Anything for You: An O'Brien Brothers Novel Page 4

  Normally, McKayla would have turned up at her nose at the choice, preferring a sit-down restaurant instead, but again, he was doing her a favor, so…

  “Sure.”

  His face lit up like he was thrilled at her response, and she smiled inwardly. Men are such simple creatures.

  Once he parked, he rolled down their windows and shut off the engine. It was a warm August evening, but a breeze made the temperature bearable. Eyeing the menu board, Liam said, “I usually get Coney dogs when I come here. What about you?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve never been here before.”

  “Never?”

  She shook her head.

  “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You don’t really seem like the Coney-dog type.”

  Pretending to be offended, she said, “Why not?”

  “Look at you,” he said, his eyes roaming up and down her body. “You dress like a million bucks. I’m guessing you’d rather eat at a fancy restaurant.”

  She laughed, although she didn’t deny it. “I generally eat at places with tables and chairs, true,” she said.

  “And with cloth napkins instead of paper,” he added.

  She shrugged. “I like nice things, although I can’t always afford them.” Why did I have to add that part?

  Liam’s expression changed from amusement to concern. “Are we not paying you enough?”

  “What? No. I mean, yes. It’s not that.” Thankfully, she was saved from having to say more by a voice that came over the speaker asking to take their order.

  “Can you give us one more minute?” Liam said. And then turning toward her, he said, “Have you decided what you want?”

  They’d been so busy talking that she hadn’t even looked at the menu. When in Rome… “I guess I’ll have what you’re having.”

  Eyes wide, he said, “Okay.” And then he proceeded to order Coney dogs, french fries, and root beers.

  “So, where were we?” he asked after he’d placed their order. “Oh, I remember. The part about your liking nice things.”

  She suddenly felt trapped, and although she didn’t really want to talk about it, she decided to be honest. “I made some bad decisions in the past, and I racked up a lot of debt. But I’m working on paying it down.”

  He nodded, and she wondered how much he already knew about her situation from Harper and Finn. She hoped not everything.

  “Everyone makes bad decisions sometimes,” he said nonchalantly.

  “Really? Even you?”

  “I’ve made my share.”

  “Hmm. I wouldn’t have thought that about you. You seem to have it all together.”

  Smiling, he said, “Thanks, but I wasn’t always this way. I goofed off a lot in my teens, and I never did graduate from college.”

  “Do you regret that?”

  He shrugged. “Sometimes. I knew I had the family business to fall back on, but I would have liked to finish my degree.”

  She nodded. It was good to know that Liam had some regrets too. It made him more relatable and even more likable.

  “Have you thought about going back?”

  “To school?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  He considered it for a moment. “Maybe someday. I guess I’d have to give it some more thought.”

  Pleased that she’d turned the conversation away from herself, she smiled.

  Just then, a waitress wearing short shorts, a halter top, and roller skates rolled up to Liam’s window with their food balanced on a tray.

  “Here you go,” she said, smiling wide when she saw Liam.

  McKayla couldn’t blame her. Liam was a major hunk, but what made him even sexier was his personality. He’s the whole package, she thought as Liam handed over his credit card.

  After the waitress skated away, McKayla said, “I should have paid since you’re helping me out with my car.”

  “You can pay next time,” he said, handing her a wrapped Coney dog.

  “Very clever,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him.

  “What is?”

  “Next time? What makes you think there’ll be a next time?”

  “Well, since we’re standing up in a wedding together, we’ll be seeing each other a little more often.”

  He looked like he took extreme pleasure from that thought, and she was oddly touched. Liam seemed to genuinely like spending time with her, and even though she was aware of his attraction to her, it didn’t feel like he was just trying to get her into bed. Ugh! Why does he have to be so darn sweet?

  Ignoring his last comment, she unwrapped her Coney dog and assessed it.

  Liam laughed. “Here,” he said, handing her a pile of napkins.

  “Looks…messy,” she said, scrunching up her nose.

  “Mmmm…but they’re delicious.” He ripped off a big bite.

  Spreading some napkins over her lap, she gingerly picked up the hot dog and raised it to her mouth, fully aware that Liam was watching her.

  “Just shove it in and take a bite!” he said, goading her.

  Shooting him a skeptical look, she opened her mouth and took a dainty bite. Chewing it thoughtfully, her eyes widened at the flavor explosion in her mouth.

  “Good, isn’t it?” he said, looking smug.

  She’d eaten plenty of hot dogs as a kid, but she hadn’t had one in a long time, especially one that was smothered with chili, mustard, and onions. “I have to admit—it’s good,” she said, taking another bite.

  He handed her the container of french fries next, and she plucked out a few and handed it back to him.

  They ate in silence for a while, McKayla savoring the combination of flavors. After eating bites of the spicy hot dog, the foamy root beer tasted smooth going down, and she found herself thoroughly enjoying the meal.

  “See,” Liam said after they’d finished. “Not everything has to be served on a silver platter to taste good.”

  Looking at his lips while he spoke made her wonder how he tasted. And then she snapped herself out of it. Just because they’d shared a meal together didn’t mean anything. And the last thing she should have been thinking about was his lips. Glancing down at her watch, she said, “We should probably get going.”

  And just like that, his smile disappeared. He didn’t speak again until they were almost back to the office.

  “What’s up with this Dylan guy, anyway? Aren’t you mad that he stood you up?”

  She didn’t bother telling him that this wasn’t the first time. She could already sense his disapproval, and he didn’t even know Dylan. Of course, she didn’t know him that well either, and she didn’t plan to see him again. But Liam didn’t need to know that.

  “He must have gotten tied up at work or something,” she said, keeping her expression neutral.

  “But he didn’t bother to call or text?”

  “You act like that’s unusual.”

  “It is in my world. I would never do that to someone.”

  She nodded, having already guessed that. But she was desperate to change the subject. “What about you? How come you’re still single?”

  They’d pulled into the parking lot of the office, and he put the truck in park before turning to look at her. “Guess I haven’t gotten lucky yet,” he said, eyeing her intently.

  His gaze had pinned her in place, and she suddenly felt overly warm even though the air conditioner was on.

  “Luck? Is that what you think brings people together?” Okay. Stop. Talking. Now.

  “I think there’s such a thing as fate, yeah.”

  Now that she’d started this conversation, she wasn’t sure how to get out of it. Apparently, Liam wasn’t done talking yet.

  “Take you and me, for example. Who would have thought we’d ever see each other again after…?”

  “Don’t say it. Please,” she implored.

  “I know you’re embarrassed about that night, but you shouldn’t be.”

  “Oh, so dancing half-naked for a room full of horny men is something I should be proud of?”

  “I didn’t mean that.”

  Reliving that night had her hanging her head in shame. How she wished that wasn’t where she’d met Liam for the first time. She’d give anything to erase that whole ugly episode from her life.

  Reaching across the seat, he placed a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head back up.

  “I know that wasn’t the real you,” he said. “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

  She couldn’t speak around the lump in her throat. His voice was soothing and gentle, and his eyes were full of tenderness. Part of her wanted to lean forward and be enveloped in his embrace, but the sensible part of her held back.

  Finding her voice, she said, “Like you said, we all have regrets.”

  “Well, I don’t regret meeting you that night,” he said, “and I’m glad we met again under different circumstances.”

  “Liam…”

  “No. Don’t say it,” he said, pulling his hand away.

  “Say what?”

  “Don’t tell me all the reasons why this can’t work. You’ve already spelled them out in great detail.”

  She opened her mouth to apologize, but he held up his hand. “I’ll just have to be satisfied with being your friend,” he said. And with that, he opened his door and hopped out of the truck.

  Chapter Six

  “So, what did you call this meeting for?” Finn asked, looking at Liam expectantly.

  The O’Brien brothers were sitting around Finn’s kitchen table, where most of their business meetings took place. Even though they had an office with a perfectly comfortable conference room, most of their business decisions were made here, at Finn’s house.

  “I want us to consider giving McKayla a raise,” Liam said, looking first at Finn and then at Connor.

  Connor was the first to speak. “So, you couldn’t get her to go out with you, and now you’re trying to buy her affection?” He was joking, but Liam didn’t appreciate the implication.

  “That’s not it at all. She’s a hard worker, and she practically runs the place by herself these days. I think it would be a wise business decision to give her a raise. Otherwise, she might not stay.”

  “Did she say that?” Finn asked, looking surprised.

  “No, but she mentioned having some debt to pay off, and I thought we could give her a hand with that.”

  “Ah,” Finn said as if everything made sense now.

  Liam sat back and waited for Finn to weigh in. His oldest brother could be a pain in the butt sometimes, but ultimately, he respected Finn and trusted his judgment.

  “I’ve got no problem with giving McKayla a raise, but she might not take too kindly to you asking.”

  Sitting up straighter, Liam leaned forward and said, “Why does she have to know?”

  “Uh-oh,” Connor said, shaking his head vehemently.

  “What?” Liam said, looking confused.

  “First of all, if she’s anything like her sister, she won’t like the idea of you trying to rescue her,” Finn said.

  “And second, if she finds out this was your idea, and you didn’t tell her, there’ll be hell to pay. Trust me,” Connor added.

  “You guys are speaking from your own experiences, but this is different,” Liam said.

  “How so?” Finn asked.

  “McKayla and I aren’t together. As far as she’s concerned, I’m her boss, and she’s my employee. Why wouldn’t she welcome a raise?”

  Finn sighed. “I’m not saying she won’t be grateful, but if she knows it’s because you feel sorry for her…”

  “Hold up. I didn’t say I felt sorry for her,” Liam stated firmly.

  Tapping his fingers on the table, Connor said, “Maybe he’s right, Finn. It’s normal for employers to give raises. Maybe she won’t even question it.”

  Finn appeared to be contemplating it.

  “And if you’re the one that tells her, she might not think I had anything to do with it,” Liam said. It struck him that Connor’s secretive nature might be put to good use this time. McKayla could use the extra money, and if she felt appreciated, she’d probably stay working for them. Everybody would win.

  “Well, what’s it going to be?” Liam asked, looking directly at Finn.

  Finn gave a long sigh. “She is an excellent worker, and she’s been with us for over six months now. I just hope this doesn’t backfire on you, bro.”

  Ignoring his last comment, Liam said, “So, you’ll do it?”

  Finn nodded. “But this conversation stays between the three of us. No use getting the women involved.”

  “Even if they find out, I don’t see how they could be mad. We’re giving her a raise, for God’s sake,” Liam said.

  Finn and Connor exchanged knowing looks.

  “Believe me, you never know what might set a woman off,” Connor said.

  “You might think you’re doing the right thing, but then it comes back to bite you on the ass,” Finn said.

  Liam laughed. “You guys have gone soft in the head. This will be a good thing. I’m sure of it.”

  But a few days later, Liam was second-guessing himself. It was late Friday afternoon, and he’d purposely stayed away from the office for most of the day. Today was when Finn was meeting with McKayla to give her the raise, and Liam thought it’d be best if he stayed out of sight while they met. But he couldn’t stand the suspense anymore—he just had to see her.

  When he first walked into the office, she was on the phone. She glanced up and gave him a brief wave but went back to talking to the caller.

  “Sure. Let me schedule an appointment for you with one of our design specialists,” she said, sounding professional and polished as usual.

  Liam went into his office on the pretext that he had work to do, but the minute he heard her hang up the phone, he walked back out.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Hey,” she said without looking up. She was writing something in Connor’s appointment book, presumably the name of the caller she’d just spoken to.

  “How’s your day going?” Liam asked, trying to keep things casual.

  “Fine,” she said.

  She finished writing and set down her pen, but then she angled her chair slightly away from him and busied herself with tidying papers on the desktop.

  Uh-oh. “How’s the VW holding up? Any more problems starting her?”

  “Her? Why does a car always have to be a woman?”

  Leaning on the edge of her desk, he said, “Well, let’s see. It has curves kind of like a woman, and…”

  Suddenly, McKayla spun around in her chair to face him, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. “Go on,” she said, although the look on her face warned him not to.

  “Something wrong?”

  “I don’t know. You tell me.”

  He shrugged, a feeling of dread building in the pit of his stomach.

  “Did you know I had a meeting with Finn today?” she asked.

  Suddenly, he felt like he was on a witness stand and being cross-examined by a very ornery yet beautiful lawyer. “Um…he might have mentioned something.”

  She nodded as if she’d caught him. “Something about giving me a raise, perhaps?”

  “He did? Well, that’s great news. Congratulations!”

  But she didn’t look happy at all. In fact, she looked…mad. Pushing herself up to standing, she took a step closer to him and snarled, “I don’t suppose you had anything to do with this?”

  Liam felt like he’d just broken out with a horrible case of hives. Not that he’d ever had hives, but he imagined this was what it felt like. Scratching his neck furiously, he said, “Does it matter? You got a raise. That’s good news, right?”

  “Yes, it would be if I got it for the right reasons. But in this case, I’m not so sure.”

  She was mere inches away, and he could smell her strawberry lip gloss and floral perfume. While his usual reaction would be to want to touch her, he took a step back.

  Liam decided to try a different tack. “Finn is always praising your work. We all do. It makes sense that you got a raise.”

  “Normally, I would agree with you. But I find it interesting that it came on the heels of my car problem.”

  “I fixed your car.”

  “Are you trying to fix my life too? Because you can’t, Liam. Only I can do that.”

  And then it was like all the fight drained out of her. He wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or to brace himself for her next bout of anger.

  “I was just trying to help,” he said softly. “And I honestly believe my brother would have given you a raise sooner or later.”

  “But you made sure it was sooner.”

  Liam shrugged.

  Placing her hands on her hips, she tilted her head and studied him for a moment. “Why are you so nice to me? Because I really haven’t given you a reason to be.”

  He chuckled, appreciating her honesty. “Maybe I just like you.”

  “But why?”

  “Why not? Don’t you think you’re likable?”

  “Generally, yes, but with you…”

  “What?”

  “With you, it’s different.”

  “How so?”

  “I haven’t exactly shown you my best self.”

  “Why not?”

  Throwing her hands in the air, she said, “What’s with all the questions?”

  “You tell me,” he said, enjoying their banter.

  Sighing, she said, “Look, Liam. It was a nice gesture, but I don’t need you to be my knight in shining armor. I’m working hard to turn my life around, and I can do that all by myself.”

  “That’s very admirable. However, everybody can use a friend, right? Even you.”

  “So, we’re back to that, are we?”

  At least she was smiling now.

  “Whether you want to believe it or not, I like you, Kay. I don’t have any other agenda than that.”

  She eyed him skeptically for a moment, and then he said, “Friends?”

  “Okay. Friends.”

  But a few minutes later, when he watched her leave, he realized it was one of the biggest lies he’d ever told.

  Chapter Seven