Page 4 of Killian

“I appreciate it. You guys are the best. Well, I’m off for lunch now, so I’ll see you later.”

With a wave goodbye, Celine stepped back into the heat outside. The scorching summer weather in late June had taken its toll this year, and she could feel the sweat beading on her forehead. But despite the heat, she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. She had only been in Clifton for a year, but it already felt like home.

As she returned to the coffee shop after her lunch break, she noticed that it had slowed down a bit. Her employees were diligently serving customers, and she took a moment to appreciate their hard work. Putting her purse back in the safe, she resumed her position at the front counter.

Ainsleigh waved as she left for her lunch break, and Celine smiled gratefully at the temporary lull in customers. As much as she loved running the coffee shop, some days were so busy that it felt like she couldn’t catch a breath.

“Celine, do you mind if I run to the pharmacy? I need to pick up my mom’s prescription and I’d rather not go after work,” Debbie asked.

“Of course not. We’re slow right now, so go ahead. I can handle any customers who come in,” Celine replied with a smile.

“Thank you so much. I’ll be back quickly.”

“Take your time.”

Debbie untied her apron and hung it up on the hook behind the counter before leaving through the back door. With the shop relatively quiet, Celine took advantage of the opportunity to take a quick inventory of supplies. As she made her way toward her supply room in the back, the familiar sound of the bell chimed, signaling the arrival of a customer.

“Damn,” she muttered under her breath as she hurried back to help them. Her eyes widened when she saw a tall cowboy standing in front of the counter. Since he had his head tilted down, looking at the pastries, she couldn’t see his face.

“Hi, welcome to The Everyday Grind,” she said with a bright smile that quickly faded when he raised his head and made eye contact with her. Surprise registered on his face, but he quickly grinned at her in recognition.

As he gazed at her, she found herself unable to speak.

“Hi, we meet again,” he said with a grin. “Could I get a black coffee to go?”

Celine couldn’t look away from his handsome face, especially in the light of day. She stammered and struggled to form words as he met her gaze with his dark, intense eyes framed by long lashes. But there he stood, and she couldn’t believe it. He tilted his head slightly, a cocky smirk forming on his lips as she continued to stare at him.

Shaking herself out of her daze, Celine quickly turned away and focused on preparing his coffee. When she turned back around, he was still looking at her.

“So, you work here... Celine?” Her heartskipped a beat as he spoke her name.

“I own the place,” she replied.

“Well, now I know where I can get a cup of coffee,” he said with a grin that made her knees weak.

He was undeniably attractive with his captivating smile. Crow’s feet crinkled at the corners of his eyes when he smiled and deep creases appeared in his cheeks. And to top it off, he was tall; something Celine had always found appealing in men since she herself was almost five foot eight. She had never met a more handsome, rugged cowboy in her life. Her eyes wandered to his hands, but she didn’t see a wedding band although that didn’t necessarily mean anything. They widened when she caught sight of the gun strapped to his side and a badge attached to his belt.

“Are you a police officer?” she asked in surprise.

“No ma’am, I’m a livestock agent with the Montana Department of Livestock,” he replied as he handed her his business card.

“Oh, I see. The woman I bought this shop from has a brother in the department.”

“What’s his name?”

“Eli Hawkins.”

Killian nodded, “I know Eli. He’s a good agent.” Celine couldn’t help but keep listening to him talk. His voice was deep and sexy. “I transferred here, I’m from the Helena office. I think I’ll like it here,” he said, still gazing into her eyes. “You know, I was hoping for a call or text, but neither came.”

“I’m still deciding,” she said with a grin andlaughed when he chuckled. She tilted her head and asked the one question she hoped he’d say no to. “Are you married or involved with anyone?”

“No, ma’am. I wouldn’t have let you kiss me if I was. You?”

“No.”

He grinned and after paying for his coffee, he turned to leave.

“Have a good day, Celine. I’d like to see you again, but I’ll leave that up to you. You know where I stand,” he said as he touched the brim of his white straw cowboy hat, and walked out the door.

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