Page 33 of Kian

“Good morning. How long have you been up?”

“A couple of hours. I want to see if I can find my truck.”

“We can do that, but first I need coffee.”

“This is my third cup.”

“Didn’t you sleep? You drifted off fast.”

“I slept very well. I just want to get something warm in me before heading out in that. The sun might be shining, but it’s only thirty.”

“Thirty? Well, that’s a heatwave compared to yesterday.”

“That’s true. Do you mind if I try to call my parents?”

“No, of course not. Do you remember their number? I can’t remember anyone’s in my phone.” She grinned.

“I’ll have to call Killian first.” He smiled.

“I love his name.”

Kian frowned. “What?”

Gretchen laughed. “Oh, I like yours too.”

“Youlikemine, butloveKillian’s.” He chuckled when she laughed again.

“I like them both. I’ve heard the name Killian before but not Kian.”

“Irish names, darlin’. Sometimes they’re spelled with a ‘C’ but ours are spelled with a ‘K’.”

“Like the actor, Cillian Murphy.”

“Yes. I’m going to get the ATV out and maybe you’ll be ready by then.”

“Okay. Just let me get this coffee in me, then I’ll get dressed.”

“Alright. I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, make sure it has gas, please. If not, there is a can in the shed.”

“Where’s your vehicle?” he asked.

“Around back. I keep it back there because most of the time, storms come from the direction in front of the house. That way, it won’t get buried. At least, not too much.”

“Smart.” He nodded, pulled his jacket on, opened the door, stepped onto the porch, and closed the door behind him.

She jerked when Lobo barked at the door. “He’ll be right back. I am not letting you out yet.”

Gretchen finished her coffee, left the kitchen, and headed toward her bedroom to change clothes. Once she was dressed, she reentered the kitchen just as the back door opened and Kian stepped inside.

“It needed gas.” He rubbed his hands together. “It’s damn cold out there.”

“I wish I had gloves for you.”

“It’s okay. If you’re ready we can go.”

“Let me get the rifle in case wolves show up.”

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