by Palmer Jones
Rian stepped over and kissed her on the forehead. It was completely platonic, but it eased a lot of her frustration at the situation. People supported her. That was a new position to find herself in. Newer than even VP of Advertising. She was usually supporting the people around her, helping her mom through a constant string of disastrous relationships, and now taking care of Mimi.
“Absolutely.” He stalked away, taking long strides to the office door, opening it without knocking.
Selena chewed on her bottom lip. If she ever got back to the point where she wanted to kiss Brogan again, she'd have to remember to lock it.
Shaking her head, she pulled up the list of websites and publications that Brogan mentioned wanting the advertising to run. The title might have been a lame way to cover up their relationship, but she'd be the best damn VP of Advertising possible. Seeing Jacob brought back the shame and frustration she'd felt when he'd broken it off the first time. The distance made their break-up an easy excuse. But when she looked at the future with Jacob, she could only see the power difference between them.
He had a college education. A good-paying job. Back then, he had aspirations to run a bank someday. And she had nothing. No degree. No prospects. And he let her know it.
Is that why Brogan's flip-flop treatment bothered her so much? A headache started along the base of her skull, radiating upward as reality slammed into her. She'd ended it once because she felt as though she wasn't someone's equal. She and Brogan were headed in the exact same direction.
10
Brogan refused to pace. Waiting on Selena to arrive at the swanky restaurant killed him. Jacob sat at the bar, sharing a drink with Cathal and Rian. He'd expected them to all come together, based on the carpool idea from that morning, but Selena wanted to go home and shower and change.
He'd ridden with Cathal, hoping to have a chance to soothe over their fight, but he'd not engaged in any conversation. Rian, on the other hand, had talked non-stop to him all day. About nothing important. Just there. Talking. Bothering him. And the more irritated Brogan had become, the more Rian talked.
Their treatment was intentional. His brothers knew precisely how to annoy him and make a situation worse. He wanted to brood in silence. Or grab the first opportunity he could find to be alone with Selena. But they'd prevented that as well.
Selena's car pulled up to the curb. The valet jogged around, opening her door, a broad smile on the man’s face as he helped her out of the vehicle.
Brogan’s stomach tightened, and his hands flexed.
She walked around the car, those sexy high heels she'd worn at the bar the other night, giving her a few extra inches. A black dress stopped short in the front fell to the bottom of her thighs in the back. She'd mentioned she never exercised, but her long, legs were toned from spending hours waiting tables.
She'd left her hair down, pulled over one shoulder, exposing her neck and collarbone on one side of the off the shoulder dress.
She stopped three feet away instead of walking straight into his arms where he wanted her.
“Close your mouth, Brogan,” she said, a cute smile on her lips. “But I appreciate the unspoken compliment.”
“You look amazing.” And Jacob would have the opportunity to drool over her as well.
“Thank you.” She tilted her head to the side. “Too bad about being the VP of Advertising right now.”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, it is.” His voice deepened, and he didn't care about his accent sounding thick. “But later, Selena. If you can forgive me for acting like a complete jerk this morning. Watching another man touch you drove me insane.”
“Selena!” Jacob held the door open to the restaurant. The pup's eyes raked over her body.
Brogan fisted his hands in his pockets.
She didn't glance back his direction, her eyes locked on Jacob as she walked to him.
Brogan turned to follow, careful to keep his eyes averted from her body.
With her arrival, the host picked up menus and led the way through the restaurant to a seat in the back.
Cathal spoke, his voice low and oddly serious. “Not sure this was the best idea. It's hard to swallow watching another man touch her that way, and she’s not my woman. Are you going to be alright?”
Brogan would rather witness it than to live in his imagination for them to go out alone.
“I'll sit beside him,” Cathal whispered. “You sit beside her.” He nudged him. “But keep your hands to yourself.”
Impossible.
“Maybe I should sit across the table—”
Rian appeared on Brogan’s other side. “And scare off our loan officer with that murderous look? I'll sit across from him.” Before Brogan answered, the host began to pull out the seat for Selena, but Jacob took over.
Rian grunted. “I suddenly agree with Cathal. You might not make it through the night.”
The three of them paused, waiting to see where Jacob sat.
Selena watched the three of them, her eyes narrowing until Jacob sat down beside her. As planned, they each took their seat.
She busied herself with her napkin, cutting her eyes in Brogan's direction. Had she forgiven him? He'd hold off giving her another apology at the moment. He still had to make it through dinner without making her mad, which wasn't likely with his current track record. Then he could apologize for everything at once.
But he did have one change to make. He leaned close, barely whispering his request. “Can you switch your hair to the other shoulder?” Because she might not be his date, but she sure as hell wasn't Jacob's date, and between the two of them, he wanted the best view possible.
Her lips twisted to the side, her small dimple appearing. As if on cue, she leaned her head back and pulled the length to the other side. With her cheek, neck, and shoulder exposed, Brogan picked up the menu. Great. He was a glutton for punishment. But at least he had the best view in the restaurant.
Rian shook his head, sending Brogan a sympathetic look. Someday, a woman would drive him to do stupid things as well.
“Welcome to the Five-Seven-Nine. I'm Luke and will be your waiter. Can I start you with something to drink?”
Jacob sat straight and began to talk as though he were in charge. “Do you have a wine list?” He looked at Selena. “Do you still enjoy white wine? I’ll order for you like before.”
“I do, yes. But,” she said, pausing and looking at Cathal. “I think I'll let Cathal order my drink. My tastes have changed slightly.”
His younger brother grinned with pride. “She'll have a Salt and Honey, with the Eighteen Reserve Jameson's.”
“You drink whiskey now?” Jacob's use of the word like it was dirty pulled a quick smile from Rian's lips. “Here?” Jacob shook his head like he didn't agree. “Maybe a glass of wine with dinner?”
“Definitely. But, if you don't mind, I'd like Rian to pick the wine.” She took a sip of her water.
The waiter stood by, observing the passive-aggressive power play she'd set up.
Brogan's shoulders relaxed. Maybe he could make it through dinner after all.
Jacob sat back in his chair and nodded his head toward Rian. “You’re the cook, right?”
The amused smile dropped from Rian's face.
Hell.
Rian pushed back from the table and stood, buttoning his suit jacket. They always teased Brogan that he was the control freak. Couldn't sit back and relax. Both his brothers had specific triggers, per se, that lit the same intensity Brogan felt about the restaurant.
For Rian, it was anyone doubting his resume or ability. He'd fought for years to be recognized internationally. He regularly traveled, and nothing or nobody would ever come between him and his goals.
For Cathal, it was the way men treated women. They gave Cathal a hard time, but it kept them all from remembering the hell he'd been through. One of the main reasons they'd moved away from Ireland. Beating a man to death changed someone inside.
“Luke,” Rian said. “If you
wouldn't mind leading me toward the kitchen.”
“What?” Jacob asked over Luke's confusion.
“Lead the way.” Rian motioned Luke along.
Luke looked at Jacob. “Sir, did you want something to drink to start?”
“A glass of pinot grigio. Whatever brand is fine.”
Brogan leaned his elbows on the table, aware his arm sat close to Selena's. “I'll have a glass of the Eighteen Year Reserved Jameson's as well. No salt or honey.”
Rian left with Luke.
Jacob shifted, facing Selena. “Why would he go to the kitchen?”
She shrugged, her delicate shoulder lifting. Brogan had an overwhelming urge to kiss the smooth, exposed skin.
“Do you know any history about Rian O'Keeley?” she asked.
“He puts the menu together at your pub.”
Brogan and Cathal shared a glance. They had to cater to this man to secure a loan, and he had no clue about their restaurant or the prestige that Rian carried.
Selena apparently took offense for the entire family. “Jacob, Rian is a really famous chef. You just called him an everyday cook. That's why I thought he'd be better suited to pair wine with my meal.”
“But I know what you like,” Jacob cooed, setting his hand on top of hers.
Cathal rolled his eyes.
Brogan swallowed down the shout, building in his chest.
Selena smiled sweetly. “I know, and I do like white wine, but my tastes have changed in four years. I'm sure yours have as well.”
“That's why we need to go out, just the two of us, and get to know each other.” Jacob knocked on the table. “It's settled. Next weekend.”
Despite his brother's warning, Brogan set a hand on Selena's thigh underneath the tablecloth. Her dress had ridden up, though, and he unexpectedly touched her bare skin.
She sat up a little straighter and cleared her throat. “We can talk about it later. I have to check my schedule.”
“Surely, Mr. O'Keeley could lose you for one night.”
“I just don't know right now, Jacob. I have a lot going on in my life.”
Brogan brushed his thumb along the side of her thigh before releasing it. Their drinks arrived. The whiskey didn't cool his throat, but the warmth of the alcohol eased the tightness in his muscles.
Jacob changed tactics, bringing up the fun they'd had when they dated the first time. His stories went on and on, downright boring Cathal judging by his brother’s blank stare.
But they amused Selena. Her laugh didn't sound fake.
Brogan wanted to make her laugh that way. He'd never held that goal with a woman before.
Rian reappeared as Luke did.
“If you're interested, Jacob, Pierre will fix a special dinner for the four of us.” Rian sat and glanced at Luke. “He'll inform you of the drink pairing as the courses arrive.”
Luke recovered well and looked to Jacob. “Are you ready to order, or would you like me to inform the head chef that you'll accept the same menu?”
“I'm up for a surprise.” Jacob nudged Selena. “If you are?”
“I trust Rian,” she said with complete pride.
What Cathal had said was true. If Brogan didn't figure out this situation, they might very well kick him out of the family and keep Selena.
Brogan's cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out.
We need to get him to talk about the loan. Not his pathetic dates from the last decade.
Cathal's hands rested in his lap, concealing his phone.
Brogan texted back.
I'll try to get Selena away. Then you engage.
Cathal nodded his head once.
If you can't beat out Jacob and win her, then I'm not sure I can call you my brother.
Brogan narrowed his eyes. But he had to agree. He had no plans to lose Selena to Jacob. He leaned closer to her as he began to stand and whispered, “Follow me.” He left, walking to the hallway that held the restrooms. A quick look into another room revealed the restaurant's supply room.
Fitting.
“What?” Selena asked as she approached thirty seconds later.
Brogan opened the supply room door and motioned her in. She passed him, her eyes laced with curiosity. He closed the door behind them.
She crossed her arms. “Cute. The supply room? I'm not going to kiss you right now. My lips will be all swollen, and he'll know.”
For the moment, he didn't care, but she was right. “Cathal wanted to approach the topic of the loan with the bank, try to get him to commit verbally.”
“Yeah. I think he's more interested in trying to ask me out again.”
“I hope you’ll decline his offer.” He slowly pushed her up against the back of the supply room door and locked the doorknob as he pressed his lips softly to the column of her neck.
The view he'd tortured himself with all night was his to savor.
“This is so not fair.” Her hands slipped underneath his jacket, gripping the back of his shirt. “I can't even kiss you because I'd probably get lipstick all over your shirt.”
“Then,” he murmured, moving across her bare shoulder, “just stand there.”
“That's no fun.” Her head fell back. “How long are we supposed to stay gone?”
“Shh, I need another second.” He worked his way back across her collarbone, breathing in that wildflower scent. With a mind of their own, his fingers skimmed along the edge of her skirt and the exposed skin of her thighs. Wanting a little more, he slipped his hands just underneath the hem.
“Brogan?”
He tightened his hands with the whisper of his name. This was why he didn't drink whiskey. He stopped, his lips hovering over hers. Her hands tightened on his shirt.
As light as he could make it, he pressed his lips to hers. “Alright. I think I'll survive now.”
“Yeah, but I don't know how I'm going to walk in these heels with my legs feeling like jelly.”
Brogan patted her hip and then released her from the door. “Take a second in the powder room if necessary. I'll head back to the table.”
He opened the door and checked the hallway. He took a step only to have Selena tug him back. Her deep kiss tasted sweet from her drink and ended as soon as it'd began.
“Now, I'll survive.” She brushed past him and disappeared into the ladies’ room.
He adjusted his tie and wiped any lipstick from his mouth as he proceeded back to the table. He sat down, Jacob's eyes on him immediately.
“Sorry about that,” Brogan said, holding up his cell phone. “The shift manager had a question. Where's Selena?”
Jacob relaxed back in his chair. “Restroom. We were discussing financing options.”
Cathal grinned and lifted his glass in Brogan's direction. “Yes. It seems Mr. Peters thinks the restaurant is worth the loan.”
11
Selena didn't make it to work by nine, so her late greeting with Brogan was polite and informal and pissed her off again. She'd helped make sure Jacob had a lovely time. She engaged in conversation and lived up to be a great VP of Advertising. He should have greeted her with something more than a head nod. Despite the fact, other employees had arrived.
Katie jutted a hip out and rolled her eyes. “Why won't you go back out with me? I promise I'll be sober this time.” Her eyes widened. “Unless you're seeing someone.”
Selena whipped her head up. “What makes you say that?”
Katie pointed at a spot on her neck. “Because that looks like a hickey.”
“A hickey?” Crap. That would have been part of the supply room seduction.
“Who is it?” Katie leaned on the table. “Is it that Jacob guy you mentioned stopped by yesterday? You know, your old boyfriend?”
“No. I'm not interested in going out with Jacob again. Last night proved that I've changed since we dated.” For the better. She used to love his attention back then. Let him order things at restaurants for her because she was scared she'd mess it up. Now, she knew what she wante
d. She also knew that giving the other men at the table decision making power would put them in a different light in Jacob's mind. He was always impressed with superiors. And it'd worked. Jacob sent over the loan papers to be signed that morning.
Brogan stood at the bar with Cathal. Both were in suits. Both attracting every female's attention in the place, including hers.
“It's the boss man, isn't it?”
“What?” Selena glanced around. “Be quiet. I don't want to get fired for your jokes.”
“I wasn't joking.” She shrugged. “Just the way you watch him. If he doesn't know you have the hots for him, the rest of us do.”
Had she really been doing that? She turned her back to where Brogan stood. “Well, I'm not, and I don't. Granted, he is handsome. You've said that yourself.”
“Yes. I have. So,” Katie said, clasping her hands together, “if you're not seeing him, and that's not a hickey, then you have no reason not to come out with me.”
Selena’s jaw hurt from clenching. Brogan would kill her if he thought anyone was suspicious, and their jacked-up relationship would end before she had a chance to figure out where it could lead. At the moment, it wasn't likely to lead anywhere. She didn't want to be the secret girlfriend. She'd done that with Jacob, and it'd sucked.
“I'll go. But, I'm not wearing those shoes again. My feet hurt for a week afterward.” Just like they did from wearing them the night before. But it'd been worth it to see the look on Brogan's face when she stepped out of her car.
“Deal. And I promise this time I'll stay sober.”
“I might have to have a ride on speed dial.”
She nudged her and winked. “Uh, huh. Like your dream boyfriend, Brogan?”
“This is interesting.”
Selena froze with Brogan's voice from behind her.
Katie's eyes grew large. “I...I...I'm sorry, Mr. O'Keeley. I didn't see you. I was joking—”
“Stop. I think you're both talking instead of serving your customers.” Brogan's thick Irish made Selena grimace. He was angry, and it showed.
She slowly turned around. His blue eyes narrowed to slits. But she wouldn't let him think Katie knew anything.