Page 31 of Fifth Avenue Fling

While Teagan eats her breakfast glued to her phone, I go over my daily tasks.

In twenty minutes, she’ll be taken to school by a driver and security guard. That sounds awful. When I was her age, gossiping with Orla on the school bus was the best part of my day.

This one is going to be a hard nut to crack.

NINE

Killian

“The Mareks have folded,” Connor says from across the boardroom table, a triumphant gleam in his eye as he looks up from his laptop. “Their lawyer emailed five minutes ago.”

I recline in my chair, admiring the New York City skyline through the window. Seventy stories up, my private boardroom is the only place I can enjoy the sun these days. “I’m glad they found common sense.”

“I’ll give the contractors the nod to start demolition. With a fair wind, we’ll have the foundation of the casino built this side of Christmas.”

I nod my agreement. “Are we done?”

“Yup.” He rocks back in his chair as he rotates his shoulder. “Just in time for my massage. Are you sure you don’t fancy one? Maybe she can help you relax a bit, you know, take the stick out of your backside. You need it before you schmooze the mayor.”

Ignoring him, I open my laptop and click on the home security app.

My laptop screen lights up with a multi-screen view of all the rooms in my house. A soft Irish female lilt sounds through the laptop speakers. I search for which room she’s in.

“Which reminds me… are we bringing dates to this schmoozing dinner?”

It takes me a minute to register his question. Dinner with the mayor about the Brooklyn casino development. I’m hosting it so we can discuss openly what the old guy needs to cut the red tape on the design restrictions imposed by the council.

“That depends.” I glance up at Connor. “If you’re bringing someone who models forPlayboy, then no.”

“You’d prefer me to bring someone in pearls and a cardigan?” he drawls.

“Someone who won’t paw you at the dinner table would be nice. The mayor is bringing his wife.”

“You’re asking a lot from a lady there.” He smirks and folds his arms over his chest. “And who areyoubringing?”

“Maria Taylor.”

Connor hums in approval.

Meeting Maria was a surprising turn of events. For the first time in a long time, I might have found someone who could hold my interest. Ivy League-educated, and an absolute head turner.

“Nice. She’s a good match for you. Maybe you’ll consider something serious.”

“It’s business rather than pleasure this time. She’s friends with the mayor’s wife.” Although I have considered trying something serious with Maria. It’s been a long time since I had something more intimate than sex. Recently, I’ve been feeling like maybe it’s time to try again.

“Good call.” His brows draw together. “What’s that sound?”

“I’m checking on the new Mrs. Dalton,” I say grimly, maximizing the room with the movement.

My hand freezes over the mouse.

My bedroom.

Connor leans over and connects my laptop to the boardroom projector so Clodagh appears in full size on the screen.

I stiffen.

She’s in my bedroom, her back facing the camera. She’s in shorts so tiny they could pass for underwear and the same white tank top from this morning. Her red hair is tied up in a messy ponytail, and a sheen of sweat glistens on her back as she moves around my bed, adjusting the pillows.

---