Page 73 of Her Irish Boss

“Katie?” Brogan's horrified voice made both Cathal and Selena grin. “Surely, you didn't—”

“No, I didn't.” She sighed and set her interlaced hands on the table in front of her. “Brogan is amazing, and all I do is try to plan a way for us to be together again. Satisfied?”

Cathal cut his eyes at Brogan. “I'm not the one that needs to leave here satisfied.”

Brogan dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I apologize for my brother. Both of them, as Rian would be no better if he were here. How far are you into the planning?”

“With all my estimates, at most the pub can make about three hundred and fifty.” There. She'd said it. She didn't want to disappoint him. They'd done so much to help her and, she'd failed to construct an event to raise the full amount. But she couldn't charge any more for the tickets. She'd consulted three experts, foodies who went to these types of events often, and none of them thought it'd be successful with a higher ticket price. Not with their level of clients, working-class that wanted a pint and good food.

Brogan's eyes shifted to Cathal, and he shook his head. “You know I don't want to do that.”

“Do what?” She asked.

Cathal shrugged. “Our property back in Ireland can be put up for collateral. We can pull the rest of the money from there. We already have approval from the bank.”

“Seriously? That would be great.”

“No. It wouldn't. It puts everything we have at risk.” Brogan crossed his arms.

Selena stood up, rubbing her hands up and down hisbiceps, trying to ease his tension. She'd never owned anything in her life except her small car. Taking that kind of risk would be nerve-racking. But she believed in them.

“Trust yourself and your brothers. If they're both in agreement, then that would mean you're outvoted in the matter.” She smiled as his frown deepened. “All three of you own the bar. All three of you own the property. Not just you.”

“I listen to them—”

She kissed him hard and quick, shutting him up. “That's not what I meant. You're not responsible for everything. The world doesn't rest on your shoulders. You aren't the only one responsible if you don't save O'Keeleys. Or if you do lose the land.” She slipped into his arms when he finally uncrossed them. “You weren't responsible for Simmons.”

His arms tightened.

“Or for Crissy.”

“How did you know about that?”

“The internet.” She glanced over her shoulder. “And a little bit from your brother.”

Cathal shrunk lower behind the screen of his computer as Brogan glared at him.

She understood Brogan and his reservations better after that. But it'd confused her as well. Surely he didn't think of her the same way, that she was playing him for money. That was worse than him hiding her away, for whatever the reason may be.

“You've got to let them share some of the responsibility.” She rose on her toes and kissed him. “Let me share it with you. I'm planning this thing. If it goes bad—”

“It won't be your fault.”

She smiled. “Hell yes, it will be. At least partly.” And shedidn't have a dime to her name to help with the purchase of the building.

But she supported him because she loved him. He might not be ready to hear that yet, but she did. And pulling it back now seemed impossible.

As long as he didn't continue to hide her in bathrooms.

She kissed him again. “I need to get going. We have an early morning. The tickets to the event go on sale tomorrow. I have a few radio spots I've snagged.”

Brogan shifted away. “I'm not going on the radio.”

“No.” She pointed at Cathal. “But he is.”

“Me?” His crooked smile only added to his wicked charm. “You think I'd be good on the radio?”

“I think you'll be the best one to do it. Rian is barely participating as it is. Brogan, bless his heart, would sound like a public service announcement. You, on the other hand, have a personality.”

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