Break the Rules (The Flanagan Sisters Book 1) Read online

  It sounded nice. A companion and a lover.

  There was a tiny part of Bridget that was sad. She would miss being Tanya’s best friend and confidant. “So what’s your hesitation?”

  “It’s only been three weeks. What if we’re still in the love bird stage?”

  “My parents married a week after they met,” Bridget said. She adored the story of how it was love at first sight for them. “Can you imagine having kids with him, buying a house, growing old together?”

  “Yeah.” Tanya’s voice was soft, dreamy. “We both want two kids.”

  If they’d already had that conversation then perhaps Hal felt the same way about Tanya. Bridget smiled. “Then maybe that’s your answer.”

  “We should look for rings tomorrow,” Tanya said. “Do guys get engagement rings if the girl asks?”

  Bridget shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t see why not.”

  “I should have checked his size.” She was fretting, Bridget could hear it in her voice.

  “There’s no rush, Tanya. You’ve got the rest of your lives together.”

  “You’re right. It doesn’t matter, we can get it resized.”

  Bridget smothered a grin. Tanya heard what she wanted sometimes. She pulled into the driveway.

  “What have you got planned for us for tomorrow?” Bridget asked.

  “Shopping in the morning, followed by a casual lunch at Eat, Drink, Read, and then facials and massages in the afternoon.”

  “Sounds great.” Well, the facial and massage definitely did. The shopping she’d endure. Bridget unlocked the door to the house and turned on the light.

  “Oh, and ring shopping,” Tanya added.

  “Of course,” Bridget agreed. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  As she lay in bed she wondered what it would be like to find the one you wanted to spend your life with, and fell asleep thinking of Jack.

  * * *

  At eight o’clock the next morning, Tanya banged on her door. “Time to get up.”

  Bridget groaned. The only thing to get Tanya to rise early was shopping or a road trip. Just her luck.

  “I’m getting up,” she called.

  Tanya was already dressed and ready to go when Bridget came out. She handed Bridget a slice of toast and a coffee. “I never asked you how it was with Jack last night,” she said. “I didn’t believe Hal when he said Jack had dragged you to his bedroom.”

  Bridget’s body warmed as she remembered it.

  “So how was it?”

  She took a sip of her coffee. “Fine.”

  “Fine?” Tanya sounded disappointed. “I would have thought with a package like that, Jack would have rocked your world.”

  Though she didn’t want to go into detail she couldn’t prevent the smile from crossing her face. “Actually I think I rocked his world.”

  “You go, girl!” Tanya hollered. “I’m so glad you two got it together. He’s so nice.”

  Bridget hummed an agreement, hoping it would be enough for Tanya. It was Monday, which meant Jack was off limits in that way.

  “When are you seeing him next?”

  “Friday night.”

  Tanya frowned. “That’s ages away.”

  “We work together, remember?”

  “Yeah. What made you change your mind?”

  “It’s a weekend thing. During the week we’re colleagues and at the weekend we date.”

  Tanya stared at her. “How’s that going to work? You can’t separate it that way.”

  “Sure we can.” Bridget was still trying to convince herself. “It’s called compartmentalizing.”

  “Bridge …”

  She got to her feet, swallowing the last of her breakfast. “I’ll take a shower and we can go.” She left before Tanya could lecture her further.

  She had enough doubts as it was.

  * * *

  Their day started with shopping. Bridget bought herself a few tops, a cute dress, and on a whim, some sexy lingerie. Tanya dashed in and out of jewelers before finally choosing an engagement ring for Hal.

  After an amazing facial and a full-body massage that made Bridget’s bones melt, they headed home.

  Bridget dumped her purchases on her bed and walked into the kitchen. “What do you want to do for dinner?”

  Tanya turned from the fridge where she was getting a drink and screwed up her face. “I was hoping to see Hal tonight.”

  Of course she was. She had the ring burning a hole in her pocket. “Good luck!”

  Tanya beamed at her. “Thanks, Bridge. You’re the best for understanding.” She gave her a hug and then left the room. “I’m going to get ready.”

  Bridget poured herself a glass of wine and sat on the couch. Things were changing rapidly. If Hal accepted Tanya’s proposal – and Bridget hoped he would – they’d probably want to move in together as soon as possible. But Bridget couldn’t afford the rent on her own. She might actually have to find a new roommate. Then again, Tanya wasn’t likely to move in with Hal while Jack was still living there.

  She sighed. There was no point worrying about it until she had to.

  She sipped her wine. Tomorrow she was back at the plant. She wasn’t sure how much work would be waiting for her, and she couldn’t help fretting about Jack. They had slept together again. It shouldn’t be a big deal. She’d acted on her attraction and she was happy with the results. Bridget shook her head. Way to analyze things.

  But she’d been high on the dive experience, she’d not been thinking rationally. Had she made the best decision? Could she keep her work relationship with Jack separate from her other relationship?

  They’d not agreed to keep it secret – just separate. Part of her wanted no one to know, but the other part reminded her she’d kept her relationship with Lionel secret too, and that had led to disaster.

  Tanya walked into the room. “How do I look?”

  Bridget turned. Tanya was wearing the new blue dress she’d bought that fit her curves perfectly. “Gorgeous.”

  “Are you sure?” Tanya plucked at the dress.

  Her friend was nervous. Bridget couldn’t remember a time when Tanya was nervous about anything.

  She stood up and walked over to her. “Hal’s going to swallow his tongue when he sees you,” she assured her friend.

  Tanya gave her a small smile. “I’m so sure I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but my nerves are humming.”

  “It’s a big deal, honey. But you’ll be fine.” She hugged her.

  “You’re right.” Tanya huffed out a breath. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Bridget stood where she was until Tanya shut the front door. What was she going to do now? She hadn’t brought any work home with her and there was no game on television.

  She walked in to the kitchen and checked the fridge for something to eat, then closed it again. Nothing appealed.

  She could get some take-out but there was only herself to order for. It felt a little bit pathetic today. She should be thrilled for Tanya. She should be happy her friend had found the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Instead she felt lonely.

  It was tempting to call Jack, ask him to come over, but it was a week night. She wasn’t breaking their deal on the first day. Besides, that would mean it was more than just casual.

  And it couldn’t be anything more than that.

  There was always one person who could cheer her up. She picked up the phone and dialed. “Hey, Zita. What’s up?”

  * * *

  An hour later, after she hung up from talking to her little sister, her phone beeped.

  Checking it, she grinned. There was a photo of Tanya and Hal, with smiles as wide as a rainbow, both holding out their hands to show off their engagement rings. The message read, Great minds think alike.

  Not wanting to interrupt their celebration, she texted, CONGRATULATIONS!!! and put down her phone.

  It was official. Her best friend was getting married.

  Bridg
et tucked her legs up under her on the sofa and crossed her arms. It was fantastic news. Really, it was.

  Half an hour later she was still sitting there contemplating what it all meant when someone knocked on the door. Getting to her feet, she checked the peephole. She frowned, opening the door.

  Jack shuffled on the spot, a little uncertain. “Hi. I guess you’ve heard the news. I wanted to give Tanya and Hal a little privacy.” He shrugged. “I know it’s a work night, but you weren’t at work today … I can go to my mother’s if you’d prefer.”

  She knew what he was suggesting. She didn’t hesitate. “Come in.”

  Chapter 11

  They took separate cars to work the next morning. Jack left first and Bridget tidied the kitchen before she followed him.

  She’d convinced herself they hadn’t broken the rules of their deal. Her work week started today. And she couldn’t regret last night. They’d gone straight to bed, made love slowly, exploring each other’s bodies, and then had slept curled up together.

  She hadn’t had a man sleep over since Lionel but there was no time to be awkward about it in the morning. At that early hour, she was on auto-pilot; taking a shower, grabbing a bite to eat and making some lunch.

  If her morning routine had been broken up by a brief dalliance in the shower, she wasn’t complaining. But now she needed to get back into work mode.

  She greeted the security guard at the gatehouse, reviewed the incidents on site since she’d last been at work, and when she deemed it time, she ducked her head into Jack’s office and said, “Morning, boss. What’s new?”

  His grin was quick before he answered, “Production has implemented a new communication strategy. Any messages for nightshift are to go through the shift supervisor. He’ll make sure they’re passed on.”

  “That’s great.” It would take a little bit of time to see if it worked, but she’d be optimistic.

  “Take a seat and I’ll update you with the progress we made on your project.”

  Bridget took the seat he offered, her knee brushing his. Heat zapped between them. She had to get herself under control. Focusing on the paperwork in front of her, she shifted her seat slightly further away from him, ignoring his small smile, and got to work.

  * * *

  The week at work was the best that Jack had had. The awkwardness between he and Bridget had disappeared and was replaced by a lovely anticipation for the weekend. They shared the occasional secret smile, but were able to work together without any fuss. Bridget focused on the job and got it done.

  He’d never met anyone more dedicated and more efficient. The project she was implementing was right on schedule and a few people had commented it was a relief that the issue was finally being addressed. It made him question yet again why she hadn’t been given his job.

  At the end of the day he stopped by Bridget’s office. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”

  She nodded. “Tanya’s staying at Hal’s,” she said in a low voice.

  He grinned. “Is that an invitation?”

  She looked up at him through her eyelashes. “Yes.”

  Desire swept straight to his groin. It was just as well he’d left talking to her about this until the end of the day. He checked the hall but there were too many people still about. “I’ll see you then.”

  He left before he did something silly, like give himself away. As he walked out of the administration building, his name was called. Turning back he saw the production manager waving to him.

  “We’ve got a problem.”

  Jack swallowed his annoyance and walked back. “What is it?”

  “We’ve got an unplanned shutdown and need a safety person to help with the risk assessment.”

  Something like that was going to take at least an hour, maybe longer depending on the situation. Most of his team had already left and he wasn’t going to call them back. “I’ll do it. Where are we meeting?”

  “Room three.”

  “I’ll be there in five.”

  He stuck his head into Bridget’s office. “I need to take a raincheck.”

  “What’s happened?”

  “I’ve got to help with a risk assessment for an unplanned shutdown.”

  “I can do it if you want.”

  “No. I need to sit in on one of these anyway. There’s no point both of us staying.”

  “Do you still want to come over when you’re done?”

  “If it’s not too late.”

  She smiled, brightening up his spirits. “Any time.”

  He wanted to kiss her, but he couldn’t, not here. “I’ll call.”

  * * *

  It was seven o’clock before Jack was able to leave work. There was still a chance he and Bridget could go out to dinner, but he was exhausted. He’d spent the last two hours insisting they do a proper risk assessment and that the likelihood and consequences were higher than the others wanted them to be. It was all just an exercise in avoiding paperwork.

  The unit shutdown was a high risk operation which meant more safety processes than production wanted. Well, that was too bad. They had the processes for a reason and no one could justify why they should skip them.

  When they’d finished the meeting, he’d printed out the details agreed upon, and emailed a copy to Kevin so he was kept in the loop. Jack couldn’t understand why these people didn’t understand the risks they were taking. There were plenty of examples of major incidents at oil refineries where not following procedures was reported as one of the causes. Perhaps he needed to print a couple of those reports out, show them to the people in charge. Maybe that would highlight the risks to them. Just because they’d done it that way in the past and not had an incident didn’t make it safe, it made them lucky.

  He pulled out his cell and dialed Bridget’s number. “We’ve finished.” He couldn’t hide the tiredness in his voice.

  “Why don’t I order take-out? You can pick it up on your way here.”

  He could have kissed her. “That would be great.”

  “There’s a fantastic Chinese restaurant around the corner.” She gave him the address. “Do you want anything in particular?”

  “Just you,” he said.

  She was silent for a moment. “I’ll see you when you get here.”

  Jack wasn’t sure what to make of her silence, but he’d figure it out when he got there. Right now he needed to leave before something else came up.

  * * *

  Bridget opened the door before Jack could knock. She’d been waiting for him. He held up the bag of take-out food. “The hunter-gatherer has arrived.”

  She smiled, took the bag from him and kissed him. His day got a hundred times better.

  “Come in. Do you want a shower before we eat?”

  The idea was tempting, but he hadn’t stopped at home to pick up a change of clothes. “Let’s eat first.”

  He followed her into the kitchen.

  “Sit down. I’ll get the plates.”

  More than happy to do what he was told, Jack sat and took the plate she handed him.

  “How did the assessment go?” Bridget asked.

  He wanted to talk to her about it, ask for her thoughts about how to change the lackadaisical culture on site, but he had promised their weekends wouldn’t involve work. “I’ll tell you about it on Monday.”

  She frowned at him.

  “No work,” he reminded her.

  Handing him a serving spoon she nodded. “All right.”

  They dished up the food and began to eat.

  “What do you think about Tanya and Hal’s engagement?” Jack asked. He’d only been mildly surprised when they’d returned home flashing their rings.

  “They fit together, and they seem happy.”

  He agreed. “Tanya’s making noises about moving in.”

  Bridget’s eyebrows raised. “That I didn’t know.”

  “She hasn’t said it in so many words, but she’s spent the last few nights helping me search for a place of my own.�
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  “That’s being subtle for Tanya.”

  He laughed. “I thought so too.” As he ate, he wondered whether he should bring up the idea he’d been playing with. He was about eighty percent sure Bridget would freak out and he didn’t want that. But it would solve a few problems if he took Tanya’s room and Tanya moved in with Hal.

  Perhaps she’d come up with the same idea on her own.

  Not wanting to spoil the evening, he kept his mouth shut. “So what time do we leave for the dive in the morning?”

  * * *

  Bridget woke early the next morning, before her alarm went off. They needed to get down to the docks in order to make their tour, but they had to stop by Hal’s so Jack could get his things.

  Light from outside filtered through her blinds, lighting the room so she could see Jack as he slept. She sighed softly and carefully got out of bed so as not to wake him. He could sleep for another ten minutes. She’d turn on the coffee maker and take a shower. They didn’t have time for shenanigans this morning.

  Closing her eyes she let the warm water flow over her. What should she do about Jack? The most important question was probably how did she feel about him?

  She was attracted to him. That was a given. She liked him. He was intelligent, thoughtful, and he made her laugh. If he wasn’t her boss, she’d happily start a relationship with him.

  But that was the whole issue. He was her boss. There was no skirting around that gigantic fact.

  So the way she saw it she had three choices: forget her second rule, ignore her past, and have a relationship. The idea sent chills through her. That wasn’t going to work.

  She could continue how they were – weekend lovers – and keep work and her personal life separate. But she’d already acknowledged it was getting harder and harder to do.

  Or she could find another job. The thought made her anger stir. She shouldn’t have to do that. She didn’t want to do it. No one else would hire her. Plus if she did, she’d end up resenting Jack, she was sure of it.

  So really, she had no idea what to do.

  The bathroom door opened. “I didn’t hear you get up,” Jack said.

  “I thought I’d give you a few more minutes to sleep,” Bridget answered, pushing aside her worries for now. “Do you want to get in?”