Chapter Eight

Celine watched as Killian disappeared from view before turning back to her friends, who were now staring at her with knowing looks.

“What?” she asked, trying to sound innocent.

“Oh please, don’t play dumb. You’re in love with him,” Brenna said with a grin.

Celine gasped. “I am not!”

The women laughed, and then Brenna gave her a hug. “Yes, you are, and he seems to feel the same.”

“No, he hasn’t said anything.” Celine shook her head.

“He doesn’t need to say it. We can see it in the way he looks at you. And can I just say, he is gorgeous. If any of you tell Luke I said that I will deny it,” Bryce joked.

“That wouldn’t be necessary; we all noticed his good looks the first time we saw him,” Abbie chimed in.

Their conversation was interrupted by Creed entering the kitchen carrying two stacked boxes. He set them on the counter and gave the women a stern look.

“Don’t try to act innocent. You four are far from it,” he scolded before leaving the room. The women couldn’t help but laugh at his words.

At ten o’clock, they heard a loud vehicle pull up outside.

“I think the delivery men are here with the furniture!” Celine exclaimed excitedly. “I can’t wait to see what Killian got.”

As if on cue, Killian walked through the door with a wink and propped it open for the delivery men to enter with a large dresser. He motioned for them to follow him down the hall.

Celine sighed, earning teasing glances and giggles from her friends.

“Seriously, can you guys stop?” she scolded them.

“We’ll stop when you admit your feelings for him,” Brenna said, crossing her arms.

Celine sighed and looked at each of her friends before finally giving in. “Fine, yes, I’m in love with him.”

Her words were cut short as she saw Killian enter the kitchen once again. She prayed he didn’t hear what she had just confessed to her friends. But from the look on his face, it was clear that he did. He continued out the door.

“Oh my God, did he hear me?” Celine panicked.

“I don’t know, do you think he did?” Abbie asked.

“Judging by his expression, I’d say he did,” Celine replied, placing her hands over her face in embarrassment.

“He might not have heard everything,” Bryce tried to reassure her.

“I doubt that. Knowing my luck, he heard every word,” Celine groaned, wishing for a hole to crawl into.

“We’re sorry, Celine. We were only teasing you and it’s our fault if he heard,” Brenna apologized.

“It’s not your fault. I’m the one who said it. Oh God, I feel sick.” Celine moaned .

Their conversation was interrupted once again as more people entered the house carrying boxes and furniture. Celine opened a box and began unpacking glasses, trying to distract herself from the situation with Killian. She couldn’t help but feel heartbroken, knowing she may have ruined their chance of a relationship.

As she unpacked the boxes, Celine couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen once everyone else had left and she was alone with Killian. Would he bring up what he’d heard? Should she address it first? No, it was best to act like it never happened. But Celine couldn’t help her anxiety as Brenna’s arm wrapped around her.

“I’m sorry, but let’s not jump to conclusions. He might not have heard,” Brenna reassured her.

Celine shook her head, tears threatening to fall. “He did. I know he did.”

“Let’s just finish putting things away and try to forget about it for now,” Brenna suggested.

But Celine couldn’t shake off her worries. “It won’t leave my mind. Brenna, I could have ruined everything. If he’s not in love with me, he’ll panic. That’s what men do,” she confided in her friend.

“Don’t assume anything yet. Whether he heard you or not, you’ll have to wait and see what happens when we all leave,” Brenna advised.

Celine pleaded, “Can you stay? I don’t want to be alone with him.”

Brenna grinned and reminded her, “You’ll have to be eventually. Just wait and see how he acts. Stop assuming the worst.”

Celine nodded reluctantly and tried to push aside her fears.

After the furniture was delivered and arranged, the delivery men left and Killian came into the kitchen from the living room, opened the fridge, removed four beers, then headed back to the living room. Celine knew without a doubt that he had heard her confession.

“He didn’t even look at me,” she whispered, feeling dejected.

Abbie hugged her tightly. “Just wait until we leave. I’m sure if he did hear you, he’ll say something.”

“Yeah, probably something like we need to stop seeing each other.” Celine sighed, wiping away a tear.

Once everyone was gone and they were alone, Celine’s stomach churned with nerves. She had no idea what to say to him.

“Did you see how the bedroom looks with the new furniture?” Killian asked her as they stood in the kitchen.

“No, I haven’t,” she replied nervously.

“Come on, let me show you. It looks great,” he said, reaching for her hand.

As they walked into the bedroom together, Celine couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. But as she looked around at the carefully chosen furniture, she couldn’t help but be impressed.

“You picked out great pieces,” she complimented him, feeling relieved that he hadn’t brought up what she had said.

“Well, some men aren’t good at it, but I like to think I am,” he joked with a grin.

Celine blushed but smiled back. “You definitely are. ”

He took a step closer to her, never taking his eyes off of hers. And then he surprised her by leaning down and pressing his lips against hers. He trailed kisses across her cheek until he reached her ear and whispered, “Did you mean it?”

Celine turned her face away, but Killian gently cupped her chin in his hand and made her look at him again. “Did I mean what?” she asked innocently.

He chuckled. “You know what.”

Celine shook her head slightly. “Celine, did you mean it?” he pressed.

With a heavy sigh, she finally admitted, “Yes.”

At that moment, Killian leaned in and kissed her again before whispering against her lips, “I love you too.”

She gasped in shock as she pushed him away. “You do not.”

But Killian only laughed, pulled her back into his arms, and then looked into her eyes. “I think I’d know if I loved someone or not.” He tenderly cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, Celine Nelson, with all my heart.”

Celine wrapped her arms around his waist and cried.

“Why are you crying?”

“I knew you heard me, and I was afraid you’d tell me you didn’t want to see me again.”

“Oh, baby. I wanted to say something when I heard you, but I didn’t want to say it in front of your friends. I had a feeling you knew I heard you, but telling you was a private matter.”

“You’re right, but I was terrified I ruined everything. ”

“The only way that would happen is if you told me you didn’t want to see me anymore.”

“I was afraid that’s what you were going to say.”

“Nope.” He kissed her lips. “Want to try out the new bed?”

Celine looked at him. “I’m not sleepy.”

“Who said anything about sleeping?” He stared into her eyes.

****

Killian removed his T-shirt, then pulled hers off as well. Dropping them to the floor, he gazed into her eyes, letting her know how much he wanted her without saying a word.

He glanced down at her bra, barely containing her breasts, then he removed her jeans, leaving her in her lacy panties.

In the dimly lit room, her body was a work of art, curvaceous and enticing, and he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. His heart pounded in his chest as he took in every inch of her.

With a growl, he pulled her toward him, his hands roaming over her body as if they had a mind of their own. She gasped as he began to kiss her neck, his teeth grazing her skin just enough to send shivers down her spine.

He reached around to unclasp her bra, letting it fall to the floor as he took in the sight of her full breasts. He cupped them in his hands, his thumbs rubbing over her nipples until they were hard and erect.

She moaned softly, her hands reaching down to unbuckle his belt, then she unsnapped his jeans, lowered the zipper and pushed them and his boxer briefs off his hips. He kicked off his boots, removed his jeans and his erection sprang free as she wrapped her hand around it.

Killian groaned, the sensation of her touch almost too much to bear. He knew he wanted her, needed her, in the most primal way possible. He removed her panties and took in the sight of her. He would never get enough of this woman, even if he lived to be hundred years old.

He turned her around, pushed her onto the bed as his hands gripped her hips as he positioned himself behind her. She looked over her shoulder, her eyes dark with desire as she bit her lip in anticipation. He rolled on a condom and entered her slowly, his body shaking with the effort it took to hold back. She was tight and wet, and the feeling of being inside her was almost indescribable.

He began to thrust, his hips moving in a rhythm that was both primal and intoxicating. She met him thrust for thrust, her body moving with his as if they were one.

They moved together, their bodies slick with sweat as they pushed each other closer and closer to the edge. He could feel her muscles tightening around him, her orgasm building as he continued to slide in and out of her. Reaching around her, he touched her clitoris, and her inner muscles tightened around him as she cried out.

With one final thrust, he came, his body convulsing, as he groaned out her name.

They collapsed onto the bed, their bodies spent and exhausted. As they lay there, tangled in each other’s arms, he knew that this was a moment he would never forget. Knowing they loved each other.

Killian rolled onto his back and Celine inched closer to him and laid her head on his chest.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yes, are you?”

He chuckled. “I’m great.”

She raised her head and looked at him. “Yes, you are. That was amazing. I’ve never done it like that before.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“I am very serious.”

“Why not?”

“Blaine never did it.”

“What the hell is wrong with him?”

“How much time do you have?”

Killian laughed. “Okay, I get it. I don’t want to know about him anyway.”

“You know, we have never talked about your past lovers.” She laughed when he groaned. “It’s only fair. Have you ever been in love?”

“I’m in love with you.”

“Stop stalling, Agent Doyle. Have you?”

He sighed. “Yes, quite a few times.”

“Really?”

“I was in love when I was twelve.” He laughed when she punched his arm. “Seriously, that was the first time. She broke my heart. Then when I was seventeen, I fell for the most popular girl in school. We were together for two years, but I left for college, and she moved on to someone else.”

“Did you?”

“I didn’t fall in love again until after I graduated. I met her at a party. I fell hard for her, but she lied to me all the time. I don’t like liars.”

“What did she lie about?”

“She cheated on me a few times. At first, I believed her lies that she hadn’t, but when one of my friends told me she made a move on him, I knew she lied. That’s not a relationship I wanted to be in. You don’t lie to someone you supposedly love about anything.”

“What did you go to college for?”

“Well, I knew I wanted to be a livestock agent and though you don’t have to have a college degree to become one, I wanted to know as much as I could about livestock. I have a degree in animal husbandry.”

“What does that entail?”

“Livestock division is a branch of agriculture that focuses on the raising and utilization of animals for various purposes such as meat, milk, fiber, etcetera. This involves a range of tasks such as daily care, management, breeding, and ensuring proper nutrition for the animals. My role in this division is to handle law enforcement activities and investigations related to livestock crimes. Other agents conduct field and market inspections to verify ownership records and prevent illegal movement of livestock. It is the agent’s responsibility to maintain accurate records of legal brands and ensure proper identification of all livestock. Agents are responsible for regulating and licensing all livestock markets and dealers operating in Montana.”

“I never knew. I just assumed you only went after rustlers.”

“The department has different divisions. I wanted in the theft department. That’s what my father did. I can also confiscate an animal I believe is being abused. The sheriff does that too, but if I see it, I’ll do something about it. I hate seeing any animal mistreated.”

“I do too.” She rolled onto her back. “So, who else were you in love with?”

“Damn, you’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“Is there a reason I should?”

“How many times have you been in love?” he asked.

“Before Blaine, I was in love with Jeff. He had trouble keeping it in his pants. There was no one else. I decided to go to college and get my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I know I didn’t have to have a degree to own a business, but I wanted to learn all I could. I knew I wanted to open some type of business. I never thought it would be a coffee shop.”

“A coffee shop that does exceptionally well.”

“It does for sure. Now, who else, Agent?”

Killian sighed. “I fell in love with a woman right after I became an agent. I fell hard, but she didn’t. She cheated on me anytime I was out of town, but I happened to come home early and caught her and him in our bed. I told them both to get out and I swore to myself I would never fall in love again.” He looked at her. “Until you. Don’t break my heart, darlin’.”

“I won’t. I love you too much to do that.” She smiled. “I’d like to take a shower.”

“Okay.”

Celine looked at him. “Okay? Okay, what?”

“Take a shower. ”

“You’re going to take one with me.”

“I am?” He grinned when she narrowed her eyes at him. “I am.”

She laughed when he got up, took her hand and led her into the bathroom.

“I see you didn’t get much put away in here, but it’s not a problem.”

“We barely got the kitchen done. I’ll do some of this tomorrow.”

“Alright, baby. I’ll help.” He kissed her, then they took a shower together.

****

Monday morning, Celine unlocked the door of the coffee shop, opened it and stepped inside. The smell of coffee grounds always made her smile. Making her way to her office, she unlocked the safe, put her purse inside, then headed back to the front to start the coffee machines.

She was still on cloud nine knowing Killian loved her. She loved him so much. She knew she had to tell Brenna and Abbie. She didn’t know Bryce very well yet, but she hoped that would change.

When the shop opened, people came inside immediately. Celine smiled when she saw Sydney enter.

“Your usual?” Celine asked.

“Please. I’m running on no sleep.”

“Why?”

“I have no idea. I tossed and turned all night. I had a crappy weekend. But enough about me, how was yours? How did the trip go?”

“It was great. His parents are wonderful. You should see his brother.” Celine wiggled her eyebrows.

“Is he as hot as Killian?”

“Well, not to me, but I am head over heels in love with Killian, but—”

“Wait. What? You’re in love with him? That’s great!”

“Not only that, but he loves me too.”

“So, I’d say you had a wonderful weekend.”

“Oh, I did. Anyway, Kian is very, very good-looking too. Did I tell you they’re twins?”

“No!”

“Fraternal. They resemble each other but not to where you’d think they’re twins. But both are gorgeous. And… Kian moved here.”

“Oh, really? You know, I still think about the agent that was here that day with Killian. Caysen Anderson. He’s been on my mind a lot.”

“He was sexy too. I haven’t seen him since that day.” Celine frowned.

“Well, if you do see him, tell him he needs to read a book, and I just happen to sell them.” Sydney laughed.

Celine chuckled. “I’ll try to fit that into the conversation if I ever see him again.”

“Okay. Here you go.” Sydney handed Celine her money for the coffee. “Let’s have lunch soon. I’d better go. Love you.”

“Love you too,” Celine said as Sydney walked out the door.

As the day went on, Celine wondered what Killian was doing. She knew he was working on the case about the missing sheep, but she’d hoped to hear from him. Shaking her head, she knew that was unfair. He was a very busy man, and she knew he’d be in touch. She got back to work, serving coffee, and had trouble keeping the smile from her face.

****

Friday, as Killian drove down a quiet back street on his way home from the diner, his eyes caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye. A woman, frantically waving her arms in distress. He slowed his truck and pulled over to the side of the road, stepping out onto the hot pavement. The heat was intense, even in the shade of the trees that lined the street. The woman ran toward him, tears streaming down her face.

“Ma’am? Is there something wrong?” Killian asked, concerned.

“There’s a dog in that car,” she said, pointing to a vehicle parked along the street. “It’s not moving. Please help it.”

Killian jogged to the car, peered in the window and clenched his jaw. His stomach twisted into knots as he saw the motionless form of a dog inside. He looked back at the woman.

“Do you know who owns this car?”

“No. I think they’re visiting someone, but it’s so hot out and I have no way to help it.” Her voice trembled with emotion.

“I’ll be right back.” Without wasting another moment, Killian returned to his own vehicle and retrieved a tire iron and a bottle of water from the back of the truck. He marched back to the parked car. “Stand back.”

The woman nodded and stepped away as Killian took a swing at the back side window, shattering it with one strong blow from the tire iron. Glass shards scattered across the seat, but the dog didn’t flinch. Reaching inside, Killian unlocked the door and carefully lifted the dog from the sweltering back seat and carried it to the grass where he laid it down. It looked to be under a year old, and part German shepherd. The poor creature was panting heavily but unresponsive.

Kneeling on the ground, Killian poured water from the bottle over its head, neck, groin area, and on its paw pads to cool it down. The woman knelt beside him and stroked the dog’s fur gently while murmuring words of comfort.

Killian looked at the woman. “I’ll be right back; I need to see if I have any rubbing alcohol in my truck.”

He didn’t wait for her to answer, he ran back to his truck and looked through it. He found rubbing alcohol pads, then ran back to the dog.

“What does that do?” the woman asked.

“Dogs release heat through their paw pads. This will help draw some heat out.”

“I had no idea. How do you know that?”

“I’m a livestock agent, I learned what I could about all animals.” He opened one of the packages, removed a pad, then applied it to the paws. “See if you can get him to take a drink. Just pour a little into his mouth.”

Suddenly, a voice interrupted their rescue efforts.

“Hey! What the hell are you doing?” someone shouted, but Killian ignored them. He was focused on trying to save the poor animal. “You busted my window, man.”

Killian let out a heavy sigh and stood up to confront the angry owner. “Sir, I’m Agent Doyle with the livestock division, and you’re damn lucky I don’t bust your head. You don’t leave a dog in a hot car with the windows up.”

“I wasn’t that long,” the man protested.

“You were long enough,” Killian retorted. “It’s ninety degrees outside! Do you realize how hot it is in that car? It only takes ten minutes for the interior temperature of a car to reach a potentially fatal one hundred and nine degrees on a day this hot.” He shook his head in disbelief, then kneeled by the dog again. “I’m calling the sheriff, and he’ll cite you for animal cruelty. I’m going to get this dog to a vet.” Glancing over his shoulder at the man, he added, “You’d better hope this dog makes it.”

“I didn’t know it would get that hot that fast,” the man stammered.

Killian stood and stepped closer, his anger bubbling just beneath the surface. “Then you don’t deserve a dog. Do not move.” He removed his cellphone from his pocket and called Sam. After explaining the situation to Sam, he looked at the man again, and demanded, “License, registration, and proof of insurance.”

“Why do I have to give you all that?” the man grumbled.

“Because I asked for it,” Killian replied sternly, not backing down from his position of authority. The man reluctantly handed over the documents. Killian read the information to Sam so he could run a check on him. When Sam told him nothing came back on him, it only frustrated Killian more because he really wanted an excuse to have Sam arrest the irresponsible owner. With a heavy sigh, he handed the documents back to the man, before tending to the dog once more.

“Who’s going to pay for the window?” the man asked, clearly more concerned about his damaged vehicle than the life of the animal.

Killian clenched his jaw. “Are you fucking kidding me? You are. I have every right to bust a window in a vehicle if I think an animal is in danger of dying because of jackasses like you.” With that, he scooped up the dog and carefully placed it on the backseat of his truck.

“Agent? Can I go?” the woman asked him.

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

“No, thank you. I didn’t know what to do.”

“Find a brick,” Killian said with a grin. The woman smiled, then crossed the street.

“Can I get my dog back?” the man asked.

“Not if I can help it,” Killian snapped. “It is illegal to leave your pet in your vehicle at any time that there is a chance that they will be hurt before you get back . That includes when the temperatures soar to a point that your vehicle turns into an oven. Like this one. I could feel the heat coming from inside when I broke the window. You can’t tell me you’ve never heard not to leave your dog inside a hot vehicle.”

“So, what happens now?” The man dodged the question.

“You’ll be convicted of the offense of cruelty to animals and be fined an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both. People like you shouldn’t be allowed to have animals. The sheriff will be here shortly. You can ask him if you can get your dog back, but don’t bet on it. I told him I was taking the dog to the vet, who also happens to be his wife, so he’ll probably tell you he will confiscate the dog. You sure as hell do not deserve it.”

“I really didn’t think I’d be that long. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, you’re sorry, alright.” Killian walked back to his truck, opened the back door to see the dog with its head up, but still panting, so he got a bowl from the back and filled it with water, and held it while the dog drank from it. Killian ran his hand over the dog’s head. “I’m sorry, buddy. I’ll get you taken care of.”

He got his phone from his pocket and called Dr. Tessa Garrett. Once he told her the situation, he drove to the animal hospital .