Page 25 of Tangled Control

“Here, Catriona, have my seat,” Trevor offers, jumping off his stool. I try to refuse, but he insists. “You look really nice tonight. Did you do something with your hair?”

I shift uncomfortably as his gaze travels from said hair and down my body as I balance up on the stool.

“You mean, in addition to wearing it down? No, Trevor, I didn’t do anything to my hair, you’re just not used to seeing me outside of work.”

“Yes, it’s a real shame you don’t come out with us more often. You really should, you know.” His smile is so encouraging, I can’t help laughing. It’s a long time since anyone flirted with me. I could do worse than being on the receiving end of his interest.

Only I don’t date colleagues.

“I disagree.” Mona sports a pretend pout and dramatically tosses her sleek, black hair over her shoulder. “You clean up wa—ay too well, you’re going to take all the attention away from Gemma and me.”

“Come on, Mona,” Trevor counters and pushes his light brown hair away from his eyes. “Surely another hot bird around the table will only bring more attention to all of you?”

I scoff at being called a hot bird, but they continue their banter at my expense. This is all new to me – being part of their group, allowing myself to be included. While alternately laughing and cringing at their comments, my tense shoulders slowly soften. Thankfully, my cousin and Gemma are soon back with the drinks and take the focus away from me.

“What do you work as?” Trevor addresses Eric. “Catriona said you’re only here for a short trip.”

“I work for the UN. As a peacekeeper in conflict areas.”

He says the words so nonchalantly, yet the hair on my neck rises. He loves his job, but I hate it.

“Oh, the UN! And peacekeeper! That explains the bulk.” Mona gestures to the t-shirt that’s stretched to contain Eric’s biceps.

I can hardly hold back a snort, but my laughter gets stuck in my throat when I hear a deep voice directly behind me.

“Now there you all are!”

A zap of heat sizzles down my back, and I slowly turn. Rian stands there, tall and ridiculously handsome in a navy shirt rolled up to his elbows. I wish it was Trevor’s boy-next-door good looks that caused the shivers down my back and notMister-Sin-Incarnatedwith messy dark hair and eyes glinting.

Trevor also turns to the newcomer, creating a small gap between me and him that Rian steps into. He sets his pint of Guinness on the table, claiming the space and the attention of every cell in my body. Trevor frowns for a second, but shuffles to the side to give more room.

“Hi, Rian, good to see you.”

“You too, Trevor.” Rian nods then smiles at Mona and Gemma across the table. “Ladies, you both look exceptional tonight.”

They beam back.

“Oh, thank you, Rian.”

“Glad you could make it.”

My boss tilts his head and glances down at me through the corner of his eyes. I hold my breath. His lips curl into a smirk. “I’m surprised to see you out, Miss Taylor, I thought your ice castle had a curfew of seven thirty?”

My stomach falls. He didn’t comment onmylooks. How many times in the office has he made sarcastic remarks about my clothes, yet now, when I’m wearing what I think is a nice outfit, he remains silent. Perhaps my budget clothes don’t measure up to his usual standard. Alexandra’s creations are definitely not from Penneys or Dunnes. I straighten my back and give him my usual cold glare.

“The curfew is lifted for very special occasions. Mr Kearney, this is Eric who’s in town for a couple of weeks.” I smile warmly up at Eric. Rian tenses. “He’s my cousin.” I can hear as much as feel Rian letting out a whoosh of air. “Eric, this is Rian Kearney, my boss.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr Kearney.” Eric extends his arm across the table.

Rian leans into me a bit more than needed to grab Eric’s hand. The woodsy scent of his aftershave washes over me and reminds me of how close I was to him only a few days ago, when I had pressed my face against his neck. Does he think about what we’ve done? Does he picture how aroused I was? I nervously push a lock of my hair behind my ear, wondering if Rian can hear how my heart is pounding.

“Please, call me Rian.” Rian’s voice is friendly, so different from when he was talking to me. “So, you’re only visiting, where are you from, Eric?”

“Oh, I’m from Dublin, grew up next to this girl up in Finglas.” He nudges me.

“Finglas, right.” Rian nods slowly and his gaze flicks down at me for a short second. I wince quietly. I don’t often offer up my origins – it’s not a great area and has a reputation to match. That both Eric and I have managed to move away is by many viewed as an achievement. An achievement that I’ve fought hard for. I doubt Rian has ever set his designer leather shoes in that part of town.

“And where do you live these days?” my boss asks.