Page 3 of Killian

“You don’t know his last name?”

“No. Damn it. I like him. I mean, really like him, Carly.”

“I am happy to hear you say that. It’s been a while since you’ve been interested in another man.”

“After what I went through, can you blame me?”

“No, not at all. I can’t imagine going through what you did, but you don’t know this man. At least,Iknow Vince. This… Killian is a stranger. Hell, he could be a tourist and leaving soon.”

“So? If he’s sticking around a while, I could have some fun with him.” Celine faced Carly. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve had good sex?”

“Uh, no, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me.”

“Damn right, I am. Blaine and I were together for three years, and lived together for one year, so we’d have to go back further than that.” Celineshook her head.

Carly burst out laughing. “True.”

Celine shook her head. “I should have never moved in with him. I don’t think I’ve ever had mind-blowing sex.”

“If you did and don’t remember, how mind-blowing could it have been?”

“You know, you’re right.” Celine grinned. “I bet Killian could show me.”

“Okay, now you’re obsessed with him.”

“Carly, if he had kissed you, you’d be obsessed too. I have never been so…kissedin my life. It was all in. No hesitation on either of our parts. I didn’t feel like I had to get away from him. In fact, I wanted to get closer and I know I will never see him again. Damn it.”

“I’m sorry I ruined it. But you have his number, you can call him.”

“Oh, Carly, that takes more courage than I have.”

“Are you kidding me? You just kissed a stranger. That takes guts.”

“We’ll see. I’ll have to think about it. Oh, my God! He could be married or involved with someone.”

“Well, let’s hope he isn’t because that means he had no problem kissing another woman and you don’t need someone like that in your life.”

“You are so smart sometimes.”

Carly laughed. “Just sometimes? Let’s head back inside and dance some more, then we’ll head home.”

“Okay.” Celine sighed. She finally meets a man who could possibly make her forget the prick she lived with, and he disappears. Just herfriggin’ luck. Should she call or text him? She’d definitely think about it. If for no other reason, then to find out if he’s involved with anyone.

Monday morning, Celine entered the coffee shop making the chime ring. She took in the sight of the bustling shop, already packed with customers. The mingling aromas of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled her nose, but today she felt even more exhausted than usual due to not getting any sleep the night before. With a wave to her employees, she made her way through the crowd to the small office in the back.

After stowing her purse in the safe and donning an apron, she returned to the front to help serve customers. Owning this shop had given her purpose after leaving Blaine, and she was grateful for it despite the occasional busy days like today.

“Hey, Celine? We’re running low on pastries and we haven’t had a chance to order more,” Ainsleigh’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Celine nodded, “I’ll head over during my lunch hour and place an order. Can you pick them up tomorrow on your way in?”

Ainsleigh agreed before returning to help a customer. The constant chatter of customers and the clinking of cups filled the air as Celine moved around behind the counter.

During her lunch break, she checked traffic before crossing the street to Sweet Nothings bakery. It too, was bustling with customers, but she managed to grab a number from the dispenser and patiently waited for her turn. JoJo Watkins greeted her warmly when she reached the counter.

“Hi, JoJo. I just need to order some more pastries. Ainsleigh will come by tomorrow morning to pick them up if that’s alright.”

“No problem.” JoJo jotted down the order on a pad of paper.

---