Page 37 of Carnal Risk

“Selby, right?” he asked, sitting next to her.

“Yes, Selby Reynolds. I’m filling in for Evan.” Selby wasn’t sure why she felt the need to explain her role at the company, but she guessed it was because everyone in the room most certainly belonged there…except her.

“I’m Cormac O’Malley.” He nodded, studying her.

“I understand you used to work for Evan. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Yes, and thanks.” Cormac accepted a fresh draft from the tap and casually took a swig. “So, are you Garrett’s girlfriend or something?”

Mid-sip, Selby coughed. Again water sprayed down onto the front of her dress.

“Well.” She paused, unsure of how to answer. “I’ll go with ‘or something’.”

“So you’re available, then?” He smiled.

“Um, I wouldn’t say that.” She laughed.

“She’s not his girlfriend,” he declared to his brother who approached. “I win the bet.”

“I don’t believe it for a minute.”

“Hey, Selby, this is my younger brother, Beckett.”

“By a minute. Don’t believe a word he says.” He winked. “So, is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“You and Garrett,” he drawled. “Are you dating? Maybe they’re just having sex?”

“What’s wrong with you?” Cormac asked, giving his brother a punch to the arm. “Ignore him. He has no manners.”

“What? It’s not like half the people in this room haven’t done it.” He rubbed his arm. “That’s gonna leave a bruise. I have delicate skin.”

Selby laughed.

“She’s not like us. This is her first time here, you dumbass.” Cormac looked to Selby and nodded. “He pretty much checked his brain cells at the door.”

“Fuck off,” Beckett retorted.

“See, no manners. Like a rock.”

“Now what makes Miss Reynolds so special that he’d bring her here without ever going on one outing with us?”

“Don’t be mean to her. She’s pretty.” Cormac leaned in and sniffed her. “And she smells nice.”

“Sorry.” Beckett shrugged.

“But back to my question. Are you his girlfriend?”

“Friends with benefits?”

Cormac smacked his brother again.

“What? We all just saw.” Beckett rubbed his arm in response. “Damn, that hurts.”

“Ignore him. Please,” Cormac pleaded.

“No, it’s okay. Garrett and I…um…it’s complicated.” She gave a closed smile.