Page 5 of A Billionaire Abroad

“ThisisIreland.”

She even smiled a little. “I know it’s expected, but it was a different rain smell than we get in New York. It was cleaner or wetter or something.”

“New York must be filthy for it to smell cleaner than this dirty old town.”

“It is, actually. And loud.”

“We’ve a fair bit of noise around in Dublin.”

She set her elbow on the table, leaning her head against her upturned fist. “Maybe that’s why I felt kind of at home walking around this morning. It’s enough like New York that it’s a little familiar.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Did you go inside the ‘castle church’ you saw?”

“Of course not.”

His brows pulled down. “Why ‘of course’?”

“I have a lot of work to do. There isn’t time for—”

“Happiness?”

She turned her gaze back to her open laptop, choosing to ignore his sarcasm.

“Do you mean to spend all your time in Dublin just working?” he asked.

“Sterling brought me here to do a job, not to be a tourist.”

“I thought the man wasn’t your boss.”

“And I thought you were supposed to be helpful.”

Why did he always laugh?

“Fair enough.” He rose.

“Are you leaving?” She made certain he could tell she hoped he was.

His half smile tugged at an odd scar below his mouth. She shouldn’t have found that as intriguing as she did. He was basically the enemy, getting in the way of her work, evidence that Sterling didn’t think she could handle this assignment on her own.

“I meant to suggestweleave.” He jerked his head toward the door. “And don’t worry, I have nothing the least bit fun in mind. Would hate to enjoy ourselves. I’ll show you a few venues you might choose between.”

She motioned at her laptop. “You could just give me some websites.”

“Could do, but, personally, I like to see a place for myself. Do a bit of the work, you know.”

Her jaw clenched. “I do a lot of work.”

“Oh, sure. I’m not denying that. I’m banking on it.” Again, he jerked his head toward the door. “So let’s go do a bit of work.”

“I’ve done plenty already.” She rose. “And I’m not afraid to do more.”

“I don’t doubt you’reexcitedto do more work.” He pulled open the door. “Just take care you don’t accidentally enjoy yourself while you’re at it.”

“I’m not an unhappy person.” She grabbed her phone and wallet, then her jacket, and stepped out into the hallway.

“You hide your happiness really well.” Even talking, he sounded like he was laughing.

“And you hide your helpfulness really well.”