Chapter Two

Killian leaned against the wall watching the crowd. The bar was packed with people to celebrate Connie and Owen’s forty-fifth wedding anniversary. It looked like everyone from Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland was here.

He wouldn’t be a bit surprised. They were loved by everyone. He chuckled when he saw Owen spinning Connie around the dance floor as the band played.

Killian was happy he moved here, especially since meeting Celine.

His eyes glanced around the room, looking for her. Then he saw her. That damn blue blouse she wore showed a hint of cleavage making his mouth water. Damn, he wanted her.

As he continued to stare at her, he saw her laughing with Olivia Stone, then she looked around the room. Her eyes passed by him, then came back, and she stared at him with a smile on her lips. He raised his glass to her, nodded his head, and she did the same. When a slow song started, he pushed off the wall to ask her to dance but a man he didn’t know talked to her, and then led her to the dance floor.

“Shit,” he swore as he stared at the man. Who the hell was he?

“Hey, Killian,” Creed said from beside him. Killian hadn’t even notice Creed walking toward him.

“Creed. Good crowd, huh? ”

“Yeah. Everyone loves those two. It was nice of Scarlett and Noah to have it here. Who are you pissed at?”

Killian glanced at him, then back to Celine. “I’m not pissed.”

Creed chuckled. “It sure looked like it. You were looking at someone, then you looked mad.” Creed shrugged.

“Fuck off, McBride.”

Creed burst out laughing. “Did some man ask a woman to dance before you had a chance?”

Killian leaned back against the wall. “It doesn’t matter.”

Creed folded his arms. “Who?”

“I said it doesn’t matter.”

“Man, you must have it bad.”

Killian sighed. “Celine Nelson.”

Creed’s eyebrows shot up. “She’s stunning.”

“Hey, I’ll tell Abbie.” He grinned when Creed laughed.

“She knows I love her. I’m sure she looks at men, but I know she loves me.”

“Yeah, she does. Lucky bastard. She’s gorgeous.”

“Yep, I know. I could never understand what she saw in a man like me.”

Killian looked at him. “Hell, me neither.”

Creed chuckled. “At least I have a woman. One not dancing with another man while I stand here sulking.”

Killian straightened up and glared at him. “Piss off.” When Creed chuckled, he grinned.

“Ask her to dance.”

“I will on the next slow one. I’m not good at fast dancing. I look like I’m having a seizure. ”

Creed almost spit his beer out. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”

“Who’s the guy she’s dancing with?”

“Nate Jefferson. He works at Beau’s ranch.”

“Well, Beau needs to fire his ass,” Killian growled out.

“Nate’s a good guy.”

“If you say so.”

“Damn, Killian. Just go talk to her.”

“It’s not like I haven’t talked to her before. We know each other. I just haven’t asked her out yet.”

“Well, you’d better move your ass before Nate takes her home.”

Killian was about to say something, but Creed walked away. He huffed out a frustrated sigh. He remembered Celine’s soft lips under his, the night she kissed him, mistaking him for someone else, and he’d even been in her coffee shop. But she never called him or texted him as he asked her to. He told her it was up to her.

“Hell, maybe she’s just not interested,” he murmured.

****

As they swayed to the music, Celine smiled at Nate. “Are you having a good time?”

“I am,” he replied with a smile.

“Me too. This is such a great party for Connie and Owen. The look on their faces when they walked in and saw everyone was priceless.”

Nate chuckled. “They are truly the nicest people.”

“I agree. ”

When the song ended, Nate led Celine back to her friends before disappearing into the crowd. She liked him as a friend, but there had never been any romantic spark between them. He was undeniably attractive with his striking blue eyes, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he was currently seeing anyone. She knew he had been in a serious relationship not too long ago, but the woman moved away, without Nate. In her opinion, that woman made a big mistake by leaving Nate behind, but it was ultimately her decision. From what Celine could tell, Nate seemed perfectly content, so perhaps it was all for the best.

Settling into her seat at the table, she greeted the others with a smile. What a fantastic group of people they were. She scanned the room for Killian, but he was nowhere to be found. Had he already left? She sighed in disappointment; she had been hoping to dance with him. He was just too damn attractive. Her mood lifted when Lanie and Trent joined everyone at the table.

“Trent, I’m curious. How did you manage to get Connie and Owen out of the diner?”

“Oh, it wasn’t just me. Preston, Reece, and Holt helped.”

She beamed as the four men exchanged a knowing look and chuckled.

“We turned off their gas line,” Trent answered with a chuckle.

“You did what?”

“Deidra gave me the key for the delivery door. Reece and Holt kept them occupied in the kitchen, while I snuck inside and shut off the gas right after the dinner rush.” Preston explained .

“But how did you get them here?”

“I let the air out of two of their tires, so they’d need a ride home,” Trent added with a laugh.

“So, I offered to drive them home and get their tires fixed for them. They only needed air, which Trent already fixed, but they didn’t know that.” Preston shook his head with a smirk. “Connie looked at me like I was crazy. I think she knew something was up but couldn’t put her finger on it. Anyway, once she put up the closed sign, we hopped in my truck and left the parking lot. Reece, Trent, and Holt had already left.” Preston laughed again. “I told Connie and Owen, I needed to make a quick stop at the bar to grab something Noah had left here for me. It almost didn’t work because when I asked them to come inside with me, they said they’d wait in the truck.”

Celine couldn’t contain her laughter. “Please, do go on.”

Preston grinned. “I said I didn’t know how long I would be and my A/C wasn’t working, which was a lie. But it was still hot outside, and I knew they wouldn’t want to sit in the truck without the air conditioning on.”

“I’ll never forget the look on their faces when they walked in, especially Connie who was mad because she didn’t have time to change into clean clothes and still smelled like the diner.” Celine chuckled.

“She asked me about the tires and all I could do was laugh.” Preston joined in her laughter.

“You should have seen their faces when I told them I let the air out of them,” Trent said with a laugh .

“Holt and I were having trouble keeping Connie from going into the back,” Reece added, shaking his head.

“Yeah, so I sort of blocked her way,” Holt said, laughing. “The diner was about empty then, so I knew she didn’t need anything. I just kept her talking.”

Celine couldn’t help but laugh. “It looks like she’s having a great time though.”

“I don’t know how Deidra managed it, but she got a list of Connie’s favorite songs for the band to play.” Preston grinned.

“You guys were quite sneaky, but it turned out to be an amazing party.” Celine observed as she looked around at the lively bar. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Killian across the room, but her smile faltered when she saw him talking to a woman she didn’t recognize.

“Who are you glaring at?” her friend, Sydney Wright, nudged her with a playful smirk.

Celine shook her head, trying to hide the fact that she was lying. “No one,” she said.

“You’re terrible at lying,” Sydney pointed out with a laugh.

Celine sighed, knowing she couldn’t hide it any longer. “I’m looking at Killian. Do you know him?”

“I don’t.”

“I do. He’s been in the pharmacy before. That man is so good-looking,” Kinley Wilson confirmed, glancing over at him as he chatted with a woman.

“Who is the woman he’s talking to?” Celine asked.

“Savannah Collins. She owns Timeless Treasures, and she is renting my townhouse,” Kinley said.

“I haven’t met her yet. Is she single?” Celine couldn’t help but ask.

“Yep,” Kinley replied with a grin and Sydney laughed.

Celine rolled her eyes at their amusement. “You’re both enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Kinley laughed. “I’ve never seen you so attracted to a guy that you’d be jealous seeing him talking to another woman.”

“Same here,” Sydney added.

“I am not jealous,” Celine snapped, making them laugh even harder.

“As I said, you’re terrible at lying.” Sydney smirked.

Celine let out a sigh and confessed to them how she had met Killian.

“Wait, are you serious? You kissed him without even knowing him?” Kinley exclaimed in shock, as Sydney stared at her with her mouth hanging open.

“I thought he was someone else. Carly wanted me to kiss her brother on his birthday as a prank, and I mistook Killian for him because Carly told me he would be driving his black truck. And then I saw Killian in a black truck and well... I just went for it,” Celine explained with a sheepish smile.

Kinley and Sydney both burst into laughter.

“What did Killian do?” Sydney asked, eagerly.

“After I kissed him, which was an amazing kiss by the way, I wished him happy birthday. And he responded with ‘thanks, but it’s not my birthday’,” Celine recounted with a giggle .

“So, how was it?” Kinley wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“The hottest kiss I’ve ever had,” Celine admitted. “He even put his number in my phone and told me to call or text him, but I chickened out.”

“Well, now’s your chance. The band just started playing a slow song. Text him and ask him to dance.” Sydney encouraged.

Celine hesitated for a moment before finally nodding and pulling out her phone from her pocket. She nervously sent Killian a text, watching to see if he would read it while still talking to the woman.

****

Killian felt a buzz from his phone in his shirt pocket and promptly took it out.

“Sorry, Vanna. I have to take this.”

“No problem. I’ll head to the bar. It was nice talking to you.” She gave him a smile before disappearing into the crowd.

He glanced at his phone and couldn’t help but grin when he saw the message.

How about a dance? Celine had texted him.

Anytime you want. He replied.

Now.

He put his phone back in his pocket and scanned the bar for her. When he spotted her, he made his way toward her as she approached him. They met in the middle of the bar.

“Hi,” she greeted him.

“Hi.” Killian extended his hand for her to take and led her to the dance floor, while the band played, Stand a Little Rain, a song by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

As they moved together, Killian couldn’t resist asking, “Tell me something, were you just humoring me when you let me put my number in your phone?”

Celine grinned. “Why would you think that?”

“I haven’t heard from you and now here you are asking me to dance.”

“By way of text. So, I did text you,” she pointed out with a smile, causing Killian to chuckle.

“True. Are you having fun?”

Her gaze met his. “I am now.”

He leaned in close to whisper in her ear, “You look stunning.”

“Thank you, but I’m just wearing a blouse and jeans.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are truly beautiful.” He gazed into her eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about that kiss, Celine. I’d love to take you out, but I got the impression that maybe you weren’t interested.”

“I was interested. I still am, but I was too afraid to text you.”

Killian laughed. “You were brave enough to kiss me, a stranger, but too scared to text me? Which I’m glad you finally did.”

“I wasn’t sure you were going to look at the text since you were talking to another woman.”

“Vanna owns Timeless Treasures. I was in her shop a few weeks ago to look for something for my mother’s birthday. She loves antiques.”

“I see. Did you find something?”

“I did. I knew what I was looking for. My father told me she’d been trying to find a glass butter churn. Vanna just happened to have one.”

“I love antiques too. I know what kind of butter churn you’re talking about. I’d love to have one.”

“Talk with Vanna. She’ll either have one or get it for you.”

“I’ll do that. Do your parents live in Clifton?”

“No, they’re in Helena. Along with my brother.”

“Do you only have one sibling?”

“Yes. What about you?”

“I’m an only child, but I have a cousin that I am very close to. We grew up together. We’re the same age. Our fathers are brothers.”

“Have you always lived in Clifton?”

“No. I’m from Spokane, Washington. I came here to visit a few years ago. Before I met my ex-boyfriend, but after we broke up, I wanted to start over, I remembered how much I had loved this town, and I made the move. I was actually looking for a place to open a coffee shop. I owned one back home, so I knew that’s what I wanted to do here. I lucked out because Chelsea just happened to be selling hers. There’s an apartment above the shop, but I moved into a townhouse recently. I’m renting it from Abbie McBride for now. I’m not sure I want to buy it yet.”

“So, you’re renting from Creed’s wife?”

“Yes. I almost forgot, he’s a livestock agent too.”

“Creed is the reason I ended up here. I transferred from the Helena office after I assisted him on a case. I loved it so much that I told his boss if there was ever an opening, I would be interested in transferring. I’m trying to convince my brother to transfer as well. ”

“He’s an agent too?”

“Yes, ma’am. Our father was also an agent.”

“Is your brother older or younger than you?”

“Older.” He grinned. “By three minutes.”

“You’re twins?”

“Fraternal. We have similar features, but you would never guess we were twins, plus our birthdays are different.” Killian grinned.

“How?”

“He was born two minutes before midnight on November thirtieth, and I was born a minute after midnight on December first.”

“That’s unreal. What’s his name?”

“Kian.”

“Kian and Killian. It doesn’t get more Irish than that, does it?”

Killian chuckled. “Our parents immigrated here from Ireland. They were both born and raised there, but my father wanted to move here shortly after they got married. He’d been in law enforcement there, but once he came to the States, he got interested in becoming a livestock agent.”

“Do they still have their Irish accents?”

“Yes, though it’s not as strong since living in the States.” Killian grinned.

“I’m surprised you don’t have one.”

“I can speak with an Irish accent if I want,” he replied in a perfect accent, making her laugh.

“I love that.”

“How about dinner one night, Celine?”

She looked into his eyes and nodded. “I think I’d like that.”

“Do you have any preferences on where you’d like to go? ”

“The Hartland. Their food is amazing.”

Killian nodded. “Yes, it is. Alright, I’ll call for a reservation.”

“If they’re fully booked, we can always go to the diner. Connie makes the best burgers.”

“Okay, I’ll let you know.”

Their dance ended and he escorted her back to her table, touched his hat, nodded and walked away.

****

Celine watched him go and couldn’t help but sigh. He was incredibly handsome.

“Good Lord! That man is drop-dead gorgeous,” Sydney said as Celine sat down.

“Did you enjoy your dance?” Kinley asked.

“I did.” Celine looked at her friends. “He smells so good.”

Kinley laughed. “I know what you mean. Levi always smells amazing.”

Celine glanced over at Levi, sitting next to Kinley and chatting with Preston. She turned back to Kinley.

“He’s so handsome.” Celine smiled.

“I’m glad we were able to move past what happened,” Kinley said.

“Did his father go back to prison?” Sydney whispered.

“Yes, but I’m not sure for how long,” Kinley shivered. “That man terrified me.”

“I can understand why. We’re happy for you and Levi,” Celine said.

“I know you are. And I’m happy for me too.”

“Killian and I are going out for dinner together.” Celine grinned.

“Oh girl, get that man in bed.” Kinley laughed.

Celine chuckled. “I can’t imagine how hot it would be. If he can make me hot with just a kiss, imagine how it would be during sex.”

“He really is attractive, and his eyes are so dark.” Kinley fanned herself with her hand.

“Like dark chocolate, which also happens to be my favorite kind.” Celine smiled.

“When are you going out?” Sydney asked.

“Saturday. I have to wait a whole week.”

“The anticipation will make it even sweeter. I’m happy you’re going on a date with him; after everything with Blaine, you deserve a good man in your life.” Kinley sighed.

“You got that right.”

As Celine glanced around the bar, she couldn’t help but smile as she watched Owen and Connie dancing. She was positive there was no kinder people in the world than those two. She remembered how Connie had let Bryce Spencer stay in the apartment above the diner after she had her baby because she had nowhere to go. Now Bryce was engaged to Luke McCallister and very happy.

She looked around for Killian but didn’t see him anywhere. With a heavy sigh, she realized he must have left, but hoped she would hear from him soon.

Monday morning, Celine unlocked the door of the coffee shop, entered, then locked the door behind her. She was so tired. Every time she closed her eyes, all she could see was Killian. Tossing and turning to get comfortable was a waste of time because he kept appearing in her mind.

“You had better be worth my lack of sleep, Agent Doyle.”

After donning her apron, she made sure everything was ready before unlocking the door to the public. There was usually a good crowd in the mornings.

As she started the coffee machines, the chime sounded when someone entered and she glanced over her shoulder to see Killian and another man enter. She turned to face them.

“Good morning,” she said.

Both men touched the brims of their hats and grinned. After tearing her eyes away from Killian, she looked at the man with him and had to clench her jaw to keep it from dropping open. She didn’t know who he was but, he was very handsome.

“Celine, this is Agent Caysen Anderson. Caysen, this is Celine Nelson, the owner of the shop.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Agent Anderson.”

“It’s nice to meet you too, but please, call me Caysen.” He grinned and she about swooned.

Killian cleared his throat and she faced him. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please. We ran into each other on our way to the office,” Killian said.

“Was the diner packed again?” she asked with a grin.

Killian stared at her. “Do you think the only reason I would come in here is for coffee, Celine?”

Their eyes met and held until Caysen cleared his throat.

“Uh, what can I get you? ”

“A cup of good old fashioned black coffee,” Killian said.

Celine nodded, then looked at Caysen. “And for you, Caysen?”

“I’ll take the same. Thank you,” he said with a grin.

She nodded, poured the coffee into cups, then set them on top of the glass case containing pastries, then rang them up. As she did that, the chime sounded again and she saw Sydney enter.

“Good morning, Sydney.”

“Good morning. I need coffee and I need it now,” Sydney said with a laugh.

Celine noticed both men looking at Sydney.

“Sydney, this is Agent Killian Doyle, and Agent Caysen Anderson. Guys, this is Sydney Wright, one of my closest friends.”

The men shook hands with her, and she noticed that Caysen had trouble taking his eyes off her, and Sydney seemed like she was having the same problem as she stared into his eyes. Celine cleared her throat, and both seemed startled.

“I’ll get that for you, Sydney. Killian, here’s yours and Caysen’s receipt.”

After handing them their receipts, they paid her and refused the change.

“I’ll talk to you soon, Celine,” Killian said.

“Looking forward to it, Killian.” She grinned, then they headed toward the door.

Caysen nodded at Sydney, then followed Killian out.

Celine sighed. She was way more attracted to Killian than she’d first thought, but she was really looking forward to seeing him again. Then she looked at Sydney, who was looking toward the door.

“He’s very handsome, isn’t he?”

“He’s gorgeous,” Sydney murmured.

“I was talking about Killian,” Celine said with a smile, making Sydney turn to face her.

“Of course, I was agreeing with you.” Sydney looked toward the door again.

“Sure, you were.” Celine laughed.

“I can’t lie to you, can I?” Sydney chuckled.

“About as much as I can lie to you. My mouth about dropped open when he came in. His eyes are gorgeous.”

“I agree. With his dark hair, and tanned face, those light brown eyes just pop out at you. Light brown doesn’t really describe them.” Sydney shook her head. “Amber, maybe?”

“I’d say more like the shade of honey. Like Noah Conway’s eyes.”

“Yes, that’s it exactly.” Sydney looked at her. “Killian is certainly not lacking in looks either. Where are you going to dinner?”

“He said he’d make reservations for Saturday evening at the Hartland. If we can’t get in, we’ll go to the diner.” Celine grinned. “I can’t wait.”

“I’m sure I couldn’t either.”

“Caysen seemed interested in you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

“I couldn’t stop looking at him either. He has those deep dimples that show even when he talks.”

“Like Sam Garrett.”

“Yes. I’d better get back to the store.” Sydney picked up the coffee Celine had gotten for her, paid for it, then with a wave she walked outside .

Celine returned to getting everything ready for the day. Her employees would be in soon.

****

Killian and Caysen crossed the street and entered the building.

“That’s a good reason to go in there,” Caysen said with a grin as they entered the elevator.

“What is? Good coffee?” Killian held his cup to his mouth to hide his grin.

Caysen chuckled. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“I noticed you couldn’t take your eyes off Sydney.”

“What can I say, she’s beautiful. I’ve always been partial to redheads.”

“Go for it. You both seemed interested in each other.”

“I might just do that.”

They rode the elevator up to their floor, and then entered the office. Killian saw Luke walking toward him.

“Hey, Luke. How’s your Monday going so far?”

“I didn’t get much sleep last night, so I’m too damn tired to tell. Leah was up all night. She’s teething.”

Killian shook his head, as he took his seat, then turned his computer on to look at recent cases and saw that several new ones had popped up. As he read one of the files, he saw one that interested him. Pushing his chair back, he walked toward Dave’s office, hoping the case hadn’t been assigned yet, and knocked on the glass door.

Once Dave waved him inside, he entered the office.

“Killian? What’s up?”

“Have you given any thought to who you’re going to give the Junkins case to?”

“Yes, I’m sending Caysen. Why?”

Killian sighed. “I was interested.”

Dave grinned. “Killian, there are a lot of new cases. You know the ones already assigned have a checkmark beside them.”

“That one didn’t have a mark beside it. That’s why I asked.”

“It’s because I just assigned it. There are plenty more. I’ll find one for you.”

“Yes, sir.” Killian returned to his desk.

“Killian? Is something wrong?” Caysen asked him.

“No, not at all. I thought I’d let Dave know I’m interested in the Junkins case, but he said he assigned it to you.”

“Hey, if you want that case, take it. I can wait for another one.” Caysen said from his desk.

“It’s fine. You take it.”

Caysen grinned. “If you insist.”

“Morning guys,” Agent Deacon Anderson said with a yawn, as he passed by to get to his desk.

“Morning, Deke.” Caysen nodded at his brother.

“Hey, Deke. How was your weekend?” Killian asked.

“Too damn short if you want to know the truth.”

“You didn’t go to Owen and Connie’s party, did you?”

“No. I’m sorry I missed it, but I was too tired to do anything. Driving back from Whitefish about did me in.”

“Did you solve the case?”

“I found the thieves, but the cattle were long gone.” Deke shook his head. “I hated telling the rancher I couldn’t get his cattle back for him.”

“Good news and bad news, right?” Killian shook his head.

“Exactly.” Deke yawned again, then looked at his brother. “Have you talked to Hud?”

“Yesterday. He’s on his way back from Billings today.”

“Okay. I need coffee. I’ll talk to you both later.”

“Sure.” Killian nodded.

As he sat at his desk working on a recent case he’d solved, he remembered that he needed to call the restaurant for a reservation, and he’d do it once the place opened, which was around eleven for lunch.

Later, he picked up his cellphone, scrolled through the numbers and called the restaurant .