Page 71 of Kian

Kian grinned. “At least you feel something for me.”

“I’m crazy about you.”

“You know I feel the same about you.” He gazed into her eyes. “I want to kiss you.”

“Yes,” she whispered, and Kian leaned in to kiss her. He knew that taking things further would have to wait until she wasn’t as angry, so he pulled away.

“Would you like to come with me to see my new house?”

“Alright. Let me change clothes first. I’ll be quick.”

“Okay. Lobo can come too.”

“In your new truck?”

“Of course.”

Gretchen nodded. “I won’t be long.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Kian watched her walk away and then bent down to play with Lobo.

“What do you think, boy? Should I ask Gretchen to marry me?” he whispered. Lobo barked in response, making him smile. “Not today though. She’s still mad at me for not staying in touch.”

Gretchen returned and he stood up. Her T-shirt and jeans fit her like a glove, igniting his desire for her. But he also knew that she was still upset with him for not showing up.

She put a leash on Lobo’s collar, and Kian opened the door for her. As they stepped onto the porch, she locked the door and headed toward the truck. She opened the back door and Lobo hopped in. Kian then opened the passenger door for Gretchen, but she didn’t even look at him as she climbed inside. He closed the door with a sigh and walked around to the driver’s side.

Once they were both settled in the truck, Kian started the engine and pulled out of her driveway.

“By the way, I found those horses I was looking for before I got shot,” he mentioned.

“That’s good news. Were they okay?”

“They were a bit thin, but otherwise healthy.” He struggled to find something else to talk about as Gretchen gave him nothing but nods in response. “Gretchen...”

“Just let it go for now, Kian. I’m trying to move past it all. To be honest, I thought we had something special but when you couldn’t even come see me and then I saw you with Sheila... what was I supposed to think?”

“I—”

“That was a rhetorical question,” Gretchen stated firmly.

“Got it.” Kian gripped the steering wheel tightly, knowing that even though Gretchen was crazy about him, she was still hurt and angry over his lack of not showing up when he said he would.

He pulled into the driveway of his house and grinned when he heard her gasp.

“It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed.

“I like it and the barn is perfect. I only have three horses, so the barn being smaller is nice,” he replied, gazing at the ranch-style home through the windshield.

“I can’t wait to see the inside.”

“Let me park, and I’ll give you a tour.”

“Are you all moved in?”

“Not completely. I have one bedroom furnished, but I’ve been busy. Killian and some men we work with are going to help me. The delivery is next Saturday. They were fully booked today.”

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