Chapter Nine

Saturday afternoon, Celine sat in the middle of her living room floor, staring at all the parts lying in front of her. She came home from having lunch with Sydney to find the bookshelf she ordered leaning against the house beside the door. She was going to wait to put it together, but she was never one to let something just sit, and she loved putting things together.

A sharp knock on the door startled her, causing her to jump up from the floor where she had been sitting. She cautiously approached the door, peering through the peephole before opening it to reveal Killian standing there.

“Hi, come in,” Celine said, excited at seeing him again.

Killian removed his cowboy hat and wiped his feet on the mat before stepping into the townhouse.

“I was just heading home and wanted to stop in and say hi.” His piercing dark eyes locked onto hers as he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips, then slowly raised them. “Hi.” He glanced around. “What are you doing?”

Celine couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her stomach at his unexpected visit. “I’m putting a bookshelf together. I thought you didn’t work weekends,” she commented.

“I’m not working. I had lunch at the diner with Kian, then I saved a dog. I hope it’s alright I stopped without calling first,” he replied, his hand brushing against her cheek.

“You saved a dog?” Celine asked, gesturing to him to have a seat on the couch. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“No, thanks, but I will take a glass of water, if that’s okay.”

“Of course. I’ll get it.”

“I can.” He headed toward the kitchen and returned within a few minutes with a glass of ice water in his hand and sat on the sofa. As Killian made himself comfortable, Celine sat beside him.

“Tell me about the dog.” As she listened, he told her about the young dog he rescued. “Where is the dog now?”

“At Tess’s hospital. He needed fluids and she wanted to keep him over the weekend.”

“What’s going to happen to him?”

“Well, Sam is hellbent on fining the man and not allowing him to keep the dog. Which I totally agree with. That man doesn’t deserve any animal.”

“Will it go to the shelter?”

Killian grinned. “No. I told Tess I’d take him.”

“Why am I not surprised? Will your dogs get along with him?”

“Yes. They’re dog friendly.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re giving him a good home.”

“The fence is up now, and Kian and I put the pet door inside the laundry room the other night.”

“I’m sure he’ll be happier with you than the man who left him inside that car.” Celine shook her head. “That poor dog.”

“He’ll be fine now.”

“Is Kian ready to start working with you again?”

“Yeah, he starts Monday.”

“I need to get back to this.” Celine got up then sat on the floor again and turned back to the mess of bookshelf parts scattered across the living room floor.

“Do you need some help?” Killian asked.

“No, I’ve got this, but thanks,” Celine assured him with a smile.

“If you change your mind, just let me know,” Killian said.

Celine continued working on the shelf. She knew Killian would drop everything to help her if she needed it. He was just that kind of man. She picked up the directions, looked at the floor, and moved things around.

“What’s wrong?” Killian asked as she frowned.

“I need a screw,” Celine replied, then laughed when she realized what she said.

Killian glanced at his watch. “I’m not sure I have the time right now,” he joked.

“For the bookshelf,” she added, trying to contain her laughter. “You’re so bad.”

“You know I’d help with that if I could right now,” Killian said, grinning.

Celine chuckled and shook her head fondly. “Men.”

He finished his water, took the glass to the kitchen. When he returned, she got to her feet and kissed him.

“You’re staying with me this weekend, right?” he asked.

“I am. Do you want me to drive there?”

“If you want, but I can come back to get you.”

“No, there’s no reason for that. I’ll finish this, grab a shower, and be there around six. Is that good for you?”

“Darlin’, anything you do, is good for me.” He kissed her lips. “I should go. I have some things to do around the house.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her lips. “I love you.”

Celine smiled. “I love you too.”

Killian kissed her forehead then walked out the door, closing it behind him. Celine sighed, then giggled. She was so in love with him and couldn’t wait to spend the weekend with him.

****

The following Monday, Killian entered the office with Kian behind him. Killian hung up his hat, then looked at Kian.

“You should see Dave. I don’t know where he’s going to have you sit.”

“Alright, I’ll head to his office.” Kian walked toward the office.

Killian watched Dave wave Kian in then he opened the door and entered the office, then Killian sat down and opened his computer.

A few minutes later, Kian returned and stood beside his desk. When Killian looked at him, he grinned.

“Seems the desk across from yours is mine now.”

“Holy hell. I can’t even get away from you at work.” Killian grinned.

Kian chuckled. “I told Dave you’d say something like that.” He walked to the desk, pulled the chair out, sat and looked through the drawers of the desk.

“Did he give you a case?”

“He’s looking for one to give me. I have a feeling it will be a small one until I prove myself.”

“Yeah, he did that to me.”

“What are you working on?”

“Stolen sheep.”

“How many?”

“Ten. The owner still has flock of fifty, but some of the missing are ewes with lambs.”

“I see. Well, good luck finding them. I wonder why they took the ones with lambs. That’s unusual.”

“I know. Since the ewes will try to keep their lambs safe and away from strangers.”

“Do you think it could be someone who knows the flock? Does the owner have ranch hands?”

“He does but swears none of them would do that.” Killian shook his head. “You never know.”

“We’ve seen it happen before.” Kian shook his head.

As the day wore on, Killian worked at his desk, looking into the ranch hands, but nothing popped out at him.

When lunchtime approached, he stood, stretched and asked Kian if he wanted to grab lunch.

“Not this time. I’m looking into two cases Dave handed me to see which one appeals to me. Stolen cattle and one missing horse.”

“Alright. I’ll see you later.”

As Killian started out the door to head for the diner, his cellphone buzzed from his pocket. He stood on the steps of the building and opened the messages .

Killian, it’s Tess. The dog is ready to go home if you still want him.

He grinned and sent a text back. Of course. If it’s alright, I’ll come and get him now. I’m on my lunchbreak.

That’s perfect. See you soon.

He put the phone back into his pocket, then jogged down the steps. He climbed into his truck and drove to the animal hospital.

When he entered, he saw a waiting room full of people, then he strode toward the desk.

“Hi, can I help you?” a pretty young woman asked him.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m here to pick up the dog brought in Friday from a hot car,” he said.

“Are you the owner of the dog?” the woman asked, and Killian could hear the anger in her voice.

“I am now. I saved him and I’m taking him home with me. I already spoke with Tess.”

“Oh, thank God. There was no way I would let you take that dog if you were the one who left him in the car. Thank you for saving him.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ll call Tess.” She sat down, picked up the phone, spoke a few words, then hung up and smiled at him. “She’ll be right out.”

“Thank you.” He leaned against the wall, folded his arms and waited. He looked into the waiting area, and it was filled with mostly women and their pets. They all smiled at him. He nodded and touched the brim of his hat.

“Killian?”

He pushed off the wall when he saw Tess walking toward him. She surprised him by hugging him.

“Thank you so much for saving Bruno. He’s doing great.”

“Bruno?”

“It was the name on his collar. I suppose you can change it if you like, but he seems to know it.”

“Okay, well, you’re welcome. I almost punched the guy.”

Tess laughed. “I know I would have wanted to. I’m so glad you’re taking him home. Sam was worried I was going to.”

Killian laughed. “I’m sure you do that a lot, don’t you?”

“Too many times. It’s a good thing my husband loves me.” She grinned. “Come with me and I’ll take you to the room the dog is in.”

He followed her into a room and saw the dog on the floor, playing with one of the techs. The woman looked up at him.

“He’s a lover and so sweet,” she said.

“I’m glad to see he made it.” Killian squatted. “Hey, boy.”

The dog looked at him and jumped on him, making Killian fall onto the floor.

“I think he knows you saved him,” Tess said.

“Any idea what breed he is? I see some German shepherd.”

“Yes, and Golden Retriever. He’s going to be a very loyal dog. He’s about six months old and still young enough to train.”

“Good. Is he alright with other dogs?”

“Yes, he loves to play. As long as your dog is dog friendly, they should be fine.”

Killian grinned. “I have three at home, but they’re all dog friendly. He’ll fit right in.”

“He’s leash trained too, so that’s good. Here.” Tess handed him a leash and he clipped it onto the dog’s collar.

“Let’s go home, boy.” He led the dog from the room, then turned to face Tess. “Do I owe you anything?”

“Just giving him a good home is enough.”

When he stepped into the lobby, he was shocked when everyone stood and applauded. He shook his head and looked at the woman standing in front of the counter. She shrugged.

“I told them how you saved that dog.”

Killian shook his head. “Anyone would have done the same.”

“But if you hadn’t been there, he would have died. Thank you.” She hugged him and wiped tears from her eyes.

“You’re welcome. He’ll have a good home. Have a good day, ladies.” He nodded and walked out the door to his truck.

He opened the back door, and the dog jumped in, then Killian pushed the door closed. He climbed into the front, checked traffic, then drove home.

****

By the end of the day, Celine was dragging. It had been so busy that she barely had time to breathe. All she wanted to do was go home and relax.

As she locked the door behind her, she walked toward her car, smiling at the people she passed. She saw Sydney coming out of her store and waved at her.

“Hey, how was your day?” Sydney asked.

“So busy. I used to think people wouldn’t drink hot coffee in the summer, but they proved me wrong.”

“I was busy too. Some people still like holding a book in their hands when they read.”

“I know I do. Don’t get me wrong, I like eBooks, but there’s something about holding a book.”

“I agree. Are you heading home now?”

“Yeah, I’m going to take a relaxing bath and hit the sofa.” Celine smiled.

“I’m having dinner with Paige and Nick tonight. I think she’s trying to fix me up with someone.” Sydney laughed.

“I haven’t seen Paige in a while. I need to stop in her shop and get something for Killian.” Celine grinned.

“Something he can throw on the floor, right?”

“You got it.”

“I’m so very happy for you.”

“I’m happy too. He’s an amazing man.”

“I wish I’d find one. I have no luck in love.”

“You will. One day a man will come along and rock your world, and when that happens, I will be so happy for you.”

“I know you will. I should get going. I don’t want to be late. I’ll talk to you soon. Love you,” Sydney said as she hugged her then crossed the street to her car.

Celine waved at her then got into her own car, started it and drove home. She wished it was Friday so she could be with Killian. They’d been getting together on Friday evenings, then she’d spend the weekend with him.

“This has to be one of the longest weeks, and it’s only Monday,” she muttered.

By Friday, she was exhausted, but she was seeing Killian soon and that gave her a second wind.

She left the shop early, telling Ainsleigh to lock up and she’d see them all Monday. Then she ran toward her car, hopped inside, and drove home. It was so hot that sweat rolled down between her breasts. She put the windows down but all that did was let the hot air into the vehicle. She switched the A/C on and sighed when it began to cool the car down.

She pressed the button on her steering wheel and called Killian.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hi. I’m heading home and after I change clothes, I’ll be there.”

“Okay. I’m running a little late, but I should be home by six.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll just play with the dogs.” She laughed.

“As long as you play with me later,” he said.

Celine chuckled. “I always like playing with you.”

“I like it too. I have to go. I’m pulling onto a property.”

“Are you still looking for the sheep?”

“Yes, and I had a tip where to find them. I’ll see you later.”

“Please be careful.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, then disconnected.

Celine worried about him when he was on a case. She knew the job was dangerous and livestock agents could be shot or worse. She prayed all the time for God to keep him safe. She didn’t know what she’d do if she ever lost him.

She pulled into her driveway, shut the car off, and quickly made her way inside. She sighed at the cooler air of the townhouse. Then she ran upstairs, changed her clothes, picked up her overnight case, and headed back to the car. She planned to sit on the sofa watching TV until Killian got home. After she played with the dogs, she thought with a grin.

After pulling around the back of his house, she parked and stepped out. The dogs ran to the fence, barking at her.

“Hi, babies,” she said and laughed as Tank and Winnie’s little nubs were wiggling, and Cosmo and Bruno’s tails were going in circles.

Celine walked toward the fence and smiled as they all tried to get closer to her. She reached over the fence and pet them.

“Let’s go inside.” She walked up the steps and watched the dogs run into the house using the pet door.

When she entered the house, they were sitting in a row, waiting for a biscuit. She set her case on the floor, reached into the box and then gave them each one. They went in different directions to eat them. Picking up her case, she walked toward the bedroom, set her case on the floor, then went back to the living room to watch some TV.

Her cell buzzed from the coffee table. She picked it up and smiled when she saw Killian’s number.

“Hey,” she said .

“Hey. I might be later than I thought, but do you want me to bring home a pizza?”

“Is everything alright? Why are you talking so quietly?”

“I’m watching a house.”

“Killian—”

“I’m fine, baby. Don’t worry. I just want to get some photos. So, pizza?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Celine, stop worrying. This is my job and I’m damn good at it. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She sighed when he hung up.

After placing the phone on the coffee table, she stared at it, then she picked it back up and called Brenna.

“Hey, what’s up?” Brenna answered.

“How do you do it?”

“How do I do what?”

“Not worry about Beau.”

“I do worry about Beau. Every day he leaves the house, but I trust him enough to know he will do his best to stay safe.”

“That doesn’t help me. Killian just called and said he was watching a house and wanted to get some photos. What if someone sees him?”

“Celine, you will drive yourself nuts thinking that way. Look, it’s a dangerous job. Any law enforcement job is, but Killian knows what he’s doing. He’s not going to be foolish. Beau told me he was one of the most respected agents in the department. Any of them would want him backing them up. He’s no fool.”

Celine sighed. “I know. I’ve just never had to deal with this type of thing before. You told me that an agent was killed, remember? ”

“Yes, and Killian helped solve the case. Every day, we all risk our lives. We never know when something can happen, but you cannot dwell on it. Please don’t let this change your mind about being with him.”

“Oh, God, no! I love him too much, but I worry.”

“We all do. I worry about Beau, Abbie worries about Creed, Bryce worries about Luke. It’s normal.”

“I guess I’ll have to get used to it. I’d die if something happened to him.”

“I feel the same and so does Abbie and Bryce. Lorna is who lost her husband to that job, but she married Eli, and I know she worries about him, but she loves him. We can’t expect our men to give up a job they love, and they do make a difference out there.”

“You’re right. I just needed to hear you tell me that.”

“I know. You know I’m always here for you.”

“I appreciate it. I’m going to go. He said he hoped to be home soon.”

“Then let him know how much you appreciate him. You’ve got a good man, there, Celine. You have to stand by him.”

“I will. I promise.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Love you.”

“I love you too.” Celine hung up, set the phone down and thought about everything Brenna had said. She was right. There’s was no way she’d leave Killian because of his job. She knew he was good at it, so she had to trust his judgement.

Around six-thirty, she heard his vehicle pull up by the back door. The dogs ran through the house and out the pet door. She laughed when she heard them barking. She walked toward the back door and opened it. Killian was getting out of his truck, carrying a pizza box. He grinned when he saw her.

“I’m so hungry, I almost ate a few slices on the way home.” He looked at the dogs. “Hey, guys.” Then he climbed the steps, walked toward her, kissed her lips. “Hi, baby.”

“Hi, yourself.” She took the box from him and carried it inside.

“I’m going to grab a shower. Go ahead and eat. I won’t be long.”

“You bet your hot ass I’m going to eat.” Celine set the box on the counter, opened the lid and groaned at the smell.

“I don’t know about it being a hot ass, but I do know it’s a tired ass, but I’ll be quick.” He kissed her lips again then left the room.

Celine got two plates from the cupboard, got herself two slices, then headed for the living room. She sat on the sofa, picked up a slice, took a bite and groaned as the flavors hit her tongue.

When Killian entered the room, she mentally groaned at how good he smelled.

“I got a plate down for you,” she said.

He grinned. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

She watched him walk to the kitchen and smiled at those gray sweatpants, and she’d bet her last dollar, he was naked under them. Shit, she was burning up just thinking about it.

He entered the room, sat down beside her, and picked up a slice of pizza. He took a bite and groaned.

“Damn, I’m starving. ”

“Didn’t you eat today?”

“No. I was too busy. This is good pizza.”

“Yes.”

He looked at her. “Are you alright?”

Celine grinned. “Yep.”

“Okay.” He frowned at her.

She laughed. “It’s the gray sweatpants.”

“What about them?”

“Gray sweatpants make women crazy.”

Killian chuckled. “Just gray ones?”

“Well, I like any color, but the gray ones seem to… emphasize more.”

Killian chuckled. “If you say so.”

“Are you naked under there?”

“I always go commando when I wear sweats.”

“I knew it.” She winked at him.

“Stop. I need to get some food in me.”

Celine laughed. “Okay. I can wait.”

He shook his head and took another bite, then set his plate down.

“I need a beer. Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

“Do you need anything?”

“I have a soda.”

“Okay.” He walked from the room and Celine watched him from the back of the sofa. He had a fantastic ass. Hell, she was horny.

When he came back, he sat down again, took a long pull on the beer, then set it down and picked the pizza up again, but he hesitated before taking a bite as he looked at her and raised his eyebrow. She smiled.

“I love when you do that.”

“Do what?”

“Raise your eyebrow. I can’t do that.” She tried to raise one but ended up raising them both.

Killian shook his head and ate his pizza. Once he finished, he got up, and so did she. He took both plates to the kitchen, set them in the sink, and put the empty beer bottle into the recycle bin, then he leaned his back against the counter, folded his arms and stared at her.

Celine wanted to jump his bones. She placed her hands behind her back and grinned at him. He bit his lip to keep from grinning and shook his head again.

“What is with you?”

“Nothing. Why?”

He pushed off from the counter, strode toward her, took strands of her hair between his fingers, and kissed her lips.

“You taste like pizza,” he whispered.

“So do you.”

“That’s good, then, huh?”

Celine slipped her arms around his waist and tucked her head under his chin. His arms wrapped around her. He raised his lips.

“Shit,” he said.

“I’m sure no woman wants to hear that after a kiss.”

He grinned. “Sorry. I need to feed the horses. It completely slipped my mind. I’ll be back.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have to put my jeans on.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll be here… waiting.”

“I won’t be long.” He continued to the bedroom, and she followed him.

She watched as he removed his sweatpants, then pulled on a pair of jeans.

“Commando in jeans? ”

“Only this time.” He walked back toward the kitchen, sat on the bench, and pulled on his boots. He stood and stomped his feet into them. “I’ll be right back.”

Celine sighed as he walked out the door. Then she got an idea and looked around for candles. Tonight, she was going to rock his world .