Page 27 of Kian

Kian picked up his coat and made his way back to the kitchen. He couldn’t feel guilty for kissing Gretchen; her beauty was impossible to resist. Still, he had been honest with her. If he knew he had someone waiting for him at home, he never would have acted on his desires. That’s what they were taught growing up, to treat others with respect, whether they were strangers or family.

He couldn’t wait to make a call to his brother and hear his voice. Kian smiled at the thought of Killian’s reaction when he found out what happened.

As he entered the kitchen, he noticed it was empty. Gretchen must have gone back to her room to get dressed. Kian glanced at the thermometer on the porch post and saw that it was below twenty degrees.

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath.

“What’s wrong?” Gretchen asked as she walked into the kitchen.

“It’s freezing out there.”

“Wait here, I might have some extra winter accessories you can use. Scarves and a hat.”

“Okay.”

She returned with three scarves and a black beanie. She handed him two scarves and the beanie. He looked at them skeptically and shook his head.

“Why did they have to take my cowboy hat? It was aStetson; do you know how much those things cost?”

“No idea. But the beanie will keep your head warm and the scarves can cover your face and neck. I’m sorry I don’t have any gloves for you.” She removed the rifle from the cabinet and handed it to him.

Kian grumbled as he pulled on the beanie, took the rifle, but couldn’t help smiling when she laughed at him.

“What’s so funny?”

“You just don’t seem like a beanie kind of guy.”

“I’m not. I wear aStetson,” he growled playfully, stressing the popular brand of hat, but then grinned when she laughed again.

“Well, either wear this or freeze on the ATV. Even on the back, it will be cold.”

“Whoa, I’m driving.”

“But—” She stopped when he put up his hand.

“I’ll know better which way to go than you would.”

Gretchen nodded understandingly. “Okay, that makes sense. And I probably wouldn’t hear you giving me directions anyway.”

“Exactly. I’ll have these scarves over my nose and you should too.”

“I will. If you’re ready, let’s go.”

“Let me get the ATV.”

“No, I have snow boots on. Let me get it and then you can drive.”

“Damn. Fine.”

She smiled as she headed out the door. Kian watched her through the window above the sink and heard Lobo whine.

“She’ll be back, boy,” he reassured the dog.

Kian heard the ATV start up and saw Gretchen drive it out of the shed. It was a large one, so he knew they could easily navigate through the snow. When she pulled up to the porch, he stepped out onto the porch.

“Is Lobo coming with us?” he asked.

“Yes.” She scooted back on the seat.

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