Page 77 of Her Irish Boss

“Absolutely,” she said and spun around in the bar stool to face him. She passed off the paperwork. “She got in.”

It was a surreal feeling. Brogan reaching down and giving her a hug, in front of people. It wasn't a sexual hug or followed by a kiss, but it was something. He pulled back, smiling. His hand lingered on her shoulder.

Half the waitstaff on the second shift didn't know her other than working on the restaurant's promotion. Several of them watched their interaction. And it bothered her. Mostly because he'd made such a big deal about it and made her acutely aware of the attention.

“When can she move in?”

Cathal, elbow resting casually on the worn bar top, pointed at the paper. “I scheduled it for the beginning of next week to let us get past this weekend.”

“And I don't need to sign anything?”

“No. Not after you gave me Power of Attorney. I'm acting on her behalf.”

Brogan squeezed his brother's shoulder. “Good going.”

That praise seemed to light up Cathal from the inside. “Thanks.” He clapped his hands together. “I'm headed out to celebrate. I hope you allow me to help you move her there.”

“Me, too,” Brogan said. “If Rian doesn't run away after the party Saturday, count him in as well. I can set up the moving truck.” He dropped his voice. “If that's alright?”

“Yes. I would appreciate that.” She took a deep breath. “I'm sorry. About earlier.”

“No, I am.”

Cathal cleared his throat. “Good. Glad we have that settled,” he said loud enough they both turned to look at him. And then both simultaneously realized they very much had an audience watching them.

Selena rose and closed her laptop. She’d double-checked her to-do list for Saturday twice already. “I'm headed out.”

“Have a good night.” Cathal nudged Brogan in the opposite direction. “Let’s go.”

“But—” He started to say something. The bartender watched the scene with both eyes and ears wide open. “Same time?”

Did he mean later that night or tomorrow morning? “Yes.” She'd just have to find out later.

Katie's options from before shifted through her mind as she drove home. Maybe quitting wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. At least if she quit as a waitress, she wouldn't be involved in the gossip. She wouldn't even have to work at the restaurant. Running the advertising side of their business had turned into a full-time job.

Plus she could always find another part-time job.

She did love her job, but now she knew more than ever that she loved Brogan more.

Rian muttered underhis breath at the six chefs in his kitchen, working through the dishes the pub might offer at the charity event. Brogan stopped trying to understand what he said. He muttered in so many damn languages, it was a waste of time. Brogan understood Gaelic, but not enough to speak it. He knew certain words in French, could manage Italian.

At last count, Rian was fluent in Gaelic, French, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch. And maybe Mandarin. He could do his two favorite things in the world. The first was to communicate with other chefs. The second was to communicate with women. He didn't parade them around like Cathal, but he suspected his brother could charm just about any woman he wanted.

He didn't talk about it, and Brogan knew he'd never settle down, not after his last marriage ended in devastation.

Brogan leaned against the wall watching and letting the aromas from the dishes whet his appetite. The first dish they offered was fish, turbot he thought, with leeks, clam and mussel and cabbage. Everyone who'd tried it had loved it. Even Katie, who, according to Selena, lived on Taco Bell, cleaned her plate at their initial tasting.

The second dish the group had fought over. Rian initially wanted to do a Guinea hen. Both Selena and Katie had shot that one down, not that Katie was in the decision-making process, but she did represent their clientele. Cathal was disappointed with that outcome that hen was only second to the lamb in his book.

Fillet of beef was their second option. He kept it to himself that the dish included a small sample foie gras. Selena didn't seem like she'd enjoy knowing she ate duck liver.

“How are the cooks doing with the menu?”

Rian shook his head.

Brogan's nerves shot up the longer he remained silent.

“Great. They got it down. Saturday night should run without a hitch.”

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