Page 41 of Killian

Kian chuckled. “I can see what Killian sees in you. I hope you can put him in his place.”

“I can.” Celine grinned when Kian chuckled.

“Is Killian with Dad, Mom?”

“Yes, I was showing Celine the house. I suppose we can go out back too.”

The three of them walked back toward the kitchen, and out the back door. Celine’s stomach growled at the smell of the burgers being cooked. She laughed when she saw Killian sitting on the grass, playing with his dogs.

“He’s missed those dogs,” Kian said, then shook his head. “They were miserable without him.”

“That’s right. You took care of them for him.”

“I did until I made the trip to Clifton, then our parents watched them, but they wanted theirmaster back.”

“Celine, come meet the dogs,” Killian said as he got to his feet.

“Uh…”

“They’re babies. They won’t hurt you.” Kian smiled.

“I’ve always been a little scared of Dobermans and Rottweilers.”

“They can be intimidating but they’re good dogs. Killian raised them right.”

“Okay.” She nodded, walked down the steps, and walked toward Killian. He took her hand.

“Sit,” he told the dogs and all three sat.

“This,” he said, pointing to the Australian Cattle dog, “is Cosmo. The Dobie is Winnie, and the Rottie is Tank.”

“Hey, babies,” Celine said as she sat down on the grass and Killian sat beside her.

“Come here,” he said, and the dogs stood and made their way to her.

Celine reached her hand out to let them sniff it, then she was bombarded with dog kisses. She laughed and tried pushing them away, but she couldn’t.

“Guys,” Killian said, and the dogs sat.

“Is Winnie a female?”

“Yes, and she rules them. Just like any other female rules a male.”

Celine looked at him. “Do I rule you?”

“You’ve got me in the palm of your hand, baby.”

She touched his lightly whiskered cheek. “Right where you have me.”

He leaned over and kissed her.

“Time to eat. Come get your burgers,” Connorcalled to them.

Everyone got a burger and sat at the table under a big umbrella.

“The pool looks so inviting,” Celine said.

“It’s too warm today. It feels like bath water.” Aileen shook her head, then she looked at Celine and Killian. “So, how did you two meet?”

---