Chapter Eleven

“Son of a bitch,” Killian swore.

How could she lie to him? She was supposed to love him, and you don’t lie to someone you love. If her ex was in Clifton, she should have told him. Why couldn’t she do that? Had she been afraid he’d go after the man? He had no desire to even see him, let alone knock him on his ass. Unless he did something to Celine, Killian wanted nothing to do with him. The only thing Killian was sure of was that her ex was here to cause trouble. Whether it be with Celine, or her and Killian, he was up to no good.

Killian sat down in the recliner again and knew he wouldn’t sleep tonight.

The following morning, after feeding and watering the horses, he let them out into the pasture then entered the kitchen. He made a cup of coffee, stepped outside onto the back deck. He took a seat in one of the chairs, resting his feet on the rail and sipping his coffee. The mornings were beginning to cool, and he knew fall would be here soon. He was ready for it. The summer had been brutal.

Sundays, he usually had a lazy day, after feeding the horses, he stayed inside and relaxed. Celine would be with him but not today and he wasn’t sure what was going to happen now. It killed him that she lied to him. That’s not love. If she lied, then she didn’t trust him, and if she didn’t trust him, how could she love him .

She should have trusted him enough to tell him her ex was in Clifton. He would have been fine with it. Sure, it would have bothered him knowing he was around, but Killian wasn’t going to start anything, not unless he bothered Celine in any way. Even talking to her didn’t sit well with him, but Killian wasn’t the type to start something. He’d finish it, but he never started it. He knew he was going to have a long day ahead of him, but he had a lot to think about.

Monday morning, he entered the office, walked to his desk, removed his hat, and hung it up. He sat in his chair, turned on the computer, and looked at the case he was working on.

“You’re here early,” Beau said as he stopped by his desk.

“I didn’t get much sleep. So, I thought I might as well come in.”

“Is everything alright?”

Killian looked at him. “Not really.”

“Is it you and Celine?”

“Yes. It’s a long story. I’m sure Brenna will hear about it.”

“Alright. Well, whatever it is, I hope you work it out.”

Killian nodded but said no more. He opened the file for his case and poured over it. He needed to go back to that property again and see what he could find. Maybe he’d keep his mind off Celine if he was working.

Pushing his chair back, he stood, grabbed his hat, and walked out of the office. He stood at the elevator, waiting for it to arrive.

The doors opened and he mentally groaned when he saw Kian step out from it .

“Hey, where are you going?”

“Out to the property I was at Friday. I’m sure the sheep are there.”

“I’m not doing anything; do you want some company?”

Killian hesitated. Maybe having his brother along would keep his mind off Celine.

“Let’s check with Dave first.”

“Alright.”

They walked into the office and Killian waited while Kian went into Dave’s office to ask him about going with him. When Kian stepped out of the office, Killian knew he was going with him.

“He said it was fine,” Kian said.

“Alright, let’s head out.”

They left the building and climbed into Killian’s truck. He pulled out of the lot and drove to the property.

“What’s on your mind?”

Killian glanced at him. “Nothing.”

“I know that’s not true.”

“Not today, Kian.”

“Alright. You know I’m here when you want to talk. Just tell me you didn’t fuck up with Celine.” Killian shook his head. “Damn it, Killian. What happened?”

“I’ll tell you sometime, just not today.”

“You know she’s the best thing to happen to you.”

“Kian, please drop it. I said not today.”

“Alright. But you will tell me.”

“Yes.”

Killian slowed the truck, pulled onto the dirt road on the property before the one he wanted to check out. The truck bounced over the ruts .

“Damn, this road is bad.”

“No one lives on this property. It’s all rundown.”

“How did you find it?”

“My CI. He told me about this place and it’s perfect. I can watch the property where the sheep are without being seen.”

“Are you sure the sheep are there? Did you see them?”

“I only saw a few, but there are lambs with the ewes, and that’s what I’m looking for.”

“Hey, how’s the dog doing?”

Killian grinned. “Great. He gets along great with the other three.”

“Good. I’m glad you took him. Did the owner try to get him back?”

“Yeah, Sam told him no and once he goes to court, Sam will recommend that he never be allowed to own another dog.”

“Good. Asshole.”

“I wanted to punch him. That dog would have died before he got back. I’m just glad I happened to be there, and that woman flagged me down.”

He pulled behind a group of trees, parked the truck, and picked up his binoculars. He opened the door and stepped from the truck.

“Hey, do you have another set of binoculars?” Kian asked.

“Yeah, check in the glovebox.”

“Got them.” Kian followed him and they stayed low so they wouldn’t be seen.

As they got down on their stomachs, they both looked through their binoculars.

“I see some sheep,” Kian said.

“Yeah, I see them too. Can you see if they have ear tags and what color they are?”

“They do have ear tags. They’re yellow. Just like they should be.”

“Good. At least they can be electronically identified.”

“Do you have the numbers of the ones missing?”

“Yeah. Can you make out any numbers?” Killian pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and looked at the list as Kian read a number from an ear tag. “That’s on the list. I think we found the sheep.” Killian grinned.

“Now what do you want to do?”

“I’m calling for backup. I’m not taking a chance with just two of us.”

“You’re the boss.”

“Damn right.” Killian laughed when Kian gave him the finger.

Once backup arrived, Killian, Kian, Creed, Caysen, and Deacon drove onto the other property. Killian walked toward the door, keeping his hand on his weapon in its holster. He unsnapped the retainer button and knocked on the door.

When the door opened, the man looked at the gun in the holster then at the badge hooked to Killian’s belt. The man sighed and stepped onto the porch.

“Sir? I’m Agent Doyle with Montana Department of Livestock.”

“Those sheep are stolen, aren’t they?”

“Yes, sir. Do you know who took them?”

“My son. He said he bought them. I knew he wasn’t telling the truth. He doesn’t have that kind of money, and he told me he made some kind of deal.” The man shook his head.

“Is he here?”

“He’s running,” Caysen yelled and took off running toward the back of the house.

“Stay here, sir,” Killian told the man.

“I don’t want him hurt.”

“I understand. He won’t be hurt if he cooperates.”

Killian walked to the edge of the porch to see Caysen bringing the man back. He had put handcuffs on him and led him to his truck.

“So, you didn’t know the sheep were stolen?”

“No, I swear I didn’t. He kept talking about raising sheep, but I told him he was on his own if that’s what he wanted. He had to keep them here because he doesn’t own any property. If I had known, I would have called you.”

“Alright. We’ll take him in and question him, but he’s in a lot of trouble. Rustling is not taken lightly.”

“Will he go to jail?”

“That I don’t know. He could, but if he’s never been in trouble before, the judge could go easy on him. I can’t honestly say.”

“I understand. Can I go with him?”

“You can follow us to the department, but you won’t be able to talk to him.”

“I think I’ll just stay here. My wife will be home soon.” The man shook his head. “She’s not going to be happy at all.”

“I’ll have him call you when he can. I appreciate your cooperation.” Killian shook the man’s hand. “Oh, we’ll be sending a trailer to pick up the sheep.”

“That’s fine. ”

Killian nodded, walked toward the truck, and looked in at the man. He didn’t look more than twenty years old, if that, then he and Kian climbed into his truck and drove back to the office.

****

“I’m heading back home to visit my parents. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone,” Celine informed Brenna over the phone.

“But you’ll come back, right?”

“Yes, I have my business here now.”

“Celine, you know I care about you, but why didn’t you tell Killian that Blaine was in town?”

“I didn’t want to upset him.” She let out a dry laugh. “I sure fucked that up.”

“Maybe things will work out. You’re head over heels for him.”

“I am, and I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t want me anymore. He made it clear he hates lying, and what did I do? Lied to him. I’m such an idiot.”

“If you think I’ll disagree with you, then you don’t know me very well.” Brenna sighed. “I hate this situation. I know he’s crazy about you.”

“Well, he used to be.” Celine’s voice broke. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Just go home like you planned. Maybe some time apart will help you both.”

“I miss him so much. God! Brenna, I feel like I’m breaking apart.”

“I know. I’ve been there too. I wish I could offer more help.”

“Just having you listen is enough. Anyway, I should go. I’ll pack and leave first thing in the morning. Ainsleigh will take care of the business while I’m away. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

“She’s a great employee. The business will be fine with her in charge.”

“Yes, she’s reliable. Well, let me get going. I’ll text you when I arrive.”

“Okay. Please be safe. Love you.”

“Love you too. Bye.” Celine ended the call and burst into tears.

The next day, Celine pulled up to her parents’ house and parked near the back porch. As she got out of the car, she saw her mother rushing down the steps to embrace her.

“Mom,” Celine choked out.

“Oh, sweetheart, we’re so glad you’re home. Even if it’s just for a visit,” her mother, Rosemary Nelson, said.

“I’m happy to be home. Where’s Dad?”

“He’s inside. His knee is bothering him, so he said he’d let you come to him.”

Celine chuckled. “I can do that.”

“Blair said she’d stop by tomorrow. She misses you.”

“I miss her too. I keep trying to convince her to come visit me, but she’s stubborn. She definitely takes after Dad’s side of the family.”

“That’s true. Come on, let’s go inside. You picked a beautiful day to travel.”

“It was a great drive.” Celine avoided eye contact with her mother.

“What’s going on with you?”

Celine sighed. “I’ll tell you later.”

“Does it involve a man? ”

“Of course.”

“Not Blaine, I hope.”

“In an indirect way. I promise I’ll tell you all about it, just not today.”

“Okay, honey. Let’s get inside.”

“Let me grab my bags.” Celine opened the trunk and took out two suitcases while her mother grabbed a small overnight bag, then they entered the house.

Celine set down her bags and walked over to hug her father.

“Daddy, it’s so good to see you.”

“You too, Buttercup,” Dale Nelson said as he hugged her.

Celine had to bite her lip to hold back tears as she smiled at the one man in her life who loved her unconditionally.

“I’m going to take my luggage upstairs and shower. I feel like I’ve been in that car for two weeks, even though it was only a six-hour drive.”

“Sometimes it can seem that way. Especially when you’re alone.” Her mother smiled.

“I’ll be down in a little while. I want to call Blair too.”

“Okay. We’ll have dinner later. Go take a shower and relax a little. We’ll be here.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Celine picked up her cases and carried them up to her old room.

She sat on the bed. It was good to be home, but she missed Killian so very much. Pushing to her feet, she entered the bathroom.

****

Killian sat on the back deck with his feet on the rail. He looked at his brother to see him in the same position.

“You have a great place here, Killian.”

“I like it.”

“Be nicer if you had a woman here to share it with.”

Killian sighed. “You’re not going to let up, are you?”

“Tell me what happened.”

As Kian listened, Killian told him what had happened between him and Celine. Just talking about it had his blood boiling again. He couldn’t get past the fact that she had lied to him.

“Maybe she was trying to protect you,” Kian said, then took a swig from his beer.

“Or him.”

“Why would she protect him?”

“Maybe she thought I’d kick his ass.”

“Hell, Killian, you’re a lover not a fighter. Not that you wouldn’t finish a fight but I’ve never known you to start one.”

“I don’t. No matter how pissed I get. Dad always said—”

“Never throw the first punch,” the brothers said together.

“Yeah, and I’ve lived by that. I can’t say I didn’t want to wipe the damn smirk off his face, but that’s not me.” Killian shook his head. “He probably thinks I’m afraid of him.”

Kian laughed. “Damn, was he blind? Don’t let this go to your head, but you’re a big guy and I’d want you on my side.”

Killian chuckled. “Like you’d need help.”

“True, but neither of us look for trouble.”

“I deal with enough liars on the job. Every damn thief lies. I don’t need to hear lies from my friends or family.”

“I get it. I do, but you could have let her explain.”

“Kian, she saw him twice before Dewey’s. She had plenty of time to explain.”

“I know. But she might have been afraid of how you’d react.”

“Damn, she should know me by now. I’m not a hothead. I learned a long time ago not to let my temper get out of control. If I did, the man who left Bruno in his car would have been facedown on the sidewalk.”

Kian sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. She should have known she could tell you.” He shrugged. “Maybe she thought he’d leave once she told him to.”

“And that makes the lying alright?”

“No, of course not.”

“I miss her, I’m not going to lie, but I have to get past this before I even talk with her again.”

“Well, I hope you work it out. Women can be a pain in the ass, but we sure do love them.”

“How about you tell me about you and Sheila?”

“That’s over.”

“Yeah, I figured that. Why?”

“I wanted to get married. She didn’t.”

“Why not?”

“I have no idea. She just said she wasn’t ready. Do you ever want to get married?”

“I thought I did.”

“To be honest, I’d love to settle down and get married, but it won’t be with Sheila. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.” Kian shook his head.

Killian had wanted to spend his life with Celine, but right now he wasn’t sure that would happen. He knew if he wanted to be with her, he had to get past what she did.

“I want to get past this with Celine. I’m just not ready yet. It’s too new.”

“I understand.” Kian stood. “Do you want another beer?”

“If you’re getting one, yeah.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back.”

Killian nodded. He had to think about how to get past this but as he said, right now it was too new, too raw, and still angered him. He’d wait a while before seeing her.

****

Celine opened the door to her cousin, and hugged her, then she cried on Blair’s shoulder.

“Celine, it’s so good to see you,” Blair said in a choked voice.

“I miss you so much. You have got to visit me in Clifton. You’ll love it.”

“I think I would. I loved the photos you sent.”

“Let’s sit in the living room. Mom and Dad went to the grocery store.”

“Okay.”

They entered the living room and sat on the sofa. Blair tilted her head as they looked at each other.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” Blair said as she touched her hand.

Celine grasped her hand and told her about Killian; from how she met him, fell in love with him, and lost him.

“Are you sure you’ve lost him? Maybe he just needs time.”

“I don’t think so. He’s so adamant about people lying. Being a livestock agent, he hears people lying all the time. I don’t think he’ll forgive me.” Celine looked at Blair. “I love him so much and it will devastate me if he’s truly done with me.”

“I can’t believe Blaine pulled that shit. Wait. What am I saying? Of course, I can. He’s such a dick. Do you believe he’s on medication for his OCD?”

“Not really. He probably thought he could convince me he was, but if he is, good for him, but I also believe he wouldn’t continue the medication if I did take him back.”

“You wouldn’t go back to him, would you?”

“Oh, my God, no. His outbursts were too scary. I know he could get help if he wanted. A lot of people do, but he thinks he doesn’t need help. Remember, I mentioned that to him. I think that’s why he tried telling me he was getting help. What I don’t get is him finding me after all this time. It doesn’t make sense to me. Unless he found out some way that I was seeing someone else.”

“Did you have pictures of you and Killian on any social media?”

Celine gasped. “I do! Oh, my God! Why didn’t I think of that?”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind. I’m sure he saw it and decided to go after you. He doesn’t want you back, he just doesn’t want Killian to have you. ”

“You’re so smart to stay off social media. I should have, or maybe blocked him. I just figured after a year; he wouldn’t bother me. I’m such an idiot.”

“I’m not going to argue.”

“Hey! You’re the second person to tell me that.” Celine laughed.

“So, show me a picture of Killian.”

Celine smiled, removed her phone from her pocket, scrolled through it, then handed it to Blair.

“Holy hell! That is one gorgeous man. Good Lord, Celine, you have to get him back. You two look so happy in this picture.”

“We were. God, I miss him.”

“Maybe being apart will help.”

“That’s what Brenna said.”

“I’d like to meet her. She sounds like a good friend.”

“She is. Her husband, Beau, works with Killian. Oh! I almost forgot. Killian has a fraternal twin, Kian. He is gorgeous too.” She elbowed Blair. “See? You need to come to Clifton.”

Blair laughed. “I’m seeing someone.”

“Who?”

“Eric Jefferson.”

“Really? Did he get a divorce?”

“Yes. I don’t think it’s going to get serious, but I do like him.”

“You need a good man in your life.”

“I’d love to get married again, but it won’t be Eric. He’s fun, but that’s all.”

“Are you sleeping with him?”

“No. He’s tried to get me into bed, but I’m just not feeling it. I want a man who makes me crazy in and out of bed.”

“Oh, definitely. Killian is the best sex I’ve ever had. It’s so hot.” Celine put her hands over her face. “I can’t lose him.”

“Maybe you haven’t. Give him time. I’m sure he misses you too. You know, as much as I loved Clay, our sex life was almost nonexistent.”

“I remember you telling me that before.”

“It was like having a roommate. I hate talking about him like that. He loved me, I know that, but he never showed affection at all. Of course, his parents never did either. I’m glad we didn’t have kids. If I ever have kids, I want them to know I love them, and I’ll show them every day. Just like our parents do. I want an affectionate man in my life.”

“A man should show his woman how much he cares. Every day. I never once doubted how Killian felt about me. He showed me all the time. Even if he was just walking past me in the kitchen, he’d touch me. He’d kiss my forehead, my temple, or my hand.” Celine shook her head as a tear slid down her cheek.

Blair touched her hand. “It will work out. You love each other. He just needs time.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Of course, I am. Now, let’s watch a comedy movie so we can get feel better.”

Celine nodded and picked up the remote. After finding a movie, they settled in to watch, but she couldn’t keep Killian out of her mind .