Chapter Seven

Celine relaxed in the bathtub, closing her eyes and feeling like she could fall asleep right there. But she forced herself to stay awake and opened her eyes to see Killian doing the same thing with his head back against the tub’s edge. She playfully rubbed her foot along his leg, which made him open his eyes.

“Don’t doze off in here, Killian.”

“I need to get out before I fall asleep.” He pushed himself up and grabbed a towel to dry off. Then he left the bathroom after hanging up the towel.

Celine drained the water from the tub, got out and dried off before heading to the bedroom. Once she changed into comfortable clothes, she found Killian in the living room sitting in a recliner wearing sweatpants.

“Killian? Come to bed.”

“I’m too exhausted to sleep. I just need to relax for a few minutes.” He reached for her hand and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head against her chest.

“Okay, we can sit here for a bit,” Celine whispered.

“Have you ever been so tired that you can’t sleep? Or is it just me?”

“I have. Sometimes you need to unwind before you can fall asleep. I’ll stay here with you until you feel tired enough to sleep, but if you doze off in this chair, I’m leaving you here and sleeping alone in that nice big bed.”

Killian chuckled. “I won’t fall asleep here. I want to sleep with you and hold you all night.”

“I want that too.” Celine kissed his forehead.

“Let’s go to bed. Hopefully we can both get a good night’s rest.”

Celine stood up and offered her hand to help Killian up as well, leading him back to the bedroom. She pulled back the covers and climbed into bed, watching as Killian removed his sweatpants then did the same.

He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the lips before saying, “Goodnight, baby.”

“Goodnight,” she replied and smiled as she heard his breathing deepen in sleep.

As she followed Killian in his truck, the next morning, she couldn’t stop yawning. She slept so she wasn’t sure what the problem was. She just knew she was so anxious to get home. She saw his turn signal come on, so she did the same and followed him into a rest stop. He probably wanted to check the horses.

Parking beside him, she shut off the truck and stepped from it. She could use a bathroom break.

Celine smiled when she saw Killian walking toward her.

“I want to check the babies,” he said with a grin.

“I’m going to the restroom. I won’t be long.”

“It’s fine. I want to get the dogs out too.”

“Okay. I’ll take one of them when I get back.”

Killian nodded as he opened the door on the trailer and disappeared inside. She smiled as she thought about him petting the horses and talking to them. He loved his animals.

“Of course, he does. That’s probably why he became a livestock agent,” she muttered as she entered the building.

She emerged a few minutes later and stopped in her tracks when she saw two women talking to Killian at the trailer.

“Back the hell off,” she murmured, then walked to where they stood. He saw her and grinned.

“Let me get the leashes on the dogs, and you can take Winnie.”

“Okay.” Celine looked at the two women who were staring at her. If looks could kill, she’d hit the ground.

One of them turned from her to talk to Killian again.

“So, how many horses are in there?”

“Seven,” Killian said, not offering more.

“Where are you girls heading?” Celine asked, emphasizing ‘girls’, and she heard Killian chuckle. She looked at him and winked.

“We’re going to Kalispell.”

“Well, have a safe trip.” Celine took one of the leashes Killian handed her. She stood by the door as he opened it, and she reached in and hooked the leash to Winnie. When the dog jumped from the truck, the two young women stepped back.

“You have a Doberman,” one exclaimed.

“And a Rottweiler,” Killian said.

“Do they bite?”

Before Killian had a chance to say anything, Celine spoke up .

“You never know. They don’t like people messing with their master. Kind of like how a woman doesn’t like another woman flirting with her man.” She grinned when Killian turned away from them and she knew it was because he was hiding his amusement.

Celine continued to stare at them as they glared at her. What was it with some women? They knew she and Killian were together, but it didn’t stop them from flirting with him. Not that she could blame them, but blatantly flirting with him when he had a woman with him wasn’t acceptable. It wasn’t just men who overstepped, women did it too.

She stood watching the women until they finally got the message and walked away. She glanced over at Killian to see him leaning against the trailer with his arms folded, a smirk on his face as he watched her.

“You seemed to have enjoyed that a little too much,” he said.

Celine chuckled. “I did. Do you think they thought you would leave me behind?”

He pushed off the trailer and walked toward her, cupping her face in his hands.

“No worries there.” He kissed her lips. “I’m going to the restroom. We’ll leave when I get back. Are you doing alright with the truck?”

“Yes, your precious truck is perfectly fine,” she replied, shaking her head.

“Phew, I was worried for a second,” he joked.

Celine laughed. “You’re probably not joking.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I am. You can drive my truck anytime. I’ll grab Tank and Cosmo when I get back.” He kissed her again before walking toward the building.

“Come on, Winnie. Time for a bathroom break.” She led the dog over to the designated area and waited while Winnie sniffed around before finally doing her business. Then Celine led her back to the truck and saw Killian walking toward her. He was just so handsome. She noticed other women looking at him, but he paid them no mind. He grinned when he caught her watching him. He leaned down and kissed her before opening the back door of the truck to let out the other dogs.

“Do you want me to take one of them?” Celine asked.

“We’ll put Winnie in the truck first, then you can take Cosmo,” Killian suggested.

But when Killian tried to coax Winnie into jumping back into the truck, she pulled at her leash in protest.

“What’s wrong with her?” Celine asked.

“Let’s see if she’ll get into the other truck,” Killian suggested.

Celine opened the back door of the truck and Winnie immediately hopped inside.

“She wants to ride with me,” Celine said with a smile.

Killian shook his head. “I’ve lost my dog,” he mumbled, making Celine laugh.

“Let’s get back on the road. We’re more than halfway so hopefully we won’t have any problems and then we can relax until tomorrow.”

“We have to unload boxes,” Celine said.

“No, we’ll wait until tomorrow when the guys come over. You can just put stuff away.” He kissed her again. “I can’t get enough of these lips,” he whispered.

“I’m happy to hear that,” she murmured against his lips.

He gave her a quick kiss, then walked back to his truck, opened the back door and hooked a leash onto Tank’s collar. He had Celine take it so he could hook Cosmo to his leash.

“Will Tank pull hard?”

“No. You can take him if you want. They’re all leash trained.”

“Okay. Come on, big boy.”

“Are you talking to me or Tank?” Killian grinned.

“I’ll talk to you later.” She laughed when he chuckled.

After getting the dogs taken care of, they climbed back into their trucks. Celine waited while Killian pulled out, then she followed him. She didn’t know how he drove with that huge trailer, but it didn’t seem to bother him. She stayed behind him, hoping they would get home soon.

****

When Killian got a text message, he opened it on the display screen in the truck.

Where are you? Kian asked.

Approaching Kalispell. What’s up?

Nothing. Just making sure you’re doing alright.

We’re fine. Making good time.

Alright. I’ll talk to you later. Be safe little brother.

Will do. Killian grinned. His big brother always kept an eye out for him .

He decided to send a text to Celine.

Are you doing alright, baby?

Yep. Winnie is keeping me company.

He laughed. I can’t believe you took my dog.

She loves me.

She must if she left me for you. We only have about an hour and a half then we’ll be home. I’m not doing anything for the rest of the day.

We can snuggle on the sofa and watch movies.

I don’t have a sofa or a TV.

I do!

Killian shook his head. He knew he had to take her home and he hated the thought of going out again once they got home. But the furniture he ordered wouldn’t be delivered until tomorrow. He sent her another text.

I think I’ll stay at the house tonight. The furniture is being delivered by ten tomorrow morning.

Where are you going to sleep?

I have a sleeping bag. I don’t want to sleep in and miss them.

Okay. I understand.

Alright. You can stay with me tomorrow night.

Okay.

She didn’t seem happy about being apart tonight, but he knew if he stayed at her place and slept in, he’d miss the delivery, and who knew when they’d be able to reschedule.

He continued to drive and sighed with relief when he saw the exit sign for Clifton. Damn, he was glad to be home.

*** *

Celine pulled the truck into the driveway of Killian’s new home. She smiled as she looked at it. It was such a picturesque place, and she’d bet it would be gorgeous in the winter with snow.

She hated the idea of not being with him tonight, but she knew what he meant by sleeping in and missing the delivery. As tired as they both were, she knew she’d be sleeping in tomorrow morning. All she wanted to do was relax for the rest of the evening. She just wished it could be with him.

After parking, she opened the door, stepped from the truck, then opened the door for Winnie. She held onto the leash so the dog wouldn’t run off since she was in a new environment.

Celine smiled as she watched Killian pull the truck and trailer close to the barn, then backed it into it. She shook her head. There was no way she could ever do that. She walked toward the barn with Winnie, then stepped inside just as Killian was stepping from the truck. He walked to the side door on the trailer, opened it, then disappeared inside. In less than a minute, he led the first horse out and put it in one of the stalls. He continued to do that until all the horses were in stalls. Then he fed and watered them. He walked back toward the truck, opened the back door and Tank and Cosmo jumped out and ran around the barn.

“Are you sure it’s okay to let them run?”

“They have to get used to it sometime.”

“What if they run off?”

Killian shook his head. “They won’t. I’ll have to watch them when I let them out to show them where they can and can’t go, but I plan to have a fence installed for them. I’ll have to put in a pet door too.”

“I love this place,” she said as she looked around. “I bet it will be beautiful in the winter with the snow on the trees.”

“I’m sure it will.” He took her hand. “Come on, let’s head inside so I can get the dogs settled, then I’ll take you home. I’m sorry you can’t stay.”

“Me too, but I can tomorrow night, right?”

“Definitely.” Killian took her hand, led her up to the door and unlocked it. He nodded for her to enter, then he turned and whistled. The dogs came running onto the porch.

“Come on, guys, let’s check out the place.” He held the door open, and the dogs ran inside. Killian watched as they sniffed around the living room then ran down the hallway.

“I can’t wait to see it with the furniture.” Celine smiled at him.

“Me neither. It will make it look more like a home.”

“Will the dogs be alright here alone?”

“Yes. Are you ready to go?”

“Not really, but I need a hot bath and a soft bed to lay in and watch TV.” She tilted her head. “What are you going to do?”

Killian grinned. “Sleep.”

She walked to him, wrapped her arms around his waist, and kissed his neck.

“I’ll miss you tonight.”

“There’s nothing I’d like more than to sleep with you tonight, but unless you want to sleep on the floor with me, I’ll have to take you home.”

Celine sighed. “As much as I’d love to stay, I’m not sleeping on the floor. ”

Killian chuckled. “I’m used to sleeping on rough surfaces.”

“How? Do you go camping?”

“No. I’ve done it when I’ve stayed at a place to try to catch rustlers.”

“I see. Well, I’m glad I don’t have your job.”

“Let me get you home, baby. I’m so tired I’ll be lucky if I don’t fall asleep on the way back.”

“Don’t say that.”

“I’m kidding.”

“Let me take the truck home.”

“What?”

“Killian, you are dead on your feet. I promise I’ll be good to your truck.” She grinned.

“I’m not worried about that. Maybe it is a good idea.”

“Of course, it is. I’m not quite as tired as you, so I’ll drive it home and you can go to bed. I’ll be back in the morning by nine.”

“Alright. Let me walk you out.” He took her hand, led her outside, and to his truck. He opened the door for her, and she climbed inside, then he leaned in and kissed her lips. “Be careful.”

“I will. I promise. I’ll see you in the morning. Get some sleep.”

“I’m going to.” He kissed her again, then closed the door.

Celine started the truck, waved, and drove away. She looked in the rearview mirror to see him watching her, then he headed toward the house.

She pulled onto the road and drove home. She really wished she could have stayed with him tonight, but she knew, without a doubt, she would tomorrow night.

****

Killian groaned as Tank lay across him and whined. He tried to push the dog off, but he kept trying to lick him.

“Tank, damn, boy. Stop. Let me up.” Tank sat and barked. The dogs knew when he said, ‘let me up’ they had to move.

Killian unzipped the sleeping bag, sat up, and rubbed his eyes. He reached for his sweatpants, stood and pulled them on.

“Come on, let’s go out.”

All three dogs ran toward the front door, but Killian didn’t want them to go that way.

“No, this way. Come on.” He chuckled when they looked at him and back to the door. But they followed him when he went to the kitchen, opened the back door, and stepped onto the back deck. The dogs ran out behind him, then down the steps. He kept an eye on them and had to call them back a few times, but they listened well, and he knew they’d stay close as long as he was watching them.

He planned to go online later, look for a fence installer, and make an appointment. The fence was a priority, so he hoped to get it done quickly.

All utilities were on, including his internet, and all he needed was his furniture to get here and unpack. That made him groan; the thought of unpacking those damn boxes.

After he got the dogs back inside, he walked out toward the truck, removed a box labeled towels, another with kitchen written on it, and carried them inside. He wanted to grab a shower before anyone got here, but he also needed coffee.

After a quick shower, he headed back to the kitchen and set up his K-cup machine and brewed a cup of coffee. He looked at his watch to see it was eight-thirty. He had told Beau, Luke, and Creed to be here around nine-thirty, so he knew he had to get dressed soon. Celine would be here in half an hour.

At nine, he heard a vehicle out front, so he headed for the door. Opening it, he saw Celine jump down from his truck. When she spotted him, she waved and smiled, making his heart skip a beat. He was so damn attracted to her, and he knew he was on the verge of falling for her. He just hoped she felt the same.

“Hi,” she said when she reached the steps of the porch.

“Hey, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”

Celine tilted her head. “I did. Did you?”

“I did. I feel well rested.” He put his hand out toward her. “Come inside.”

She smiled as she took his hand. He pulled her up the steps, kissed her lips, then led her inside. The dogs ran toward her, and she squatted down and pet them.

“Hi, you beautiful babies,” she said, then laughed when each one tried to get closer to her.

“Guys, come on, give her a break,” Killian said, and the dogs sat.

“Do you want to bring some boxes in?”

“I suppose we can start. Creed, Beau, and Luke will be here soon.”

“Are Creed and Beau bringing their wives? ”

“Yeah.”

“Is Luke bringing Bryce?”

“As far as I know.”

“I wonder if she’ll bring the baby. I love babies.”

“You do, huh? I’m not sure, but I suspect, no.”

“Oh, well. I’ll see Leah another time.”

“Do you want a cup of coffee or something to drink?”

“No, thanks. I had coffee earlier. I’ll get something later, once we unpack.”

“Alright.”

They stared at each other until a sly smile lifted her lips, making him groan.

“Stop.”

“What?” she asked way too innocently.

“You know what. We don’t have time for that.”

Celine laughed. “Maybe later, then.”

“Definitely later.” He walked toward her, leaned down and kissed her lips. “I missed you last night.”

“I missed you too.”

He pressed his lips to hers again, pulled her tight against and just as he was about to deepen the kiss, he heard vehicles outside. He slowly raised his lips.

“It sounds like the guys are here.”

“They have bad timing,” Celine said, making Killian chuckle.

A knock sounded on the door, and the dogs ran toward it barking. Killian made his way to the door and opened it.

“Hey, come in.” He held the door open wider.

“Nice place, Killian,” Creed said.

“It’s gorgeous,” Abbie said, then she smiled at Celine. “Hi, Celine.”

“Hey, Abbie. Hi, Brenna. Bryce.” Celine smiled. “I was kind of hoping you’d bring your daughter, Bryce.”

“She’s with Luke’s mother being spoiled,” Bryce said with a laugh.

“How’s the townhouse?” Abbie asked Celine.

“I love it. I haven’t decided on buying it yet. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. You can rent as long as you like. If you don’t buy it, that’s fine. If you ever move, I might continue renting it out.” Abbie smiled.

“As much as I hate to say it, let’s get started with getting the boxes in,” Killian said and headed out the door with the men following him .