man that cared for her but didn't feel she was worthy enough to acknowledge.

But, damn, she sounded more confident than she felt even though her inner She-Ra cheered at her assertive demand.

His fingers cupped her chin, the pad of his thumb tracing along the bottom of her lip. “Give me just a little more time. I'll try to figure out what to do.” Tilting her head up with the slightest pressure, Brogan kissed her delicately. It soothed over her frustration for the time being. Reeled her right back in like it always did.

It was dangerous loving Brogan, especially when he was still in control.

“I needto call the nurse if I'm going to be much longer,” Selena said as she ran a hand over her hair.

Brogan shifted in the small elevator and glanced atCathal. His brother stood facing the doors, quiet, the same as he'd been since they left the police station. No one liked to spend a couple hours behind bars. No matter how good a reason he had. Cathal had spent more than a couple of hours in prison back in Ireland after he attacked the man who'd assaulted his girlfriend at the time.

Recently, he'd heard people saying different situations were “triggers” for them. That description fit Cathal. Men with any type of violence or aggression toward a woman triggered something deep inside.

He'd give his brother his space. Let him come back to life slowly. He always did.

“I'll call her for you,” Brogan said to Selena. She'd finally started talking to him. He had a hard time not touching her, putting an arm around her shoulders and drawing her close. For that moment in the parking lot, he'd been worried more that she'd walk away from him and less about Katie finding out.

That's why he'd kissed her. Even knowing Katie watched them a few feet away. It might seem small to an outsider, but it was a big risk where the restaurant was concerned.

“You don't have to do that.”

He held out his hand. “Go socialize with Cathal and Rian and let me.”

“Rian? Where's he?” Selena asked, pulling out her cell phone.

“Cooking Cathal a welcome home dinner.” Brogan slapped a hand on his brother's back. “His favorite.”

Cathal glanced over his shoulder. “You better have a fridge stocked with beer. Any kind.”

“Rian was supposed to pick that up when he brought over the lamb.”

His eyebrows shot up. “He's cooking me lamb?” A stupidgrin spread across his face although his eyes stayed severely solemn. “I might have to go back to jail more often if I get Rian's lamb when I get out.”

“I've never had lamb.” Selena winced. “I don't know if I can eat such a cute animal.”

Brogan kissed her temple. “You should try it.” Keeping her in a good mood had become his priority. He refused to dwell on their fight. He hated putting her in the position of keeping their relationship a secret. It wasn't fair. He knew that.

They stepped off the elevator. Cathal made a big deal of putting his nose in the air and sniffing. “Lamb and turnip stew. And the homemade soda bread. He's gone all out.”

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