Page 60 of Fifth Avenue Fling

I didn’t need to know that.

I lean against the wall, towering over her. “Let me be clear for you. You do not influence my daughter in any way. Do you understand?”

She presses her lips together as hurt flashes across her face. “I think you’re overreacting. She didn’t harm herself or anyone else. You’re acting like you caught her smokingmeth.”

“Don’t tell me I’m overreacting,” I snap, folding my arms. “You know nothing about being a parent.”

She stiffens and stands tall, attempting to meet my gaze. “No, but I was a teenage girl once.”

As she rears up, she’s close, so damn close thather scentof coconut and flowersfloodsmysenses. So heady, sexy, fucking delicious. Ialmostforget why I’m angry for a moment.IfIstep forwardjustalittlebit, I’ll feel her soft lips against mine…

Instead, I let out a tense sigh. “Teagancanbeeasily influenced. Ineedyou to be careful about what you say around her.”

“Got it.” She nods. “Look, if you really want her to heedyourwarnings, you need to explain why, not just fob her off with ‘it’s bad for you, because I say so.’” Her voice deepens as she mimics my accent, and I glare at her. “She just wants to express herself, that’s all. Do you even know whydyeing herhair is bad for her?”

My jawclenches with frustration. “It’s full of chemicals. Obviously, it’s bad for her.”

“But she sees adults use it, so that’s not a good enough answer for her. I think it’s becauseyoungpeoplehavethinnerhairthat’sstilldeveloping, so the dye is more harmful. But don’t quote me. I’m not a doctor. Obviously.” Shelifts her shoulders in a shrug. “But youshouldlookintoitand explain it to Teagan in a way she understands.”

I open my mouth to respond, then shut it again. Damn. Clodagh has a point. My answer isn’t entirely based in fact, and she knows it. I’m repeating what I presume to be true.

Iexhale heavily, the fight leaving me.

“For the record, I’m sorry I caused the argument,” she says softly when I don’t speak. “Here I was, thinking I had survived the first week. Famous last words, hey?”

FOURTEEN

Clodagh

Friday night, I figure if I stay away from the house, I can’t get in trouble, and Killian can cool off. Thankfully, he orders food from one of his fancy restaurants so I can clock off as soon as he gets home from work.

Teagan roams around the house like an angry bull. I try to cheer her up, but nothing can break through the grouchinessbroughton by her being grounded.

So when I cross the bridge back to Queens on Friday night, I’m actually mildly relieved.

Since Orla isn’t bartending, we check out a comedy show and flirt with guys who attempt to mimic our accent (yawn) but are forgiven because they’re pretty. I’m fickle.

Come Saturday morning, I teach my yoga class, then Orla and I go for a stroll in the park. I love New York parks on the weekends. Perfect for people-watching.

“Liam asked me to deliver a message since you’re ignoring him,” Orla tells me. “He wants you to give him another chance.”

I can’t help but let out a snort. “Tell him message not delivered.”

“He’s gutted. I almost feel sorry for him.” She grins at me sheepishly. “He…”

“He what? Spill.”

“He told everyone in the pub that you’re sleeping with your new boss.”

I stop short, almost choking on my coffee. “What the fuck? Why the hell is he making shit up? Just because I don’t fancyhim? Ugh.”

I didn’t think I could be any more pissed off at Liam. I was wrong.

“I’m just the messenger.” She shrugs. “He said he saw how Killian looked at you the other night.”

“Like he wanted to kill me?”

“No, like he would take out Liam and anyone else who got in his way to get to you. I tried to tell him it was bollocks. Sleeping with Killian isn’t on the cards.” She side-eyes me. “Right?”

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