Page 33 of The Irish Rogue

“So, you’renotone of the wealthiest men in the United States?”

Another dismissive shrug. “I don’t know. I know my net worth,” and he named a figure that made Kennedi gasp. “So now you know when I say you will never want for anything, I truly can guarantee it.” He looked down at Declan. “I have already called my lawyer. Declan will be provided for, no matter what.”

Kennedi’s eyes widened, then she nodded. “That’s very…generous of you, Sean. I appreciate that. However, I can take care of our son on my own.”

He shook his head. “Kennedi, that’s not going to happen. I know that…!” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, I messed up. Badly,” he added before continuing. “You tried to call me and tell me what was going on and I was too caught up in my own head and my own baggage to call you back. That was wrong of me. And I’m sincerely sorry.” He walked over and bent down beside her chair, looking up at her now. “Please allow me to make it up to you. I can make your life so easy, Kennedi.”

Kennedi looked down and noticed that Declan was slowing down, but seemed to be fascinated by the different voices. She adjusted her clothing, then stood up, holding Declan to her shoulder as she patted his back, helping to work the gas through his tiny system.

“Why do you think I want an easy life, Sean?” she asked, swaying and patting. “Maybe I like my job!” Her swaying became faster. “Maybe I find a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction in succeeding at my job. Maybe, the people I work with are good, kind, and generous!” She was bouncing Declan against her shoulder now. “So why the hell would you come into my house and tell me that I need to change everything about my life just so you can make it easier for me?”

Sean was trying to hide his amusement, and his lust, as she patted Declan’s back. A massive burp came from their son, but she kept on swinging and patting, her temper burning hot now.

“I think it’s incredibly misogynistic of you to assume to be this white knight who flies into town and rescues me from my miserable life!” She glared at him, still patting rhythmically.

“I was just saying…”

She shook her head, silencing his defense of his offer. “How would you like it if someone came into your life and told you that your work isn’t worthy of pride? That you could just sit around and eat bon bons?”

“I didn’t say that–”

“Well, you can just take your offer of a cushy life and…and…” He almost laughed at her struggle to find a threat stern enough for him. “Just…no! I don’t want to be taken care of, Sean! I wouldn’t mind someone who could be my partner. But obviously, you’re not that person!”

“Why don’t I qualify?” he asked, leaning a shoulder against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Because you seem to think women should be coddled. And I’m the kind of woman who enjoys using my brain to solve problems. I love helping Tom at the brewery and I’m damn good at my job!”

“I know.”

“And I shouldn’t be dismissed simply because I’m…” she paused and frowned up at him. “You know what?”

“I know you’re good at your job.”

Kennedi huffed a bit. “Then why did you offer to coddle me?”

“Because, in my experience, women want to have a free, comfortable life.” He shrugged and her eyes were involuntarily drawn to his massive shoulders. “It’s what I know. You can’t blame me for assuming that one woman out of the past fifty women that have come into my life, is the woman that doesn’t want the same thing.”

She huffed a bit, then her mouth fell open when he plucked Declan off her shoulder. “Right, little man?” he asked.

Declan, the little traitor, offered Sean several burp bubbles in response.

“Exactly,” Sean said, then turned his son around, cradling him in his big, strong arms. “If you want me to see you in a different way, you’re going to have to train me.” He grinned down at her. “Until then, I’m going to continue to pamper you.”

In that moment, the doorbell rang and she jumped.

“That’s dinner,” he told her, then walked to the front door. Moments later, her small house filled with the delectable scents of garlic and tomato sauce. “I hope you like pasta, because this place had great reviews, according to my assistant.”

Kennedi stared at the small containers as he took them out of the brown paper bag, placing them on the countertop. “How did you get them to deliver all the way out here so quickly?”

He shrugged. “I have no idea. My assistant, Beth, is extremely efficient. I called her and she made it happen.”

“Pasta!” Kennedi whispered with reverence, then she literally stuck her face into the bag and took a deep breath. “Oh my gosh, I love pasta!”

When she lifted her face out and looked at him, she blushed and stepped back. “Sorry, that was rude, wasn’t it?”

Sean laughed, then smiled down at Declan. “I think I just found a way to your momma’s heart!”

Both of them froze, stunned. Kennedi was the first to speak and she walked over to the silverware drawer. “Please don’t try to convince me that you care a fig about my heart. You don’t want emotions. You just want access to Declan.” She turned, clutching the knives and forks. “But Sean, I’m not going to deny you access to Declan. I firmly believe that every child needs good parents in their lives. And you’re not a bad person, so Declan will need you.” She set out the knives and forks, then pulled two cloth napkins out of another drawer. Silently, she folded them and placed them in front of the two chairs at her tiny kitchen table.

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