by Magan Vernon
Heat flushed my cheeks and all the way down to my core at his words. I licked my lips, trying to regain some moisture and composure. “We had both been drinking…and…”
His rough hands went to my chin, tilting it up so I met his burning blue eyes. “Use whatever excuse you want, but we both know there’s something between us. I don’t know if us working together will push us closer together or tear us apart. Either way, I’m not going to stop you from reaching your potential with the company or wherever you go. That’s how much I care about you.”
His words panged something deep in my chest that I’d never felt before. Caring? How could he care about me when he didn’t even know me?
But he and the Murphy family knew me better than most people, even more than my so-called older cousin and parents. But could I really fall for him?
No.
He needed a wife to get his company. Even if we tried to work it out, I wasn’t a wife. The thought panged me as soon as it crossed my mind.
I could be a fling. I could be a distraction. But both of those things would cause him to lose the company if he didn’t find a real wife.
When his fingers trailed from my chin to the curve of my neck, all thoughts left me. All I could focus on was the rough pad of his thumb against my heated body. “I’m not the same arsehole I was when we were younger. Still a right gobshite, but that boy you knew back then isn’t the same man I am now. I wish you would see that. I’ve tried so hard for you to see that.”
He was right. I couldn’t deny it. The cocky boy who wouldn’t give me or anyone else a second glance was different now.
His fingers grazed the sensitive flesh right below my neck and my lips parted with a small sigh.
My eyes stayed on him as he slowly moved closer, pressing his lips to mine.
I gave in to his touch, and he moved with determination. One hand rested near my cheek and the other wrapped around my waist. He pulled me flush against him, deepening our kiss as I gasped into his hungry mouth.
He gripped my waist, his erection pressed against my stomach.
My mind was saying this was wrong and I needed to stop him, but my hands were saying something completely different as I buried my fingers in his hair and nibbled on his bottom lip.
Between every bite and swipe of his tongue, I became more drunk on his touch. More than I’d been on the whiskey.
My brain fogged and all I could focus on was him against me. How we just fit together, no matter that he was at least six inches taller than me and I had to stand on my tippy-toes, even in heels.
He must have noticed my straining because he gripped my arse, lifting me up to press me against the wall.
I wrapped my legs around his middle, getting him as close to me as I could. Not caring that I was in a skirt and my damp panties pressed against his straining erection.
I was too lost in the moment. Everything was right when I didn’t think for once. It was just him, me, and his gorgeous lips.
If he would have taken me against the wall right there, I wouldn’t have objected.
I would have forgotten all about him needing a wife and not something casual, which was all I could ever be.
But the universe spoke before any of that could happen when a knock came at the door.
We both jumped apart. My feet hit the floor, and I tugged my skirt down and straightened my blouse. Jack ran his thumb across the bite mark I left on his lip with a cocky smile before adjusting his tie. There was still a slight smattering of lip-gloss at the corner of his mouth.
Leaning forward, I pressed my thumb to his soft lips. He looked down at me, not saying a word while I tried to remove the offending red mark.
He lightly kissed my thumb and squeezed my hand, leaving a tingle that bloomed all the way from my thumb to my toes.
He opened the door to a smirking Connor who was standing with Fallon. “Should we come back another time?”
Jack shook his head, and I wondered if his brother noticed that it was definitely more than pleats in his trousers. “No need. Grace and I were just discussing a new position.”
Connor laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t want to know about your sex life.”
My cheeks burned, wondering if he had heard any of our rumblings. Hell, what if Sean found out about Jack and me from Connor? Would he be pissed if he knew we were hooking up? Or throw us a ticker tape parade? I didn’t even want to have this discussion with him about my love life. Or whatever this was.
Blast, this was getting complicated.
I frowned, keeping my head down and pushing past Connor to stand on the other side of the doorway. “We were discussing the job in purchasing, but as I already told Mr. Murphy, I’m not ready to move on yet.”
I glanced at Jack over my shoulder before circling my desk. He had a small smile on his face that matched my own. “We can talk more about that later.”
I kept my head down, for fear my cheeks were completely scarlet.
After Connor closed the door, I took my seat and Fallon eyed me skeptically as she sat down, as well.
“Sorry I was late. He just had some questions for me,” I muttered, putting my shaking hands on my lap.
She laughed. “If I could sing, or even hum, I’d sing that song from that one movie. You know the one with the French girl who lives in a castle as this guy’s slave and some pots sing to her? It’s on the tip of my tongue. Why can’t I think of it?”
I shook my head. “Are you talking about Beauty and the Beast?”
She snapped her fingers then pointed at me. “Yes. That’s the one. Which is kind of funny because Connor always refers to Jack as beastly and you’re, well not French, but from Britain. Dammit, I’m rambling again.”
I shook my head. “The original French tale is nothing like the animated version from the 1990s. In the story, Belle becomes the mistress of the castle and the beast her slave. His choice.”
Fallon put her hands up, her eyes wide. “Whoa, didn’t say I wanted to know what you and Jack do behind closed doors.”
I rolled my eyes. “There’s nothing like that going on between Jack and me.”
“Really? Because your face was red and flustered when you opened his door, and Jack had lipstick on the side of his mouth.”
She stifled a laugh, but every hair on the back of my neck stood on end. If my face wasn’t already red, it was now probably brighter than the lip gloss that was supposed to stay on my lips all day. Blasted American sellers and their claims. And blast that I didn’t get all of it off his mouth.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, and it’s not like I’m going to go and blab to the world that you and Jack have something going on.”
I shook my head. “We don’t have anything going on.”
She smacked her lips. “I shouldn’t pry, but something went on in that meeting with your cousin. And I’m sensing there are some ill feelings between the two of you or something, if your reaction to seeing her name in the calendar means anything.”
I let out a breath, my shoulders falling. “You have no idea.”
“You totally don’t have to talk about it. We can just go back to work.”
I sighed. “No, no. It’s fine. It’s just…well…weird. She was always the better looking one who got the better grades and had parents who bragged about her extracurriculars. I was just the geek who spent most of my time studying at boarding school. During summers when I was hanging out with Sean, she was off doing global ambassador work or whatever else her dad found.”
“That doesn’t even sound real. It’s like something a girl writes down to pad her beauty pageant application,” she muttered.
I laughed, covering my mouth for fear I’d snort. When I finally was able to let out a breath, I moved my hands to my lap.
“That pretty much describes my cousin, and why she and Jack made this perfect couple.”
“Yeah, but that was college or whatever when they dated. People change.”
I nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
> “I know I’m right. Let’s move forward and get you finished with training. If Connor’s right, you might be moving on to the next position soon. If that’s the case, I’m making you train the next poor girl who sits in this seat.”
I sighed. “Not you, too.”
She laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Just repeating what I heard.”
…
It had been almost a week exactly since the meeting with Lacey where Jack brought up the new position…then put me in a new position against his office wall.
A memory that had starred in many of my dreams, only to wake up and realize we’d never do that again. Everything had stayed platonic, which I wasn’t sure I was happy about or not. That is, until Jack emerged from his office, a broad grin on his face.
“What are you doing this weekend?” he asked casually, leaning against my desk.
“Um…I’d have to look at my schedule,” I said, knowing I had absolutely nothing going on but tea with my mother that I’d love to avoid.
“Clear your schedule. This is work related. I’ll pick you up at ten.” He nodded as if I’d just agree to whatever he asked. Well, he picked the wrong girl if he thought that.
“Excuse me?” I leaned forward, unsure I heard him right.
“Excuse what? I told you this was work. I need an assistant to accompany me. Don’t get your knickers in a twist. There’s nothing nefarious that can happen on a Saturday morning before noon.”
Heat rose to my face, and I cleared my throat, hoping he didn’t see my small crack of a smile.
His fingers drummed the corner of my desk. “So I’ll see you at ten then?”
I opened my calendar app on the computer. Jack had an event that was locked from ten to three on Saturday. What was he up to? My heart sped up at the thought of some alone time with him and I tried to clamp it down.
This is your boss, Grace. That’s it. You’re not wife material. You’re not what he needs.
Blast, even saying that mantra in my head had my chest tightening, but I couldn’t let that show as I offered a small smirk. “I guess I can fit you in.”
Chapter Twelve
Jack
I couldn’t stop thinking about Grace’s lips. And the rest of her body.
How she felt pressed against me.
I’d been with plenty of women in my lifetime, but none had made me feel alive like she did.
I needed a wife if I wanted to keep Murphy’s Pub and I should have been out there, continuing to look for other women to date and marry.
But the moment Grace spoke up in the meeting, I knew that this woman cared about the company just as much as we did. That there was something about her that was worth keeping around, even if it wasn’t as my assistant.
This little trip today was research to look further into the ideas she’d brought into the meeting. She just didn’t know that yet. Or how much I was mixing business with pleasure.
After parking in my spot in the underground garage at Murphy’s Pub headquarters, I made the short trek to a little café and picked up chocolate croissants and lattes. The flat was two blocks from work, which made the building the perfect real estate investment for Murphy’s. The board had talked about eventually turning it into shops or something that would bring in more revenue, but as long as a Murphy was still at the helm, I wasn’t going to kick anyone out of the building they lived in.
Especially not the sexy Brit who I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I knew she’d be rightfully pissed if I just walked in again. Though I loved to see her narrow those caramel-colored eyes and pout, I decided instead to go for texting first.
Standing outside her door, I pulled my phone out of my pocket.
Me: Hungry? I’ve got something hot and sweet waiting for you.
Her response was fast and of course, quick-witted.
Grace: If this is a come on, even though we’re off work hours, I could still report you to HR.
I rolled my eyes. We were past the HR comments.
Me: Open the door and see what kind of treat you’ll find.
The door slowly creaked open, and instead of Grace happily jumping into my arms, the little furry mutt pounced at my feet. She yapped and turned in little circles like she hadn’t seen me in years.
“Janey, leave the poor man alone,” Grace scolded, picking up the little furball which gave me an excuse to let my eyes roam over her body. The little blue dress hugging her hips had me thinking about anything other than work.
I’d had one date since I first saw Grace at the gala and she started working at Murphy’s. One that ended very badly.
I was supposed to be looking for a wife, not lusting after my assistant. If I hurt her in any way, Sean would have my arse. He may be younger than I was, but I’d seen him on the rugby field, and I was pretty sure he could break every bone in my body. Which was why I wondered why I was so determined to play this very dangerous game.
She smiled.
Bloody hell. Yes. That was why.
“I hope that coffee is for me and you’re not just teasing,” Grace called, walking into the flat and knocking me out of my daze.
I figured that was my cue to follow, shutting the door behind us while she grabbed a bowl of kibble for the dog.
“I’d never tease, mo gra,” I said, setting the croissants on the counter before handing her a steaming foam cup.
“Why are you being so nice and so chipper this early on a Saturday?” she asked before taking a sip of her drink. Her lips slightly quirked into a smile after she tasted the hot liquid.
“What’s not to be happy about? It’s a beautiful day, and I get to spend it with my cranky assistant.” I put my arms out, as if I could encompass the room and all of beautiful Dublin.
“Funny.” She grabbed a sweater off the coat rack, putting it on and spoiling my wonderful view of where that low neckline ended. “Where are we going anyway? Somewhere I’m underdressed for?”
“Your outfit is perfect. Now come on, let’s eat something then take Janey for a quick walk. Maybe next time we’ll bring her to the meeting. But today, we’ll pass and we don’t want to be late.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Jane Pawsten to a business meeting? Next time? And now you two are on a nickname basis?”
I smiled down at the little furball, wagging her tail as she looked up at me. “She’d be a great negotiator. Look at that face. You can’t say no to her.”
Crouching down, I scratched behind her ears and she closed her eyes, her tail now thwapping at full speed.
“I can take her for a quick walk and then we can head out, let me just have another sip of my drink first,” she replied, putting the drink to her lips.
I shook my head, standing at full height. “I can take her. Where is her leash?”
“You? Take Jane on a walk?”
“I may have never had a pet but I’m sure I can walk a dog.”
A small smile crossed Grace’s lips as pulled out a little pink leash and harness, handing that to me with one hand and holding out a little green baggy in the other.
“What’s that for?”
“To pick up poo. She hasn’t gone yet this morning, so it should be a good one.”
She could not be serious.
“You want me to bend over and pick up the dog’s shite?”
“I wouldn’t be a responsible dog owner if I just let it sit in the street.” She leaned over, hooking the leash and harness on the wiggly little pup. “How would you like it if you were walking into the office and you stepped on a big mound in your shiny loafers?”
“That would be a stink to get out of leather.”
She bit down on her bottom lip as her shoulders shook, probably holding back a laugh. “I can take her. It’s no problem.”
“A Murphy always keeps his word, even if that word means picking up shite,” I said, grabbing the bag and looking down at the dog.
“Come on, Janey.”
The little dog barked and then pran
ced along next to me as we headed out to the front of the building.
…
After Jane Pawsten barked at every leaf that blew by, the Danes next door, and then finally did her business, I made my way back up the stairs and into the flat.
Grace raised an eyebrow, her eyes glued to me as Jane ran past to her water bowl and I made my way to the bathroom sink.
“You really walked my dog and picked up her business?” she asked, standing in the doorway.
I smirked, catching her gaping mouth in the reflection of the bathroom mirror. “Ah. Wouldn’t want anyone to step on it, though she had to stop long enough to quit barking at these two Danes and do her business.”
She nodded. “Yeah. Those dogs are a pain in the arse. Cry more than a baby.”
“You would think Jane was a giant beast the way they cowered to her.”
“She definitely has personality plus.”
I smiled, taking a step closer. “Just like her owner.”
I swore her eyes said she wanted to say something more, but she turned away and put the snorting dog in the kennel. “So, where are we headed anyway?”
“To a business meeting. Now come on, before we’re late,” I said, putting my hand on the small of her back.
She let out a small breath but didn’t move my hand, my fingertips warming at the light touch of fabric meeting her skin.
When we stepped into the mild summer air, Grace headed for the parking garage. But I kept to the sidewalk and then turned to face her bewildered expression.
“Um, isn’t that where your car’s parked?” she asked, pointing at the entrance to the lot across the street.
“It is. But no need for it. We’re just heading down Fleet.” I pointed in the direction away from the parking garage.
She shook her head. “Didn’t take you for much of a walker, especially after you just went out with Jane. You have a way of surprising me…”
I laughed. “Surprises can be a good thing.”
“Sometimes.” We stayed in a comfortable silence until we rounded the corner and the Temple Bar sign came into view.
“Is this meeting at Temple Bar? On a Saturday morning?” she asked, her eyes widening as she looked over the street ahead of us.
