Page 70 of Kian

“Oh, well that just makes it all better, doesn’t it, Doyle?”

“Gretchen, if you want me to leave and stay out of your life,just say so. I won’t stay where I’m not wanted. But I do think we should talk before making any decisions. And if you tell me to go, I will, and I won’t come back.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s a fucking promise. You are the most stubborn woman I know,” he said with a hint of frustration.

“You could have at least said you would try instead of blowing me off.”

“I would never purposely hurt you like that.”

Feeling a mix of emotions, Gretchen leaned her forehead against the door and took a deep breath before opening it. Kian stood on the other side, gazing at her with concern. Her heart ached at the thought of never seeing him again.

“May I come in?” he asked quietly as he removed his hat.

She swung the door open wider and gestured for him to enter, watching as Lobo ran toward him excitedly. Kian crouched down to pet the dog, saying hello and showing affection.

“Traitor,” Gretchen muttered under her breath.

Kian’s expression turned confused as he stood up straight. “What?”

“Nothing.” She closed the door behind him, crossing her arms as she faced the love of her life. Fear began to creep in as she wondered what was going to happen next.

Gretchen’s eyes narrowed as she glared at him. “Is that your truck?” she asked, her tone accusing.

He nodded. “Yes. I also bought a house.”

Her anger flared. “You had time to buy a new truck and house but not come see me?” she snapped.

His jaw tightened; frustration evident in his features. “I had to get things taken care of. I was driving around without a license and the damn motel room was getting old. “I’m sorry I didn’t drop everything for you.” He snapped back at her, his own anger rising.

Gretchen scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Well, isn’t that just typical,” she muttered under her breath.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you, but Gretchen, this case is all I have on my mind.” He raised his hand when she opened her mouth to speak. “I don’t mean it like you’re thinking. Those men tried to kill me.” His voice dropped slightly as he continued, “Can’t you see that I need to find them? For my own sanity if nothing else.” The weight of his words hung heavy in the air between them as they both stood there, caught up in their own emotions and thoughts.

****

Kian was unsure of how to handle the situation. He knew Gretchen would be upset, but he didn’t expect to see her this angry. He wasn’t sure if he should stay or leave.

“What do you want me to do, Gretchen?”

“I understand why you had to find those men, but I needed to see you or hear from you. And then I see you with Sheila.” She shook her head.

“She’s going back to Helena.” Kian sighed. “Gretchen, Sheila is a good person. I could never say anything bad about her, but that doesn’t mean I’m still in love her. I care about her as a friend. She came back was because she was worried about me. She told me she cared about me and was scared when they told her I was missing.”

“How did she even know you were missing?”

“It’s standard protocol to contact anyone who could possibly know the whereabouts of a missing person. Since she was in my past, they reached out to her. She came to Clifton on her own accord. No one asked her to. They just needed to know if she had any idea where I would be or if she’d heard from me.”

“I don’t appreciate being kept in the dark, Kian. I had no idea why she was here and why she stayed after you returned to Clifton.”

Kian stepped closer to her. “I know, sweetheart, but please believe me when I say that I am not in love with her.” It pained him to see tears in her eyes as he spoke. “You have to trust me.”

“I want to...”

“You can.”

“Fine, but I’m still mad at you, Kian Doyle.”

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