Chapter 15 #2
“In what parallel universe do you live, Ms. O’Malley?” Del responded angrily, taking a step back lest her scent push him over the edge. “You better be careful before someone gives you what you’re so obviously asking for.”
Uh oh, for a moment Bridget felt butterflies in her tummy. That statement was eerily similar to statements she heard from her Da and brothers. Could he be implying she was asking for a spanking?
Impossible! Winston was not that type of man.
Mild mannered, nerdy Winston used words to get his point across, and though his hands were quite large, she was sure they would be used for other, more pleasurable pursuits once she had him wrapped around her finger.
It was just her mind playing nasty tricks on her.
“Rest assured, Winston, I don’t hint about what I want. I’m the kind of girl who has no problem going after it with everything in her arsenal,” she fired back, stepping closer and placing her other hand on his chest.
“Of that I have no doubt,” he answered. “However, some men still prefer to do the chasing Ms. O’Malley,” Del scolded.
For a moment Bridget doubted her tactics. She really was very attracted to Winston and not a bit disappointed that he was a little more experienced than she’d previously thought. Yesterday, she would have given him her body right on top of his desk if they hadn’t been interrupted.
Today, he was back to being stiff, arrogant and judgmental.
It was a little annoying. Maybe she should back off just a touch and let him chase her, until she caught him as her mother always said.
It wouldn’t hurt to add a little mystery.
Sniffing, she turned her head away as though he’d hurt her feelings.
If she had a hanky, she would have dabbed it to her eyes.
Del immediately caved. “I’m sorry if I have offended you, Ms. O’Malley,” he stated, flustered. “It was not my intention to insult you in any way, rather instruct .…”
Now, her hackles were really up. Did he think for one moment she needed instruction from him? She probably knew more about the male species than he did for God’s sake.
Seeking to put an end to this embarrassing conversation Del made an attempt to placate her. “Whatever is that scent you’re wearing? It’s quite lovely,” Del offered as an olive branch.
“It’s called, Catch Me, Fuck Me,” Bridget replied silkily, enjoying the dumbfounded expression on his face. Chucking him gently under his chin she closed his mouth and walked away just as Nick came in the door.
Catching sight of Bridget, Nick gave a wolf whistle as he walked by Del and hung up his coat.
“Morning, Del. How’s it going? Bridget, does your mother know you’re dressed like that?”
Bridget blushed, while Del grinned. Maybe little Miss Temptress was about to get a dressing down from her new brother-in-law. If so, he didn’t intend to miss a word of it.
“My mother knows I’m a grown woman and I dress however I like. Do you have a problem with what I’m wearing, Nick?” Bridget demanded, her eyes daring him to correct her.
Del smiled. Good, here it comes, he thought.
“Personally, I don’t, Bridge. You’re not my wife and I’m thankful you were able to cover for Tess. But knowing your parents, I’m surprised you got out of the house in that get up at any age,” Nick continued undaunted.
“Unlike most of the men in my family, my parents allow me to express myself in whatever way I see fit,” she replied haughtily.
“Well, that’s some expression, isn’t it, Del?
” Nick asked with a smirk as he picked the mail up off the desk and started shuffling through it.
Del looked like he was about to either keel over or explode, Nick wasn’t sure which.
He could just imagine what Bridget had put that poor young man through in his absence.
The tension stretched between them like an overextended rubber band ready to snap.
Deciding to get out of the line of fire, Nick headed toward his office. Bridget could definitely use some guidance, but he was not the man to do it. He had his own hands full with her sister.
“Del, when you get a few minutes, I’d like to see you in my office. Bridget, is there any coffee made yet?”
“I was just going to make some,” she replied, shooting Del a self-satisfied smile.
She knew Del had been expecting Nick to say more and in reality, she was surprised he hadn’t.
Maybe Maggie was having a positive influence on him.
It would be nice to see at least one Neanderthal step into the 21st century.
Del went quickly to his office and shut the door with a slam.
Damn, if a man like Nick Kord backed down from Bridget, what chance did he have?
Of course, Nick was only her brother-in-law, in no way responsible for her behavior and he did need her assistance this week.
Plus, he was a newlywed and probably afraid Bridget would go crying to her sister if Nick reprimanded her.
Del sighed, whatever the reason, Ms. O’Malley had gotten to him again. Catch Me Fuck Me indeed, he thought. Did they make a perfume called Catch Me, Choke Me? Now that he would buy! Gathering some files and his laptop, Del went into Nick’s office.
They spent the morning in there, discussing ongoing cases, new clients and upcoming consultations. Twice Del left to get fresh coffee, while Nick took a couple of calls, but for the most part the door was closed. Finally, at 11:45 both men came out and headed to the closet.
“We’re going to lunch, Bridge, want us to bring you back something?” Nick asked, “Or do you want to go when we get back?”
“Bring me back a diet cola,” Bridget replied coolly.
“Is that all?”
“Yes.”
“Did you bring a lunch?” Nick inquired. “Will you be going out when we get back?”
“No, a cola will be fine. Thanks.”
Getting a little annoyed, Nick was about to insist she let them bring her back something, but Del spoke before he could.
“Ms. O’Malley, it really isn’t good to skip meals. I would feel much better if you would let us .…”
“Winston,” Bridget snapped back, rising from her chair and walking around the desk. Planting her hands on her hips in exasperation, she continued berating him. “Do you think I got this figure eating pop tarts all day? A diet cola is all I require. Now, if that’s too much to ask, then forget it.”
“No, of course it’s not,” Del replied, realizing he had somehow offended her. “But a healthy salad would .…”
Bridget growled and started forward just as Nick shoved Del out the door.
“Soda it is,” Nick called back over his shoulder. Jesus, that girl needed her butt paddled in the worst way, he thought. Not having spent a lot of time with her, he hadn’t realized just how wild she was. A good firm man would take care of that in a hurry.
* * *
Del was quiet all the way to the pub. Nick greeted Patrick with a handshake and Molly with a kiss on the cheek as he introduced Del.
“We’ll have two specials and two beers,” Nick told Molly before making his way to a table in the corner.
After seating themselves, it was only a few minutes before Molly brought their order. While placing it on the table she leaned over Del’s shoulder, gently touching it. Straightening up, she shook her head and laughed before walking away.
“She’s lovely, isn’t she?” Del remarked candidly, watching her walk away, the tingling of little bells following her,
“All that and more,” Nick replied. “Molly’s an exceptional woman,” Nick agreed. He remembered the first time he had taken Molly’s hand and wondered if Del felt it too. “Are you all right?”
“I think so. A little light-headed maybe, must be hungrier than I thought,” Del answered slowly.