Page 74 of Kian

Kian sighed. Damn. It looked like everyone agreed that he should have contacted Gretchen in some way. They were right, two little words would have been better than what he had sent, but he’d been so anxious to talk to Sam about finding those men. Now he had royally screwed up one of the best things to ever come into his life. He realized that he should have gone to see her no matter how late it was.

“Shit.”

“Yeah, that’s a good answer,” Celine said, then walked out of the room.

“Do something with your woman,” Kian said.

“Like what? I’m on her shit list now and it’s all because of you. I didn’t do a damn thing other than being born a male.”

Kian stood. “I’m sorry to have gotten you into trouble. Are women worth this?”

“Watch how you answer that, Killian Doyle,” Celine shouted from another room, making the men grin.

“Well, I know my woman is,” Killian said a little loudly so she’d hear him, then chuckled when she laughed.

Kian grinned. “You do have a good woman. I’m going to have to do a little begging, I suppose.”

“If you think she’s worth it, then yes, you will.”

“I do. I’m going to head home and go over those photos, maybe give her a little time to calm down.”

“Just don’ttellher to calm down.” Killian grinned.

Kian laughed. “I do know better than that. I’ll see you at the office, Monday.”

“Alright.”

Kian walked out of Killian’s office and into the kitchen and stopped when he saw Celine. She smiled.

“I did mess up, didn’t?”

“You did, but you can fix it. I’m sure Gretchen’s a wonderful woman. You probably make a great couple, but as in all relationships, communication is key.”

“Yeah, I know. If I get her back, I’ll do better.”

“You’d better.”

Kian hugged her. “Yes, ma’am. You’re good for my brother.”

“You’re damn right I am. Be careful going home, it’s raining.”

“I will. Bye.” He opened the door, stepped onto the porch then climbed into his truck.

Once he arrived back at his house, he got his laptop out, sat on the bed, and looked through the photos. The men had to be in there. They just had to be.

****

After unhooking Lobo’s leash, Gretchen sat down on the sofa and let out a heavy sigh. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought about her argument with Kian.

“It wasn’t much of an argument when we barely spoke,” she whispered to herself. Lobo nudged her arm, seeking attention. She absentmindedly rubbed his ears as she continued. “I love him so much, but I can’t be in a relationship where he disappears without a word. He doesn’t have to contact me every day, but at least a few times a week would be nice. I just need to know he’s okay.” She wiped away her tears and hugged Lobo tightly.“At least I have you, big boy.” When Lobo barked in response, she couldn’t help but laugh. Standing up, she decided to distract herself by painting. Two hours later, she stepped back from her canvas with a proud grin. She had captured the pack of wolves perfectly; they were such beautiful creatures.

Suddenly, she got an idea and put on her smock again. This time, she wanted to paint something for Kian’s new home. Despite her anger toward him right now, she still loved him and wanted to show it in some way. He had liked the painting of the cabin, so she began another one like it for his house. Maybe when it was finished, she could give it to him as an apology for their fight. But first, they both needed time to calm down and think things through.

Should she start taking walks every day just in case he calls or texts? But then she remembered how busy he was with his job and the investigation into the men who left him to die in the freezing cold. She knew she would feel the same way if someone did that to her.

“If he ever gets in touch with me again, we will sit down and talk,” she promised herself, looking at Lobo when he whined as if sensing her thoughts. “Okay, okay. I’ll take a walk tomorrow and send him a text. Happy now?”

But the next day, Gretchen got sick and could barely leave her bed except for trips to the bathroom. It hit her that she must have caught something from her friend when they had lunch together recently. She recalled being angry at her friend for going out while feeling under the weather.

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