Page 85 of Killian

“Yes, you should. I hate it, but you do need to see what’s going on. Just tell him the truth.”

“And what is that? That I thought he’d be upset, so I didn’t tell him about Blaine being in town?”

“Well, that’s the truth, isn’t it?”

“That and I thought he’d go after Blaine.”

“Seriously? Would he?”

“No. After giving it some thought, I know he wouldn’t. If Blaine had started something, I’m sure Killian would have finished it, but he wouldn’t start it. I’ve seen him angry about something that happened on his job, but he’s never overstepped. He had the perfect opportunity when he saved that dog. He told me the man made all kinds of excuses but as much as Killian would have loved to have punched him, he didn’t.”

“He sounds like a levelheaded man. He has to be in his job. He can’t go flying off the handle. So, maybe he just needed to think about you not being honest.”

“Maybe.” Celine knew he was not happy with her lying to him and she was going to do all she could to convince him how sorry she was and hope for the best.

****

Killian pulled around the back of his house and grinned when he saw the dogs at the fence, waiting for him. He opened the door, stepped out, then climbed the steps, and entered the house. The dogs ran into the house, sat and stared at him.

“I know. I’ll fill your dishes in a minute. Let me get my boots off.” He sat on the bench, removed his boots, then entered the laundry room to fill the dog’s bowls and give them fresh water.

After taking care of them, he headed for his bedroom to change his clothes. He pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, then walked back to the kitchen to find something to eat.

He stood at the fridge, staring into the freezer, then slammed the door out of frustration.

Opening the door again, he reached in and got himself a beer, removed the cap, tossed it in the trash, then headed for the living room. He sat in the recliner and took a long pull on the beer.

He wasn’t sure what to do about Celine. Unless they talked about what happened, how could there be a future for them? He knew he wanted her back in his life, but it hurt him that she thought she couldn’t be honest with him.

Picking up the remote, he turned the TV on and found a movie to watch. He had no interest in it, but maybe the sound would drown out his thoughts about her.

A while later, he jerked awake to his phone buzzing. He picked it up to see a message from Celine.

I’m sorry.He sighed when he read it, then responded.

Just what is it you’re sorry for?

Everything. Lying to you. My last message. You name it.

We still need to talk.

I know. I’m coming back to Clifton this weekend.

Alright. Let me know when you get home and we’ll see about getting together.

I don’t like you being mad at me.

He sighed again, then sent a message.

I’m not mad. I’m more disappointed than anything. You know how I feel about lying. No matter what the reason.

I know. I’ll do my best to explain. I want you back in my life, Killian. I love you.

Damn. He loved her too, and even though he knew he’d take her back, they had to get this out from between them.

I love you too. Let me know when you’re home.

I will. Goodnight.

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