Chapter One

Killian sat in his truck, the door open and his feet resting on the running board. He could hear the music blaring from inside the bar, but he had no desire to go back inside. All he wanted was a cold beer before heading home.

As he watched people stroll through the parking lot, he couldn’t help but smile when a group of giggling women waved at him. He shook his head, knowing they were probably a little tipsy and hoping they had a designated driver. The last thing he wanted was to be on the road with an intoxicated driver, but he knew it was inevitable no matter where he went. Some people never learned.

“You should come join us,” one of the women called out, causing Killian to chuckle.

“I’m good, thanks.”

“We bet you are. That’s why you should come join us.” The women laughed and continued on their way.

Killian laughed and shook his head as they disappeared from sight. Just as he was about to turn on the seat to get into his truck, a woman with blonde hair caught his eye. She appeared nervous as she made her way toward him. Curiosity got the better of him, so he stayed put to see what she would do. He couldn’t take his eyes off her or the way her jeans hugged her body and how the T-shirt she wore stretched tight across her breasts.

He was surprised when she reached him, removed his hat, handed it to him, then stepped between his legs. She took a deep breath, and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the lips without hesitation. His hands instinctively went to her waist as she moaned against his mouth. As she slowly pulled away, she looked at him with a playful grin.

“Happy birthday,” she said.

Killian chuckled. “Thanks, but it’s not my birthday.”

“What?” She stepped back, looking confused.

“It’s not my birthday,” he confirmed.

“Wait... aren’t you, Vince?”

“Nope, sorry. But now I kind of wish I was.” He glanced at her lips before meeting her gaze again. “Are there more where that came from?”

“Oh my God. Carly said it was a black truck.”

Killian glanced around the parking lot, then back at her. “There are at least six other black trucks here that I can see. It’s hard to tell how many more are around back.”

“Damn,” she muttered.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Killian asked.

“Celine.”

“Killian.”

“I am so sorry,” Celine apologized.

“Don’t be. That kiss was the best thing that’s happened to me tonight.” He grinned, tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “Did you lose a bet or something?”

She laughed, making him grin even wider. “Actually, yes I did.”

“Well, whoever Vince is, his loss is definitely my gain.”

“I guess I should’ve asked for your name first,” Celine realized with a shake of her head.

“No need to apologize, because if you had asked, I wouldn’t have gotten that amazing kiss from you.” Their eyes met and neither of them could look away. Killian felt her gaze like a touch on his skin and he wanted more.

“I should probably go back inside,” Celine murmured, but made no move to leave.

Killian nodded in understanding. “If you really have to.”

“Maybe I’ll see you around sometime, Killian.”

“I sure hope so. Hey, give me your phone.”

She grinned, handed him her phone, and he entered his number into it.

“Call or text me,” he said.

She turned to leave, but he reached out and caught her wrist between his fingers.

“How about one more before you go?” he suggested with a smile.

Celine grinned, then stepped closer to him once again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his once again, moaning as he pulled her between his thighs, cupped her face in his hands, and deepened the kiss.

“Celine?”

They broke apart when they heard someone say her name. Celine glanced over her shoulder, then back at Killian.

“Yeah?” she said without taking her eyes from his.

“Uh, that’s not Vince,” a woman said.

“It’s not?” Celine asked in mock surprise as she stared at Killian and winked.

“No. Um, are you alright?”

Celine grinned. “I’m wonderful.” She pressed a quick kiss on his lips again, smiled, then turned and walked off, leaving her friend behind with a bewildered look on her face.

Killian grinned at the woman, placed his hat on his head, touched the brim, moved his legs inside the truck, and closed the door. He started the truck, and after one more look in Celine’s direction, drove off.

****

Celine couldn’t keep the smile off her face. She wanted to text him right now, but she had to find out more about him.

“Celine! Wait! Who was that?”

Celine grinned as she turned to face her friend, Carly.

“His name is Killian.”

“Killian who?”

“He didn’t say.”

“You kissed a strange man?”

“Wait a minute here. You wanted me to kiss Vince and I don’t know him.”

“You were supposed to kiss him for his birthday.” Carly shrugged.

“But, he’s still a stranger to me.”

“Yes, but—”

“But, what? Carly, I lost the bet, so I played along. You told me he would be in a black truck.” Celine shrugged.

“Oh, boy. I’m sorry. It was a stupid bet. I just wanted to embarrass Vince in front of his friends.” Carly grinned. “The more I think about it though, I bet he wouldn’t have been embarrassed. He would have been boasting about it.”

Celine laughed. “Well, I don’t know about him being embarrassed, but Killian certainly wasn’t. Damn, that man could kiss. It was the best kiss I’ve ever had, and I would have had more if you hadn’t interrupted me.”

“Well, gee. Forgive me for saving you from a stranger.”

Celine grinned. “That is one stranger you didn’t have to save me from.” She looked to where his truck had been sitting. “He put his number in my phone.”

“You don’t know his last name?”

“No. Damn it. I like him. I mean, really like him, Carly.”

“I am happy to hear you say that. It’s been a while since you’ve been interested in another man.”

“After what I went through, can you blame me?”

“No, not at all. I can’t imagine going through what you did, but you don’t know this man. At least, I know Vince. This… Killian is a stranger. Hell, he could be a tourist and leaving soon.”

“So? If he’s sticking around a while, I could have some fun with him.” Celine faced Carly. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve had good sex?”

“Uh, no, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me.”

“Damn right, I am. Blaine and I were together for three years, and lived together for one year, so we’d have to go back further than that.” Celine shook her head.

Carly burst out laughing. “True.”

Celine shook her head. “I should have never moved in with him. I don’t think I’ve ever had mind-blowing sex.”

“If you did and don’t remember, how mind-blowing could it have been?”

“You know, you’re right.” Celine grinned. “I bet Killian could show me.”

“Okay, now you’re obsessed with him.”

“Carly, if he had kissed you, you’d be obsessed too. I have never been so… kissed in my life. It was all in. No hesitation on either of our parts. I didn’t feel like I had to get away from him. In fact, I wanted to get closer and I know I will never see him again. Damn it.”

“I’m sorry I ruined it. But you have his number, you can call him.”

“Oh, Carly, that takes more courage than I have.”

“Are you kidding me? You just kissed a stranger. That takes guts.”

“We’ll see. I’ll have to think about it. Oh, my God! He could be married or involved with someone.”

“Well, let’s hope he isn’t because that means he had no problem kissing another woman and you don’t need someone like that in your life.”

“You are so smart sometimes.”

Carly laughed. “Just sometimes? Let’s head back inside and dance some more, then we’ll head home.”

“Okay.” Celine sighed. She finally meets a man who could possibly make her forget the prick she lived with, and he disappears. Just her friggin’ luck. Should she call or text him? She’d definitely think about it. If for no other reason, then to find out if he’s involved with anyone.

Monday morning, Celine entered the coffee shop making the chime ring. She took in the sight of the bustling shop, already packed with customers. The mingling aromas of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled her nose, but today she felt even more exhausted than usual due to not getting any sleep the night before. With a wave to her employees, she made her way through the crowd to the small office in the back.

After stowing her purse in the safe and donning an apron, she returned to the front to help serve customers. Owning this shop had given her purpose after leaving Blaine, and she was grateful for it despite the occasional busy days like today.

“Hey, Celine? We’re running low on pastries and we haven’t had a chance to order more,” Ainsleigh’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Celine nodded, “I’ll head over during my lunch hour and place an order. Can you pick them up tomorrow on your way in?”

Ainsleigh agreed before returning to help a customer. The constant chatter of customers and the clinking of cups filled the air as Celine moved around behind the counter.

During her lunch break, she checked traffic before crossing the street to Sweet Nothings bakery. It too, was bustling with customers, but she managed to grab a number from the dispenser and patiently waited for her turn. JoJo Watkins greeted her warmly when she reached the counter.

“Hi, JoJo. I just need to order some more pastries. Ainsleigh will come by tomorrow morning to pick them up if that’s alright.”

“No problem.” JoJo jotted down the order on a pad of paper.

“I appreciate it. You guys are the best. Well, I’m off for lunch now, so I’ll see you later.”

With a wave goodbye, Celine stepped back into the heat outside. The scorching summer weather in late June had taken its toll this year, and she could feel the sweat beading on her forehead. But despite the heat, she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. She had only been in Clifton for a year, but it already felt like home.

As she returned to the coffee shop after her lunch break, she noticed that it had slowed down a bit. Her employees were diligently serving customers, and she took a moment to appreciate their hard work. Putting her purse back in the safe, she resumed her position at the front counter.

Ainsleigh waved as she left for her lunch break, and Celine smiled gratefully at the temporary lull in customers. As much as she loved running the coffee shop, some days were so busy that it felt like she couldn’t catch a breath.

“Celine, do you mind if I run to the pharmacy? I need to pick up my mom’s prescription and I’d rather not go after work,” Debbie asked.

“Of course not. We’re slow right now, so go ahead. I can handle any customers who come in,” Celine replied with a smile.

“Thank you so much. I’ll be back quickly.”

“Take your time.”

Debbie untied her apron and hung it up on the hook behind the counter before leaving through the back door. With the shop relatively quiet, Celine took advantage of the opportunity to take a quick inventory of supplies. As she made her way toward her supply room in the back, the familiar sound of the bell chimed, signaling the arrival of a customer.

“Damn,” she muttered under her breath as she hurried back to help them. Her eyes widened when she saw a tall cowboy standing in front of the counter. Since he had his head tilted down, looking at the pastries, she couldn’t see his face.

“Hi, welcome to The Everyday Grind,” she said with a bright smile that quickly faded when he raised his head and made eye contact with her. Surprise registered on his face, but he quickly grinned at her in recognition.

As he gazed at her, she found herself unable to speak.

“Hi, we meet again,” he said with a grin. “Could I get a black coffee to go?”

Celine couldn’t look away from his handsome face, especially in the light of day. She stammered and struggled to form words as he met her gaze with his dark, intense eyes framed by long lashes. But there he stood, and she couldn’t believe it. He tilted his head slightly, a cocky smirk forming on his lips as she continued to stare at him.

Shaking herself out of her daze, Celine quickly turned away and focused on preparing his coffee. When she turned back around, he was still looking at her.

“So, you work here... Celine?” Her heart skipped a beat as he spoke her name.

“I own the place,” she replied.

“Well, now I know where I can get a cup of coffee,” he said with a grin that made her knees weak.

He was undeniably attractive with his captivating smile. Crow’s feet crinkled at the corners of his eyes when he smiled and deep creases appeared in his cheeks. And to top it off, he was tall; something Celine had always found appealing in men since she herself was almost five foot eight. She had never met a more handsome, rugged cowboy in her life. Her eyes wandered to his hands, but she didn’t see a wedding band although that didn’t necessarily mean anything. They widened when she caught sight of the gun strapped to his side and a badge attached to his belt.

“Are you a police officer?” she asked in surprise.

“No ma’am, I’m a livestock agent with the Montana Department of Livestock,” he replied as he handed her his business card.

“Oh, I see. The woman I bought this shop from has a brother in the department.”

“What’s his name?”

“Eli Hawkins.”

Killian nodded, “I know Eli. He’s a good agent.” Celine couldn’t help but keep listening to him talk. His voice was deep and sexy. “I transferred here, I’m from the Helena office. I think I’ll like it here,” he said, still gazing into her eyes. “You know, I was hoping for a call or text, but neither came.”

“I’m still deciding,” she said with a grin and laughed when he chuckled. She tilted her head and asked the one question she hoped he’d say no to. “Are you married or involved with anyone?”

“No, ma’am. I wouldn’t have let you kiss me if I was. You?”

“No.”

He grinned and after paying for his coffee, he turned to leave.

“Have a good day, Celine. I’d like to see you again, but I’ll leave that up to you. You know where I stand,” he said as he touched the brim of his white straw cowboy hat, and walked out the door.

“Holy hell, what a man,” she whispered as she watched him leave, and her eyes strayed to his ass in those tight jeans. Wow!

Ainsleigh walked in and Celine chuckled as she saw her staring at Killian as he held the door open for her before touching the brim of his hat again and walking off.

“Oh my God, who is he? I’ve never seen him before,” Ainsleigh exclaimed.

“His name is Killian Doyle, and he’s a new livestock agent here,” Celine replied as she stared at the card in her hand, with a smile. She ran the tip of her finger over his name.

“He’s gorgeous,” Ainsleigh remarked.

“I totally agree,” Celine replied dreamily. She was glad no one else knew how they had met. They would think she was crazy for kissing a stranger like that. But she couldn’t deny the strong attraction between them. “And you kissed him,” she murmured.

Ainsleigh frowned. “Huh?”

“Oh, nothing... just talking to myself,” Celine blushed before sighing as more customers entered the shop. All she could hope for was that Killian was right about seeing her again. All you have to do is call or text.

****

Killian strode down the sidewalk with his coffee, nodding at the people he passed as he walked to the office. Crossing the street, he sipped his coffee, and touched the brim of his hat when a woman smiled at him.

There seemed to be a lot of beautiful women in the area. He glanced over his shoulder at the coffee shop and grinned. Celine was a very stunning woman he hoped to know better, but if she didn’t get in touch with him, he’d stay away.

Entering the building, he strode through the lobby, and punched the button for the elevator, then entered when the doors opened. As they were about to close, a hand reached in to stop them, and Killian immediately hit the button to open them. He grinned when Agent Caysen Anderson stepped inside.

“Hey, Killian. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I didn’t see you or I would have waited.”

“It’s fine. I came in the side door.”

“It’s going to be a hot one today,” Killian said.

“And yet, you’re drinking hot coffee,” Caysen teased.

“Man, it could be a hundred degrees, and I’d still have my coffee.”

Caysen chuckled. “Did you have breakfast at the diner?”

“I wanted to, but it was so packed there was no place to sit.”

“Your loss.”

“Hell, I know. But I went to the coffee shop down the street.” Killian held his cup up with ‘The Everyday Grind’ printed on it.

“Yeah, they have great coffee too.”

“Not to mention, a beautiful owner.” Killian grinned.

“Ah, now I see.”

“It was my first time there.”

“Oh, so I don’t see.” Caysen laughed.

Killian chuckled. “It won’t be my last.”

“I’ve been in a few times, but I don’t know the new owner. I know the previous owner, Chelsea. She’s Eli’s sister.”

“Yeah, I found that much out. Are you married, Caysen?”

“Nope.”

“I’m not trying to be nosy. Since I’m new here, I really don’t know all the agents very well yet.”

“It’s fine. How long have you been here now?”

“Almost seven months now. I like it.”

“Good. We’re happy to have you. You did a hell of a job helping Creed get those bastards who killed Mac.”

Killian nodded as the men stepped from the elevator when it stopped at their floor, and made their way into the office, then strode to their desks. Killian’s was across the room from Creed McBride’s and he saw him seated behind his.

“Morning, Creed.”

“Hey, good morning, Killian. Did you have a good weekend?”

“I did. How about you and Abbie?”

Creed grinned. “We had a great weekend. We stayed home and did nothing.”

“Best kind in my opinion.” Killian pulled the chair up behind him and sat down.

As the day wore on, Killian hoped Celine would call or text but by the end of the day, he hadn’t heard from her. Shrugging, he realized that maybe she hadn’t been as interested in him as he was in her. Women. Who knew how their minds worked? He gave up trying to figure them out years ago. At forty-two, he knew better than to even think he could know. He’d had high hopes though. Oh, well. It wasn’t meant to be, he supposed.

****

Celine quickly entered her townhome, locked the door behind her, and went upstairs to change into more comfortable clothes. She didn’t dress up much at work, but nothing felt better than lounge pants and a T-shirt to her.

After changing, she returned to the kitchen to make dinner. She opened the freezer but couldn’t find anything that appealed to her.

“I should have stopped at the diner,” she muttered, knowing it was too late now. With a sigh, she made a salad and brought it to the living room. When her phone buzzed, she saw it was Brenna calling.

“Hey,” Celine answered.

“Hi, what’s up?”

“Just eating a salad. It’s too hot for anything else.”

“Tell me about it. I was wondering if you wanted to meet for lunch tomorrow?”

“Is everything okay? Are you getting bored with school being out for the summer?” Celine teased with a smile.

“Is it that obvious?” Brenna laughed.

“Just a little. Sure, we can grab lunch tomorrow.”

After deciding on a time, they chatted for a while before hanging up. Celine loved Brenna; she was one of her best friends, along with Kinley Wilson, and Sydney Wright. All three were wonderful women. She had met them at the coffee shop one day and hit it off immediately. Celine had even been Brenna’s maid of honor when she married Beau McCallister recently. A frown crossed Celine’s face as she thought about Beau. He was a livestock agent, so she wondered if he knew Killian. Picking up her phone again, she called Brenna back.

“Changing your mind already?” Brenna teased when she answered. Celine chuckled,

“Nope. Is Beau home?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Can you ask him if he knows Killian Doyle?”

“Of course, he does.”

“Do you know him?”

“Not well. I’ve met him. Why?”

“I’ll tell you tomorrow, but is he a good guy?”

“As I said, I don’t know him that well, but Beau likes him so that’s saying something.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”

“Seriously? That’s it? You’re not going to tell me anything else?” Brenna questioned, sounding slightly annoyed.

“Nope. Tomorrow,” Celine replied before hanging up and chuckling. She knew it would drive Brenna crazy.

The next day at lunchtime, Celine entered the diner and scanned the room for Brenna. She saw her sitting in a booth and waved as she made her way over, sliding onto the bench across from her.

“It’s so hot out,” Celine exclaimed as she sat down.

“Terrible. Days like this make me glad we have a pool at home,” Brenna replied with a smirk.

“Of course, rub it in why don’t you?” Celine laughed.

“Hey, you could always get one of those kiddie pools for your little backyard,” Brenna suggested with a grin.

“Don’t tempt me,” Celine joked back.

“So how do you like living in the townhouse?” Brenna asked, changing the subject.

“I’m still not completely sold on buying it, but Abbie isn’t pressuring me so I’m not going to worry about it too much right now. There’s just one neighbor across the street who seems to notice everything. Mrs. Smith is always peeking out her windows,” Celine replied with a smile. “But I do like it better than the apartment above the coffee shop. I believe I’ll use that for storage.”

“Ugh, nosy neighbors are the worst. That’s a good idea for the apartment. It’s so small anyway,” Brenna sympathized. “Okay, enough about that. Why did you ask about Killian?”

Celine grinned mischievously and told her friend how she had met him. Brenna’s eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a whistle before chuckling.

“Wow, he’s definitely hot. And if you tell Beau I said that, we’re no longer friends,” Brenna joked. “So, was it good?”

Celine sighed contentedly, “God, yes. The man can kiss. I’m pretty sure he knows what to do with women.”

“What’s the harm in trying?” Celine’s friend encouraged her.

Celine sighed, “My heart. I thought Blaine was a good man until we lived together.”

“It’s disappointing that he waited until after you were living together to show his true colors.”

“I know.”

“You were smart to leave. So, are you going to reach out to Killian?”

“I want to, but I’m scared. People can hide their true selves until you get to know them.”

“My husband has great instincts about people. If he didn’t like Killian, I doubt he would have introduced him to me at Eli and Lorna’s wedding. I remember when I first saw him. My jaw dropped open; he is gorgeous.”

“He really is. I wonder why he isn’t married.”

“Maybe he’s divorced or widowed.” Brenna shrugged.

“Hard to say.” Celine agreed. “I’ll think about reaching out to him.”

But she didn’t; she was too afraid. He could be a wonderful man, but after her experience with Blaine, the thought of getting involved with another man terrified her. Yet, she couldn’t get Killian Doyle out of her mind.

A few days later, she stood behind the counter, hoping he would come into the shop, but maybe he figured she wasn’t interested since she hadn’t gotten in touch with him. She hated the idea of him being with another woman. But then she laughed. He already told her he wasn’t seeing anyone. Celine hoped he was telling her the truth because she wasn’t sure how that possibility would make her feel toward Killian. As Carly had said, if he was married or involved, he shouldn’t have let her kiss him, and then entered his number into her phone.

The door opened and Deidra Mitchell walked in, smiling at Celine.

“Hey Deidra! Let me guess, no coffee at the diner today?” Celine teased.

Deidra chuckled, “I don’t drink it in the summer, but I’m here to invite you to a surprise party for Aunt Connie and Uncle Owen. They’re celebrating their forty-fifth wedding anniversary and we want to show them our appreciation.”

“Oh, that sounds like so much fun. When and where? I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Great. We’re trying to spread the word to everyone. It’ll be in two weeks, on a Sunday.”

“But how will you get them out of the diner? You know those two won’t leave willingly.” Celine grinned.

“Preston, along with Holt, Reece, and Trent have a plan. I’m not sure I want to know, but they’ll find a way to get them out.”

“I bet everyone will be there; who doesn’t love those two?” Celine smiled. “Oh, and where is it going to be?”

“Dewey’s. Scarlett and Noah offered to host it. It will be around six. But, please get there a little early. Preston wants to get them there by six.”

“That’s fantastic! Do we need to bring gifts?”

“It’s up to you. Just come and celebrate with us. Well, I should get going; I have more shops to visit,” Deidra said with a smile.

“Have fun, and if I don’t see you before then, I’ll see you at the party.”

“Okay, have a great day.” Deidra smiled and left the shop.

Celine couldn’t wait for the event. She hardly ever went out unless her friend Carly convinced her to. Since Brenna married Beau McCallister, and Kinley was engaged to Levi Thomas, she rarely got to spend time with them anymore, and Sydney seemed to be constantly working with running her ranch and the bookstore. The last time she’d been out was the night she met Killian. Pondering this, she wondered why he hadn’t been at Brenna and Beau’s wedding.

Once the shop closed for the day, Celine drove home and pulled into her driveway. She stepped from her vehicle and hurried inside to get out of the heat. Once inside, she pulled out her phone from the back pocket of her jeans and scrolled through her contacts until she found Brenna’s number.

“Hey, Celine.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Celine said.

“No, not at all. What’s going on?”

“Why wasn’t Killian at your wedding?”

“He was away on an assignment. He missed Creed’s and Abbie’s too for that reason.”

“So, I would have met him if he’d been there. Okay. I was just curious because you mentioned that Beau liked him.”

“Yeah, Beau said Killian was disappointed about missing the weddings. When I asked Beau about him, he couldn’t stop raving.”

“That makes me feel better.”

“Have you tried texting or calling him?”

“No, not yet. I’m too scared,” Celine admitted with a laugh.

“Wuss,” Brenna teased.

“Hey, did you get an invite to Connie and Owen’s party?”

“We did! I’m so excited to go. Honestly, this whole town, along with the other two towns, should be throwing them a party. But how will they even make it there?”

Celine chuckled. “Deidra told me that Preston, Reece, Holt, and Trent have a plan, but she’s too afraid to ask for the details.”

Brenna laughed. “It must be something unexpected if it’s going to get them to close the diner.”

“That’s for sure, but I can’t wait for it.”

“Maybe Killian will show up.”

“That would be nice. I’d love to talk to him.”

“Yeah, unless you chicken out,” Brenna joked.

“I hate to admit it, but you’re probably right.”

“Just remember, he’s just a man, Celine. Talk to him, get to know him. If you like him, let him know. If not, move on.”

“I’ll do that. I’ll let you go. I’m going to lay on the sofa and watch movies. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you,” Celine said, then hung up.

Taking a deep breath, she picked up the remote, turned on the TV, and found a movie to watch. All the while promising herself she would talk to Killian if he was at the party.