Chapter Four

When Celine entered the bathroom, she shyly smiled at him. She was surprised that she didn’t care if she was naked. Afterall, he’d been over every inch of her.

“You’re blushing again,” he said.

She laughed. “I guess I shouldn’t after what we just did, huh?’

Killian grinned. “And what we’ll do again if I have any say in it.”

She walked toward him, wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head under his chin.

“Same here.” She looked up at him. “Will you spend the night with me?”

“Yes.”

She chuckled. “You didn’t even hesitate.”

“I was going to ask you if I could stay.” He shrugged. “Who knows? I just might wake you up later.”

“Or I might wake you. You have an amazing body, Killian.”

“So do you. I think tomorrow I’m going to drive by some houses I saw online at Clifton’s Real Estate webpage. Do you want to go with me?”

“I’d love to. I love looking at houses.”

“We’ll do that then. For now, let’s shower and get some sleep.”

“Alright, you’ll need to rest.” She smiled.

“Yes, ma’am.”

After their shower, they climbed into bed and Killian pulled her close. She rested her head on his chest and couldn’t wait to go house hunting with him tomorrow. She frowned as she thought of how he saw her now.

“I don’t do this,” she suddenly exclaimed.

“Do what?”

“Hop into bed on a first date.”

“Celine, when two people want each other, why should there be a timeline for having sex?”

“Oh, you know. That three date rule.”

Killian kissed the top of her head. “Rules are made to be broken.”

“I have never done that before. I don’t want you thinking I’m a slut and hop into bed with just any man.”

“It never crossed my mind, Celine.”

“Okay.”

“Get some sleep, baby.”

“Goodnight.”

“Night.”

The next morning, Celine stood in her kitchen, waiting for her coffee to finish. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was nine. She never slept this late, but she was up a good bit last night.

“What are you smiling about?” Killian asked when he entered the room.

She faced him. “You.”

“Me? I wasn’t even here, but I like the way that sounds.” He walked toward her and kissed her lips. “Good morning,” he whispered against them.

“Morning. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.”

“That’s good. I sure don’t want to look at houses if it’s raining.”

She handed him a coffee mug, picked hers up, and sipped from it.

“Oh, that hits the spot. I need to wake up. I was just thinking about sleeping in this late.”

He tilted his head. “I thought you were thinking about me.”

“I was. I slept in because we were up late, and that made me think of you.”

Killian chuckled. “Before we start looking at houses, I’d like to stop by my place and change clothes, if that’s alright with you.”

“That’s fine. Now, get your coffee so we can get started.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

After dressing, they both headed out to his truck. Celine was happy to be spending the day together.

****

Killian pulled into the parking lot of an extended stay motel.

“I heard these were nice little apartments.”

“They are. I didn’t want to live in an apartment because I knew I eventually wanted to buy a house. The thought of moving twice was not appealing at all.”

“That makes sense. Everything is provided, right?”

“Yes, including the utilities. It was just better for me this way. Kian will probably stay here once I move out. We’re close but we both like our privacy. Do you want to come in? I’ll only be a minute.”

“I’ll wait here.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” He opened the door, stepped from the truck, walked to the steps, then jogged up them.

He unlocked the door, stepped in, and saw his brother stretched out on the sofa, watching TV. He looked at Killian with a grin.

“I guess your dinner went well, considering you didn’t come home.”

“It went very well,” Killian said with a grin.

“So, was she just a lay, or…”

“No. I like her. A lot. I’ve talked to her plenty of times since the night we met.” Killian went on to explain how he’d met Celine. When he finished, he grinned when Kian laughed.

“So, she was worth spending the night with and ignoring your brother.”

Killian frowned. “Let’s see. Stay with Celine or spend a boring night with my brother. It’s so hard to choose.” He laughed when Kian gave him the finger.

“I get it. I haven’t had sex in so long, I think I forget how to do it.”

“It’s like riding a bike is what they say.”

“Yeah, well, I haven’t ridden a bike in a while either.”

“She’s in the truck waiting for me. I’m going to see a house I saw on a webpage. I need to get the hell out of this place. You can stay here, if you want.”

“I think I will. At least until I figure out what I want to do,” Kian said.

“Okay. I’ll be home tonight. We both have to work in the morning.”

“Alright.” Kian nodded.

After changing clothes, Killian ran down the stairs, got into his truck and they looked at houses on his phone, while Celine slid over close to him to see.

“I love the looks of this one,” Celine said as she looked at a beautiful log home.

“Yeah, I like that one too. Let me see what it says about it.” He read the description out loud. “This immaculate property boasts a custom-built log cabin, perfectly situated on twenty-five acres of breathtaking hunting and timberland. Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, a den/office space, three full bathrooms and one half bath. The cabin also features a workshop and private pond, as well as a wrap-around covered porch and a two-car garage with an attached carport. Enjoy cozy evenings by the wood-burning stone fireplace in both the living room and master bedroom. The pond is stocked with catfish, bass, and blue gill for your fishing pleasure. A newly built barn is included. Step inside to see the interior design of ponderosa pine and aspen wood ceilings, along with handpicked custom cabinetry. Cathedral ceilings in the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom add to the spaciousness of this home. Take advantage of the brand new deck overlooking the pond. Contact Lydia Griffin to schedule a viewing of this beautiful property.” He glanced at Celine. “Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Let’s take a look.”

“Yes, and it says immediate occupancy, which means it’s empty. We can look in the windows. I’m glad it’s Lydia. She comes into the coffee shop. She’s great.”

“Let’s head there first and see if the pictures do this house justice.”

He pulled out of the parking lot, then drove along the two-lane blacktop until the GPS announced they had reached their destination. He slowed the truck and pulled into the driveway.

As they drove up a treelined driveway, the house came into view and he already knew he was very interested.

“It’s even more stunning than I imagined,” Celine exclaimed.

“I agree,” he replied. “And with twenty-five acres, it’s ideal. Let me park so we can take a closer look inside.”

“I just hope no one is around,” Celine said nervously.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “We’re simply looking at a house for sale.”

“That’s true,” Celine nodded in agreement.

They walked toward the house, and he looked at the barn.

“I want to see the barn,” he said then headed toward it.

****

Celine watched as he disappeared into the barn, but she wasn’t interested in seeing it herself. A barn was just a barn. She scoffed and climbed the few steps to the front porch, eagerly peeking into the windows and admiring what she saw. The house was absolutely beautiful. She circled around to the back, taking in every view through the windows that caught her attention.

“Oh my,” she exclaimed when she spotted the pond below.

Turning back around, she observed a set of French doors and looked inside to see the master bedroom. A stone fireplace sat on the back wall, with floor to ceiling windows on each side. She could see the bathroom visible to the right.

“Hey,” Killian’s voice startled her out of her thoughts as he approached from behind her.

“You scared me,” Celine scolded him.

“Sorry about that. This place looks amazing, doesn’t it?”

“If you don’t buy it, I will. It’s just stunning.”

“I completely agree. I’d love to see the inside.”

“Call Lydia. I bet she’d come out here. Real estate agents do everything they can to make their clients happy, right?”

“That’s a good idea. Their hours aren’t set, so we could probably get someone to show us around now.” Killian pulled up the real estate agency’s website on his phone to get their contact information.

Killian put his phone to his ear. Celine listened to his side of the conversation.

“Ms. Griffin, my name is Killian Doyle and I’m looking to buy a home. I’m at one now that I’d love to see.” He looked at Celine and winked. “Yes, ma’am. We’re on Rawlings Road. You can? Great. We’ll see you soon.” He hung up and grinned at Celine. “She’ll be right out.”

“Good. I figured she would. This must be the only house on this road for sale since she didn’t ask for an address.” Celine pulled the collar of her T-shirt out and blew a cool breath down her chest. “It’s so hot today and it’s not even noon.”

“Yeah, it is hot. Let’s sit in the truck while we wait.”

“Okay.” She smiled when he took her hand, led her around the deck to the front of the house, and then to his truck. He opened the door for her, and after she climbed inside, he walked around to the other side, and slid onto the seat.

“It’s like an oven in here already,” he said as he started the truck and turned the A/C on high.

“That feels so good,” she said as the cooler air hit her hot skin.

“We could jump into the pond,” Killian said.

“Don’t think I don’t want to.”

“If I buy this place, I’m holding you to that.”

She stared at him. “Deal, as long as you do the same.”

“I have no problem with that.”

Celine laughed. “Somehow I knew you wouldn’t.”

“Sweetheart, when it comes to you, I’m up for anything.” He laughed when she blushed.

“I can’t believe I blush around you.”

“I can’t either. After last night, I would think your blushing days were over.”

“Stop. You’re just saying things now to make me blush.”

“Me?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Yes, you.” She looked in the side mirror and saw an SUV approaching. “I think Lydia’s here already. She must live close.”

Killian checked the mirror and agreed. He opened his door, stepped out, and started for Celine’s door, but she was already out. She stood beside him as they watched Lydia stop her vehicle beside his truck, step out, and a man also got out.

“Who’s the man?”

“I don’t know. Maybe her husband. I’ve never met him.” But he was very good-looking.

“Celine!” Lydia said in surprise, then hugged her.

“Hi, Lydia. This is Killian Doyle; he’s looking for a house to buy. Killian, this is Lydia Griffin.”

“Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Killian shook her hand.

“You too. This is my husband, Colson.”

The men shook hands and Celine smiled at him. Good-looking? What an understatement. But in her eyes, no man could compare to Killian.

“Let me show you inside. This house is just gorgeous. The pictures don’t do it justice.” Lydia walked onto the porch, opened the lockbox with a code, then removed the key to the house.

After pushing the door open, everyone entered. Celine gasped at the beauty of the house.

“Oh, my. It is just perfect. It reminds me of cabins I saw in Gatlinburg, Tennessee when I visited there. I wanted to stay in one but they were all booked.”

“Let’s take a walk through,” Lydia said.

“I want it,” Killian blurted out, making everyone laugh.

“I’ve only had one other person tell me that before buying a home. He said why look at others when he knew that place was the one.” Lydia smiled.

“Sounds like a smart man.” Killian grinned.

“He’s a very nice man. He’s a sheriff’s deputy.”

“Can you tell me who? I’ve met a few of the deputies.”

“Yes, it was Nevada Shelton.”

Killian grinned. “I know Nevada. He’s a former livestock agent. Though I never worked with him, I was introduced to him by another agent, Creed McBride.”

“We know Creed. So, you’re a livestock agent, Mr. Doyle.” Lydia smiled.

“Please, call me Killian, and yes, ma’am, I am.”

“We should still do a walk-through anyway. I’d hate to have you buy it and then find something you didn’t like about it.”

“Okay. I’ll follow you.” Killian took Celine’s hand, then followed Lydia through the house.

“This is a great place,” Colson commented.

“It’s only been on the market a few days, and I’ve had dozens of calls about it. I’ve even showed it several times, but the seller would not budge on the price.”

“What is the price?” Killian asked.

“Just under a million.”

“Wow,” Celine said.

“That’s fine. I still want it.”

“This is all the amenities.” Lydia handed Killian a sheet of paper.

“Thanks,” Killian said as he looked over the paper, then he looked at Lydia. “Do you still get a commission if I pay cash?”

“Yes.”

“Good, I wanted to make sure you got your share. I can have a certified check for you tomorrow. Will that work for you?”

“Yes, that’s fine. The house has already been inspected, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“That’s great. Because I want to move in as soon as I can. Apartment living is not my style.”

As they continued through the house, Celine couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible that Killian could pay cash. It was none of her business, but where did he get that kind of money?

After the walk-through, they all stepped out into the heat, and Lydia put the key back into the lockbox and closed it.

“I can stop by your office tomorrow, if that’s convenient for you, Lydia.”

“That’s great. I take lunch around twelve-thirty, so any time before that, or after one-thirty is fine. I’m so glad you found a house you like.” Lydia shook his hand, hugged Celine while Colson shook Killian’s hand.

“Are you going to have horses, Killian?” Colson asked him.

“Yes. I have to go back to Helena to get them, but I have seven.”

“Well, my brother and I are both veterinarians and we specializes in equine hydrotherapy. We’re not too far from here.” Colson handed him a business card.

Killian took the card, looked at it, then stuck it in his wallet.

“I appreciate that. I’ve heard that hydrotherapy is amazing for them.”

“It is. We’ve had horses come in that could barely walk, but the water really helped. We also see equine for inoculations and keeping them healthy.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I will need a new vet. Thanks.”

Colson nodded, then got into the vehicle. Once they drove off, Killian took Celine’s hand and led her to his truck. He opened the door for her, waited until she was seated, then strode around to the driver’s side.

He climbed inside, started the truck, and drove down the driveway.

“What’s wrong?” he asked her.

“Nothing.”

“Seriously?”

“How can you pay in cash? That’s a lot of money, Killian.”

“Does that upset you? That I can pay in cash?” He stopped the truck.

“No, not at all. I admit I’m a little curious about how you can. You never mentioned you had quite a bit of money.”

“Just when was I supposed to bring that up, Celine? After you first kissed me? Should I have said, it’s not my birthday, but I do have a lot of money?” He pulled onto the road.

“No. You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ve just never seen someone pay cash in that amount.”

“My parents started a savings account for me and my brother when we were born. We weren’t able to touch any of the money until we reached the age of twenty-one. My mother comes from money, so she put a good bit into the savings, and with the interest it’s drawn over the years, we both have a good bit in our accounts. I use it when I need something, other than that, it sits in the bank drawing interest.” He shrugged.

Celine chuckled. “I wondered why you didn’t even bat an eye when she said how much it cost.”

“I knew I had the money. I’d rather not have a mortgage payment. I have my house for sale in Helena. I’ve been back on several weekends, boxing things up. I left it there since I only had the apartment to live in. The boxes would just be in the way. I figured I’d get everything once I found a house.”

“That would be nice not having a mortgage payment. You never know when something could happen and you couldn’t make the payments. I know there’s insurance for that but between having a payment and not having one, I’d choose not. And this place is just perfect.”

“Yeah, it is. I hate the thought of moving but once I’m settled in, I can enjoy it. I have to get my horses here too.” He stared at her and smirked. “Well, it looks like I might have to take a few days off once the paperwork is done and get moving my things. Care to help?”

“Not only no, but hell no. I don’t like moving and I’m sure you can get some of your friends to help you.”

“Damn, woman. Not even a little?”

She folded her arms and looked at him. “Not even a teeny tiny bit.”

“But once we finish, we could try out the new bed I’m going to buy.” He grinned.

Celine unfolded her arms. “Well, I could, maybe , carry a box or two.”

Killian chuckled. “That’s fine. Seriously, you don’t have to help. I work with a lot of men and I’m sure some of them would help. You’d probably just be in the way.”

Celine gasped. “That’s not a nice thing to say.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry, but it’s the truth.” He laughed when she narrowed her eyes at him.

“I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to use revers e psycholog y on me.”

“Is it working? ”

“Nope.”

Killian shook his head. “I had to give it a shot.”

Celine laughed. “I’ll help. Maybe have your friends bring their wives to help too. We could put things away as you and your friends bring things inside. Like in the kitchen and bathrooms.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll ask the guys.”

“Do you have to bring furniture from Helena?”

“No. I decided to include the furniture with the sale of the house. I’ll just purchase furniture here and have it delivered, but there are still items I need to bring here. It will just be boxes but they can be heavy. I’ll have to make a trip back from Helena pulling a trailer with the horses. I have one at my property.” He glanced at her, then back to the road. “Do you want to go with me?’

“I’d love to.”

“Alright, I’ll check with my boss tomorrow about taking a few days off and let you know when.”

“I’ll have to check with mine too. Celine, can I take a few days off to go to Helena with a hot, sexy livestock agent? Yes, of course.” She looked at Killian and winked, then laughed when he rolled his eyes.

“I can see I’m going to have to keep in mind that you’re a smartass,” he said.

Celine laughed but was very anxious to go to Helena with him .