The evening, at least, was companionable and pleasant. Thanks, in Shannon’s opinion, to Rogan’s flawless manners and hospitality. Not once through dinner, or the easy evening that followed, did he mention the contract or the plans he had in the making.

Which, she supposed, was why she was so off guard the following morning when he escorted her into his library directly after they’d shared a quiet breakfast. He shot straight from the hip.

“You have an eleven o’clock appointment with the photographer,” he told her the moment they were seated. “They’ll tend to your hair and makeup, so you needn’t worry about it. I had in mind something on the elegant side, but not strictly formal. Jack, that’s the photographer, will know what to do with you.”

“Yes, but—”

“Now, Maggie’s having a bit of a lie-in this morning, but she’d like to go with you. Liam will stay here, so you can have some time for the two of you to do some shopping, or for Maggie to show you around Dublin.”

“That would be nice.” Shannon drew a breath. She shouldn’t have.

“I’m hoping you’ll come by the gallery, have a tour. You said you’d been to our branch in New York.”

“Yes, and—”

“I think you’ll see we try to create different moods in different cities. In order to reflect the ambience. I’m going to be tied up a great deal of the day.” He glanced briefly at his watch. “Starting almost immediately. But I’d appreciate it if you’d find a moment to come by the office. Maggie can bring you in about three. We can go over whatever changes you’d like in the contracts.”

“Stop.” She held up both hands, unsure if she wanted to scream or to laugh. “You’re doing it again.”

“I’m sorry. What’s that?”

“Oh, don’t apologize or look politely bemused. You know exactly what you’re doing. You’re the most elegant steamroller I’ve ever been flattened by.” He flashed a grin that had her shaking her head. “And that—that quick charming smile is lethal. I can see how even someone as stubborn as Maggie crumbled.”

“That she didn’t. I had to batter away at her bit by bit. And you’re much more like her than you might like me to point out.” He smothered a fresh grin when Shannon’s eyes flashed. “Yes, much more like her.”

“Insulting me is not the way to win me over.”

“Then let me say this.” He folded his hands on the desk. “As your brother-in-law as much as the man who hopes to push forward your career. You didn’t come here because I outflanked you, Shannon. That’s part of it, yes, that pushed you to move when I pushed you to move. But what I’ve done is plant an idea in your head.”

“All right, you have. It’s an idea I toyed with years ago and dismissed an impractical. You’re trying to convince me now that it’s not.”

Intrigued, he leaned back and studied her. “Is it money?”