Page 56 of Kian

“Good. Well, Killian should be here soon. I’d better get some clothes on.”

“I happen to like you in sweatpants, but let’s be honest here, I like you out of them too.” She laughed. “The first day you were here, after I removed your clothes, I covered you with a blanket. I had you roll over onto the sleeping bag and the blanket slipped. My mouth dropped open when I saw your… body.”

“Mybody, huh?”

“Yes. All of it.”

Kian laughed, then kissed her forehead. “I’ll get dressed.”

****

Gretchen watched him leave the room and smiled. She would miss him, but she was going to make a trip to see her parents once she was able to get out. Maybe Kian could meet her at the diner for lunch.

Later, as she sat at the table, drinking her coffee, she heard a vehicle pull up. Pushing the chair back, she got up, walkedtoward the window and saw a truck stopping by the steps. She watched as the door opened and a man stepped out. Lobo barked.

“Holy hell,” she muttered when he walked around the front of the truck and headed for the steps.

“Did I hear a truck?” Kian asked as he walked toward the door, opened it and laughed.

Gretchen watched the two men hug. She knew, since Kian and Killian were twins, he’d be good-looking too, but she’d hate to have to decide which was better looking. She turned toward the door when they came through it. Lobo ran to Killian and Gretchen smiled when he rubbed the dog’s ears.

“Gretchen, this is my brother, Killian. Killian, this is Gretchen Casteel.”

“Gretchen, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for saving Kian.” Killian pulled her into a hug.

Damn, he smelled good.She smiled as she hugged him back, then laughed when Kian pulled them away from each other.

“That’s enough. You’re engaged, remember?” His eyes narrowed as he stared at Killian.

“I’m sure Celine would forgive me this one time.”

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“No, thanks. I’m sorry, but we need to head back.” Killian looked at Kian. “Are you ready?”

Kian looked at her, then back to his brother.

“Can you give me a minute?”

“Sure. I’ll be in the truck.” He looked Gretchen. “Thank you again.” He touched the brim of his hat, then walked out.

Gretchen looked at Kian and blinked back tears, then shook her head.

“This is ridiculous.”

Kian pulled her into his arms. “No, I feel the same.” He kissed her lips. “I will see you again, baby. I promise.”

“I know. Just go. Please.”

“Alright.” After kissing her again, he walked toward the door, then touched Lobo’s head. “Take care of her, buddy. Be good,” Kian said, then walked out, closing the door behind him.

Gretchen sank onto the chair and did her best not to cry, but tears rolled down her cheeks.

Chapter Nine

Kian gazed out the truck window as Killian drove them back to Clifton.

“You’re quiet,” Killian said.

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