Page 5 of Cocktails & Cauldrons

“It’s going to be okay.” Eoin’s eyes softened, and a tender smile curled his lips.

Clearly, the guy liked to stand up for the underdog in a fight.

Those horrid emotions of hers—misery and embarrassment—warred for supremacy. Brenna dropped her gaze to her ugly sensible shoes because if she didn’t, those around her were certain to see the tears forming.

She heard Eoin say, “Excuse us a moment, please.” But as Brenna turned to go, he gripped her arm. “Not you, love. I was talkin’ to GiGi and Alastair.Youare the one I intend to converse with, don’t ya know.”

Embarrassment outdistanced misery by a mile, and Brenna was sure she was glowing a brilliant fire-engine red. Without looking up, she allowed him to lead her to a small alcove on the far side of the room. She heard the curtain rings clang against the metal rod as he closed them inside. Still, she couldn’t raise her eyes from the floor.

“Brenna, love, look at me.” He used the tips of his bejeweled fingers and lifted her chin. “Tell me. Do you know how much these paintings of mine sell for?”

She glanced around as if she could see through the curtain—if only to avoid meeting his eyes—and mentally calculated the price tags of all those sold tonight. He’d made a few million on this show alone. With a sharp nod, she settled her gaze on the base of his throat, where his shirt exposed his beautiful suntanned skin.

“I can afford to buy you a first-class ticket, don’t you think?”

Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, she pressed her lips together.

The humiliation just kept coming.

Now he’d think she was pathetic and unable to care for herself or that she was one of those worthless art groupies ofhis, the ones who always expected him to pay for everything. All she wanted was to escape and hide in the closest closet. Unfortunately, he stood between her and the exit.

Eoin watchedthe play of emotions on Brenna’s expressive face, and he wanted to sigh his frustration. He’d gone and put his foot in it by mentioning his financial success while she was wondering where her next meal would come from. Yet he’d done it, not to embarrass her, but to assure her he’d help her transition from Odessa’s unpaid lackey to whatever she cared to become.

“Look, Brenna, I’m not in the habit of offering charity, and I’m not offering it now. I extended an invitation for you to be a guest of my family before the altercation with your miserable aunt, and it was always my intention to pay for our trip.” He stepped back to give her space. “But if you’re feeling the need to pay your way, then I’ve a proposition for you.”

Her head whipped up, and her eyes rounded behind her hideous tortoiseshell glasses.

“Jaysus! Not likethat!”

Her expression, ever mercurial, shifted to what could only be horrified, and she dashed for the curtain.

Eoin was faster.

With an arm around her waist, he tugged her back against him, as he had during the confrontation with Odessa. He felt just as protective of her now as he had then. For the second time, he registered how perfectly snug her arse fit up against him. And, also for the second time, he felt his cock stir and take note.

“Brenna, as evidenced by the boner formin’ against your bum, I don’t find you repellent in the least, but I’m not after shaggin’ ya. I’m after offering you a job.”

He felt her relax—and maybe press back into him—before she stiffened and turned around.

All her exposed skin was flushed beet red, and she had a difficult time deciding where to rest her gaze. Eoin’s desire to laugh was overpowering, and he barely managed to choke back the sound.

“What do you say? Will you come work for me, love?”

“Wh-what will I b-be…” Her eyes locked on his semi-erection, and she audibly gulped.

The urge to tease her was strong, but he feared she’d bolt. So he decided to utilize her already formidable skills. “Manager. I need someone I can trust to make travel arrangements, settle up with gallery owners, and organize my schedule for future showings. Is it something you might want to do?”

Finally, after what felt like forever and a day, she raised those soul-stealing eyes to his. “I can do that,” she said hesitantly. She followed it with a determined nod. With each second that passed, her resolve firmed and confidence took the place of her worry.

A grin curled his lips. “You’ll start now?”

“You want me to make travel arrangements right now?”

“Well, no, but I would like you to stick beside me and run interference with the rest of the randy women.”

She laughed with a suddenness that stole his breath, and he marveled at the melodious sound and the effect it had on his body. “I can do that.”

“Grand.” He gestured downward. “And pardon my humble friend, yeah? He’s had to behave himself far too long while I shut myself off to work. He’s feeling a might frisky at the moment. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

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