Chapter Five

Monday morning, Killian entered the office with Kian following as he headed toward Dave’s office. When he got to the door, he knocked and entered when Dave waved him in and stood to greet them.

“Dave, this is my brother, Kian. Kian, Dave Merkle, my boss.”

“Nice to meet you, sir,” Kian said as he shook Dave’s hand.

“You too. Both of you have a seat.” Dave sat back down.

Killian and his brother sat in the chairs across from the desk and he watched Dave sit back in his chair, clasping his hands over his round belly.

“I hear good things about you, Kian,” Dave said.

Killian watched Kian smile. “I hope so.”

“Seems you’re as good an agent as your brother.”

Kian smirked. “Better,” he said but chuckled when Killian snorted.

Dave laughed. “I’m glad you’re confident.” He sat forward and folded his arms on the desk. “Seriously, though. I did speak with your boss, Mike. He wasn’t happy that I was interested in having you transfer here. In fact, he thought it was a good time to raise hell with me because Killian left and came here.”

“I like it here. I did when I first arrived to help with Creed’s case.” Killian shrugged .

“I’ve been here a few times to visit my brother and I can see why he liked it enough to transfer. I’m very interested in working here,” Kian said.

“It so happens, I do have an opening. One of our agents is transferring to the Kalispell office. If you want it, the position is yours.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Great. You’ll have to fill out paperwork in Helena, but it’s just a formality. You can start here once the papers are filed.” Dave stood and Killian and Kian did the same. Dave put his hand out to him and Kian shook it.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Oh, and you will retain your seniority, meaning your insurance and rank, along with any vacation days you have, just as Killian did.”

“Sounds good, sir.”

“No need to call me sir. Dave is fine.”

Killian nodded at Dave, then he and Kian walked out. Killian slapped his brother on the back.

“It’ll be great working together again.”

“I’m anxious to get started. I’ll head to Helena tomorrow and get the paperwork filed, then I’ll get back as soon as I can.”

“Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland have been having a lot of rustling lately, so you won’t be bored for sure.”

“I’ll head home and pack. Looks like Mom and Dad will have company.” Kian grinned.

Killian chuckled. “Both of us home at the same time. They won’t know how to act. I’ll see you later.”

After Killian introduced Kian to some of the agents, Kian left, and Killian made his way to his desk, removing his hat and hanging it on the rack behind him. The room was filled with the sound of keyboards clacking and phones ringing, but Killian was focused on the task at hand. He still needed to talk to Dave about getting time off.

As he settled into his chair, Creed approached him with a smile. “Hey, Killian, how was your weekend?”

Killian grinned. “It was great. I actually bought a house.”

Creed’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Congratulations. Where is it located?”

“On Rawlings Road,” Killian replied.

“That’s a nice area,” Creed commented.

“I agree. As soon as I saw the house, I knew it was the one for me,” Killian explained. “I’ll need some help moving.”

“I have to get back to my desk.”

“Hey, I didn’t even ask you to help,” Killian said and Creed laughed.

“I knew you were heading in that direction.”

“I was, but I understand if you don’t want to help. I hate moving.”

“It’s no problem, I’ll help. When?”

“I’m not sure yet, but it will be a weekend. I have to see if I can get a few days off. I have things to get in Helena, along with my dogs and horses from my parents place.”

“Alright. Just let me know what weekend.”

“It’ll just be some boxes, but there are a good many. I’m going to buy new furniture and have it delivered. I’ll have the delivery men set it where I want it.”

“Sounds good. Like I said, let me know.”

“Maybe bring Abbie too. Celine is going to help. I don’t expect her to carry anything heavy, but she suggested she could put things away.”

“So, you and Celine are seeing each other?”

“Yes.” Killian couldn’t keep the smile off his face.

“I’m happy for you. I’ll talk with Abbie about helping. I’m sure she will. Are you happy your brother transferring here?”

“I am. He’s going to Helena tomorrow.”

“If he’s half as good as you, he’ll do great. I’d better get to my desk and get to work.”

“Alright. Thanks, Creed.”

“Yep.” Creed strode to his desk, pulled the seat out and sat down.

An hour later, Killian walked to Dave’s office and knocked on the glass door. Dave waved for him to enter the office.

“Dave? I know I should have mentioned this sooner but since you wanted to talk with Kian, I thought I’d wait. I’d like to talk with you.”

Dave looked at him. “You’re not quitting, are you? Now that you got your brother hired.”

“No, sir.”

“Okay, take a seat.”

Killian sat in one of the chairs across from him.

“I’d like to take a few days off. I bought a house and I need to get my stuff from Helena, along with my animals.”

“Well, I’m happy that you bought a house because that means you’re staying here.”

“Did you doubt it?”

“Not really but I’ve had agents transfer because they decided that Clifton wasn’t where they wanted to be. ”

“Their loss,” Killian said.

“Exactly. What about your case?”

“I can take a few days off from it. The owner of the sheep said to take my time. He still has a flock of fifty. He raises them for their milk and wool.”

“Okay. Were you looking for a specific time to go?”

“I thought if I left here early Thursday morning, I could drive back Friday. It’s about five hours from here. That would give me the weekend to get settled.”

“Alright, that’s fine.”

“Thanks, Dave.”

“You’re welcome.”

Killian walked out of the office and headed to Creed’s desk. He saw Beau and his brother, Luke there.

“It will be this weekend, Creed. I’m taking Thursday and Friday off to make the trip up and back.”

“Alright. I don’t think Abbie has anything planned, so that’s fine.”

Killian looked at Beau and Luke. “Want to help me move?”

“Sure. You said this weekend?” Beau asked.

“Yes, and you can bring your wife. Celine said the women could unpack and put stuff away.”

“Celine? The coffee shop owner?”

“Yes, we’re seeing each other.”

“Well, congrats. She’s a beautiful woman. Alright. Send me a text when you want me there.”

“Same for me. I’m sure Bryce would love to help out,” Luke said.

“I appreciate it.” Killian shook their hands, then returned to his desk. He needed to let Celine know about the days.

When it was lunchtime, he walked out of the office, then the building. Checking for traffic, he crossed the street when it was clear.

A lot of people were out and about. He’d been surprised to learn about the tourists who visited every summer, bringing money into the three towns of Clifton, Spring City, and Hartland. Creed told him it started when Becca Stone made the home her grandmother left her into a bed and breakfast. It got so popular that she had cabins built on the property. Also, the Callahan brothers had a guest ranch in Spring City that people flocked to during the summer.

Killian wasn’t surprised though when he heard that a lot of people wanted to move to the area after visiting. He knew how they felt and since meeting Celine, he was happy he decided to move to Clifton.

After crossing the street, he walked to the coffee shop, opened the door, and stepped inside. There was a long line of customers, but he moved around them and looked for Celine. She was waiting on a customer, but saw him and smiled.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi, sweetheart. I’m taking Thursday and Friday off. Will that work for you?”

“Sure.”

“If you had said no, I’d have to go in your place,” a pretty brunette said.

Killian looked at the woman, grinned, and touched the brim of his hat.

“I appreciate that, but I’m only interested in Celine going. ”

“Lucky Celine,” the woman said, making everyone in line laugh.

Celine shook her head, handed the customer her change, then walked out from behind the counter. Killian moved through the line to meet her.

“How about you stay with me Wednesday night?”

“That’s a good idea.” He leaned forward, kissed her lips, and grinned. “I’ll see you later, baby. Have a good rest of the day.”

“I will now,” she said with a smile.

“Me too.” He nodded, made his way through the line again and walked out.

****

Celine stared after him. He sure made her heart skip a beat. She told her employees she wouldn’t be working Thursday and Friday, and also told them that Ainsleigh would be in charge. Celine trusted her to make sure everything ran smoothly.

At the end of the day Wednesday, she locked the door behind her employees as they left, then made sure everything was turned off. Once that was finished, she sat at her desk, writing instructions for Ainsleigh before she got her purse from the safe, then walked out, locking the door once again.

As she drove home, she couldn’t help but be excited to be going with Killian. He would be coming over tonight and she was so anxious to be with him again. He was coming to mean a lot to her in just a short time .

She pulled into the driveway, shut the car off, and made her way inside, then ran up the stairs to change into comfortable clothes. She wasn’t sure what time Killian would be here.

Picking up her phone, she sent him a text message.

Any idea what time you’ll be here?

I’m leaving the ranch now. I still have to stop at the office.

Okay. How about I order a pizza, and you can pick it up?

Alright. I like everything on it.

Celine laughed. Of course, you do.

Wait about half an hour then order it.

Will do.

I’ll see you soon.

Celine grinned. She couldn’t wait until he got here.

An hour and a half later, she heard his truck outside. She got up from the sofa, walked toward the door, and opened it. She watched him get out of the truck, then opened the back door. He turned to face her with the pizza box in his hands.

“Hey, baby. The smell of this almost had me pulling over and eating it.” He grinned.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t, Agent Doyle. I’m starving.”

Killian shoved the door closed, then walked toward her. He leaned in and kissed her lips.

“I would have saved you a slice.”

“Mighty big of you, but I am a pizzaholic. I have to have at least three slices. That’s one reason I don’t eat it too often.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I behaved myself. Here, can you take this while I get my duffle bag?”

“Sure. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right there.”

As she entered the kitchen, she heard him closing the door.

“You can take that upstairs if you’d like,” she called out.

“I’ll do it later,” he said, making her gasp.

“God! You scared me.”

“Damn, you are one jumpy woman.” He laughed.

“I wouldn’t be if I knew where you were hiding.”

“For God’s sake, Celine, you knew I was in the house.”

“Shut up.”

Killian chuckled. “Good comeback.”

She laughed as she walked toward him, then wrapped her arms around his waist, and kissed his neck.

“I just thought you were going to take your duffle bag upstairs, so I wasn’t expecting you in the kitchen. Never mind.” She stepped back. “Let me get the plates so we can eat. It smells fantastic. They have the best pizza.”

“I agree. For such a hole-in-the-wall place, it’s great.”

“Let’s sit on the sofa. What would you like to drink?”

“Water’s fine, but I’ll get it. You take the plates and pizza. What would you like to drink?”

“Same. When you bring the drinks, please grab the roll of paper towels. I tend to get a little messy.”

They settled in on the sofa, watched TV and ate the pizza. Once they finished, she picked up the box and carried it to the kitchen. Taking the two slices left from the box, she put them in a plastic baggie, then put it in the fridge.

“Have you packed a bag?” Killian asked her when she returned to the sofa.

“Just a small one. We’ll only be overnight right?”

“I hope so. I called my parents to tell them I’d be by Friday morning to get my dogs and horses.” He looked at her. “They’re anxious to meet you.”

“Who? Your dogs and horses or your parents?” She bit her lip to keep from smiling.

“My dogs and horses.” He laughed when she narrowed her eyes. “Of course, my parents, smartass.”

“You told them about me?”

“I mentioned that you would be with me and my mother jumped on that like a dog on a bone.”

“What if she doesn’t like me? Blaine’s mother hated me.”

“Only because she thought you wanted her husband. My mother is nothing like that. She’s a down to earth Irish lass.” He grinned.

“I hope so. What are your parents’ names?”

“Aileen and Connor.”

“I’d like to meet them, but I’m nervous about it.”

“My parents are nothing like your ex’s. I can guarantee that without even knowing them. To me, they don’t sound like good parents. They sure didn’t raise their son right.”

“No, they didn’t. But your parents did raise you right. Will your brother be there too?”

“I think so. He left yesterday to go home. He’s transferring here and has to get the paperwork filled out in Helena. I’m glad he decided to come here. We’ve worked on several cases together.”

“I’m anxious to meet him too.”

“Why? He’s ugly.” Killian laughed.

“He can’t be if you’re twins,” Celine joked.

“Yes, but I told you we don’t look like twins.” He shook his head. “You’ll see. I’m the better looking one.”

Celine laughed. “I’d bet money he’s handsome too.”

Killian shrugged. “I suppose some women might think he is.”

Celine smiled. “But he can’t be more attractive than you. Not to me, anyway.”

He leaned over and kissed her lips. “Thank you, darlin’.”

“You’re welcome.” She took his hand and led him back to the sofa. “Let’s watch a little TV. I want to get to bed since we’re getting up early.”

“Well, maybe we should go to bed now,” he said, as he gazed into her eyes.

“That’s a good idea.” She stood, took his hand, then led him upstairs and into the bedroom.

****

Once inside the room, Killian knew he had to calm himself down or it was going to be over before it began. He wanted her every minute of the day. All day long, she was in his head, and he knew he was falling for her.

He stepped closer to her and could feel her body heat and the light smell of her perfume was driving him insane. He wrapped his hands around her arms and pulled her closer to him, their bodies touching.

He pressed his lips onto hers and moved his tongue deep into her mouth. Her body melted against his, eager for him to take control. She moaned into the kiss, her hands roaming over his chest and back. He growled low in his throat at the feeling of her nails scraping lightly against his skin.

Her hands went to the bottom of his T-shirt and lifted it over his head, making him raise his lips, then she tossed it.

He pulled her tight against him again, trailing his lips down her jawline and neck, leaving tiny love bites in their wake.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” he whispered against her skin.

She arched her back instinctively, offering up more of her body for him to claim. “Please,” she breathed out.

His hands found the hem of her shirt and he slowly lifted it off, revealing her black lace push-up bra that barely contained her breasts. He unclasped the hook on her bra, and slid the straps down her arms, then pushed it off. He circled one hardened nipple with his index finger before taking it into his mouth, sucking on it greedily while rubbing circles around the other one with his thumb.

She let out a whimper of pleasure as she clutched at his shoulders, digging her nails into them. Then she slid her hands down his chest, to the buckle of his belt, she unhooked it, unsnapped his jeans, and lowered the zipper. When her hand moved inside his boxer briefs and wrapped around his cock, he groaned.

“I want you so much,” she whispered, and a sense of power coursed through him at her response to his touch; he could feel himself growing harder. He quickly removed his boots, jeans, and boxer briefs. If he didn’t have her soon, he was sure he was going to die.

He continued to tease her nipples until they were both standing at attention.

“You are so fucking responsive to my touch.” He groaned as he placed kisses down her stomach toward the waistband of her lounge pants.

“I want you so much.” His voice was thick with desire.

Without further warning, he hooked his fingers into the waistband of her pants and pushed them down over those long legs revealing black lace panties and he knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

“You want me, don’t you?” he growled, his voice low and rough.

When she closed her eyes, he gently took her chin in his hand. “Look at me,” he commanded. “Tell me you want me.”

“Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I want you.”

He grinned. “I’m happy to hear that, baby because I can’t hide how much I want you,” he said, his hand moving from her jaw to her hair, tangling his fingers in it. He pulled her head back, exposing her throat, and leaned in to kiss her.

She moaned, her body responding to his touch. He knew she could feel his cock pressing against her, hard and insistent. He reached down, moved her panties aside and his fingers found her slit. He began to stroke her, teasing her clitoris with expert precision.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured, his voice filled with lust. “I want to fuck you so much. I want to fuck you hard.” He picked up his jeans, removed his wallet and took a condom out, then he rolled it down over his hard cock.

She nodded. “I want that too. Please,” she whimpered.

He picked her up, and put her down onto the bed, his body following hers. He positioned himself between her legs. She arched her back, but he held her hips still, his grip tight and unyielding.

“Not yet,” he said, his voice harsh. “I’m not going to send you over yet.”

She whimpered, her body aching with need. “Please,” she begged. “Killian, I need it. Please .”

“That’s more like it,” he said. And then he thrust into her, hard and fast.

****

Celine cried out, her body stretching to accommodate his size. He was thick and long, filling her completely. She could feel every inch of him.

He began to move, his hips pumping in a steady rhythm. She could feel the tension building inside her, her orgasm approaching like a freight train. He leaned down, his mouth finding her nipple, and began to suck, his teeth grazing her sensitive flesh .

She moaned, her body writhing beneath him. She could feel his fingers digging into her hips, his grip bruising her skin. She didn’t care. She wanted more. She wanted him to take her harder, faster.

“Tell me what you want,” he growled, his voice filled with lust.

“Harder,” she gasped. “I want you, so much. Take me over, please.”

He began to take her harder, slamming into her. She could feel herself climbing higher and higher, her orgasm building with every thrust. She could hear his crude words, his dirty talk, and it only served to heighten her arousal.

She moaned, her body trembling with need. She could feel herself teetering on the edge, her orgasm just out of reach. And then, with one final thrust, she was there. She screamed, her body convulsing as her orgasm hit her hard.

He followed soon after, his cock pulsing inside her as he came. She collapsed, her body spent, as he pulled out of her and rolled onto his back.

They lay there for a moment, their breathing ragged, their bodies slick with sweat. And then he turned to her, a grin on his face.

“If that kills me, I’ll die happy,” he said. “It’s amazing with you, Celine.”

“It’s wonderful, Killian. I’ve never had better sex.”

As she looked into his eyes, she knew that she was falling in love with him in such a short time. He reached for her hand and kissed the palm.

“I need a shower,” he said.

“I do too.”

He sat up. “Then let’s do that, then we’ll go to bed… to sleep. We have to get up early.”

Celine laughed. “Okay.”

Killian got off the bed, took her hand, and pulled her to her feet, then they entered the bathroom, closing the door behind them .