Page 13 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

No good would ever come of our paths crossing. If he is in love with someone from his past, which Jaine assures me he is, I’d only ever be a sidepiece if we ever did hook up. And I’m better than that. Way better. I have too much respect for myself.

I’d far rather be alone.

Maybe his love for his cliché blonde is unrequited. Not that it’s any of my business. And not that it matters anyway. Because even if it is, it still means his heart belongs to someone else.

Anyway, let’s be honest, he barely ever glances in my direction. This attraction is definitely one-sided.

Jaine:You there?

Jessie:Where else would I be?

Jaine:Borrowing coffee? Cream? Sugar?

Jessie:We’ve already been through this. If there’s even a hint of another woman, I’m not going there. Not. Ever. No man is worth it. Not even the Delectable Dylan O’Connell.

Jaine:I know, I know.

Jessie:Sometimes dreams don’t come true, you know? Sometimes there is no happily ever after to be had. I won’t say that out loud. I don’t want to break the hopeful hearts of little girls the world over. It’s the equivalent of saying I don’t believe in fairies.

Jaineunderstands. She explained all about what went down with her, Paddy, and Ace. And what the O’Connells’ decision was in the end. An arranged marriage for Paddy. It’s one of the reasons she’s currently residing in California. She refuses to tempt fate when it may lead to a bullet in Padraig O’Connell’s head.

Jaine:Yup. I get that.Anyway, you’ll be pleased to know I’ve signed on the dotted line with the Dusters today. I’ve reluctantly agreed that JAL will represent them should the issue with the IRS require legal representation.

Jessie:Well, I can’t say I’m not relieved. Eoin will be delighted for sure.

Jaine:That makes one of us. I’ve told him next time he can use Molly to do his legal work. If she’s going to be Ma Duster, she’ll need to get her hands dirty at some point. No point delaying the inevitable.

Jessie: Apparently, she still has to finish her on-the-job training. Maybe she could do that at JAL?

Jaine:She’ll be a Duster, Jessie. She’d report everything back to her future Irish king husband. I already have to put up with him sticking his unwelcome nose in my business affairs every opportunity he gets, so I’ll take a hard pass. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know.

* * *

“Jaine?It’s the middle of the night. Is everything okay?” I’m lying in bed, wide awake and staring at the ceiling.

“Nope. Word is the IRS will be with us sooner rather than later. Eoin and I have a conference call with them tomorrow at nine a.m. your time. I’m preparing for it now. I only found out an hour ago. The email went into Candice’s clutter folder. That work you need to do? It needs doing now.”

“Holy shit.”

“Exactly. We can’t have them infiltrating any of the information before it’s ready to be forensically examined, so you’re going into lockdown before the conversation with them even takes place. There’s a delivery being made in thirty minutes, hence the call. Fresh foodstuffs and produce, that sort of thing. Enough to last a couple of weeks. Beyond that, you’ll have enough canned and dried food to last years.”

“Years?”

“Well, you’re in charge of the timeframe, not me.”

“So, I’m staying here on my own until it’s concluded?”

“Nope. Dylan is staying with you. He’ll make sure no one tries to hack into any of the systems while you concentrate your efforts on finalizing what needs doing.”

I sit bolt upright in bed. “Jaine, I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Well, I’m sorry about that, Jessie, but it’s not like we have any choice.”

CHAPTERSEVEN

DYLAN

Dylan’s Apartment, Hudson Yards, New York

---