Page 86 of Killian

Night.

He set his phone on the arm of the chair and looked at his watch. It was past ten. He’d fallen asleep, which didn’t surprise him. He’d hardly slept since this happened. Getting up, he made his way to the kitchen to pour the rest of his beer out, then put the bottle in the recycle bin. He flipped out the lights as he made his way to the bedroom.

After removing his T-shirt and sweatpants, he crawled between the sheets, closed his eyes and fell asleep.

****

Celine drove down Main Street in Clifton and was happy to be back. She had left early this morning and since it was Friday, she hoped to spend the weekend with Killian, but as she nibbled on her bottom lip, she prayed they’d get through this.

She parked across the street from the coffee shop, opened the door, and stepped out. Once there was a break in traffic, she crossed the street and entered the shop to see it packed.

She smiled when she saw Ainsleigh coming toward her and hugged her.

“I’m so glad you’re back. We’ve missed you.”

“I’m glad to be back. I missed all of you too. It looks like you’ve kept it going just fine.”

“Did you have any doubt?” Ainsleigh teased.

“Nope. Not even a little.”

“Are you coming to work Monday?”

“Yes, I’ll be back. I need to rest. Why is it you’re more tired after a vacation then before?”

“I’ve often wondered that myself.”

Celine laughed. “I just wanted to pop in for a second to let you know I’m back. I’m going to head home.”

“Oh, Celine. That guy was in here again looking for you. I told him you weren’t available. I was shocked when he went back to your office.”

Celine gasped. “He did?”

“Yes. I followed him. He opened the office door, looked inside, then after giving me a glare, he left. He came back twice after that. He was not happy.”

“He never is. Don’t worry about him. If he shows up next week, I will talk to him. I need to make things clear to him.”

“Okay. If he shows up over the weekend, I’ll ignore him.”

“I tell you what, if he goes back to my office again, call the sheriff. I will not have him going back there.”

“Alright. Go home and get some rest. We’ll see you Monday.” Ainsleigh hugged her again, then walked behind the counter.

Celine waved at the other employees, stepped outside, and smiled. It was so good to be back. The fall air felt wonderful.

She climbed back into her car, checked traffic then pulled out. She made the block and headed back down the street. As she passed the building Killian worked out of, she looked for his truck in the parking lot but didn’t see it. He could be out on a case. Once she got home, she’d text him to let him know she was back. God! She missed that man so much.

She pulled into her driveway, sighed, and stepped out. She removed her suitcases from the back and carried them to the porch. After setting them down, she unlocked the door, picked up the cases, and entered the house.

As she was closing the door, she saw Mrs. Smith peeking out her windows, so Celine waved at her and laughed when the curtains closed. That woman did not miss a trick. She carried her suitcases upstairs, unpacked and put the clothes in the hamper. She’d do laundry tomorrow. She was just too tired.

She headed back downstairs and walked to the kitchen. She was hungry since she hadn’t eaten for a while.

After making a sandwich, she sat on the sofa,took her phone from her pocket and was about to send Killian a text when someone knocked on her door.

She placed her sandwich on the table and walked toward the door, peering through the peephole to see who was there. It was Blaine. “What do you want?” she asked in annoyance.

“Where have you been?” he shouted.

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