Page 44 of Killian

Killian burst out laughing. “Believe me, my family jewels are way more important than my truck.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “But it’s a great idea. We can fit all the boxes in both trucks.”

“Will Kian be okay with that?”

“Of course, it saves him from having to fly back for his truck.”

“Then it’s settled. If you trust me with your truck.” She grinned mischievously.

“Darlin’, I trust you with my life.” Killian smiled. “I’m glad you suggested it. We can start loading the boxes now and then relax for the restof the night.”

“I’m all for that.”

Two hours later, their bodies ached, and their arms burned from carrying heavy boxes out of the house. But finally, they managed to pack everything into the trucks.

Killian strode toward Celine in the kitchen and pressed his lips to hers, then gazed into her eyes.

“I could sleep for days,” he murmured, his voice rough from exhaustion.

Celine smiled wearily. “A nice hot bath sounds heavenly. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. It’ll help you relax.”

“Maybe you could join me? We could both use some rejuvenation after today.”

He grinned. “As much as I’d love to, I still have to take care of the horses before it gets too late. But if you can wait, I’ll join you.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Of course.” He took her hand, led her outside, and to the barn.

****

Celine was happy she came to Helena with Killian. She cherished every moment spent with him and couldn’t imagine her life without him by her side. Glancing over at him, she couldn’t help but wonder about their future together, would he break her heart?

Shaking off her doubts, she knew that if he ever hurt her, it would be like shattering glass, sharp and painful. After only a month together, she wasn’t sure how he truly felt about her. But she knew one thing for certain; she wasdangerously close to falling deeply in love with him, and the possibility both thrilled and terrified her at the same time.

Once inside the barn, she blinked her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Killian let go of her hand, and headed toward a back room, but returned quickly carrying a lead in his hand.

“I have to get them in here. I’m sure I’ll be too tired to chase them in the morning.”

“Do you need me to do anything to help?”

“No, thanks. Just stand there, looking beautiful.” He gave her a tired smile.

She knew how he felt. They drove for hours today, spent time with his family, and loaded all those boxes. She was surprised either one of them could stand. She shook her head as she watched him head outside. How was he going to be able to get all the horses in?

With a deep sigh, she walked toward the open barn doors and watched Killian climb over the wooden rail of the fence. She smiled when the horses walked toward him. She could hear him murmuring to them but couldn’t make out what he was saying. She laughed when one of the horses butted their head against his chest. He rubbed the horse’s ears and hooked the lead to the halter.

Celine was surprised when all the horses followed him as he led the other horse. All of them were beautiful. The two Paints were black, brown, and white. The others were American quarter horses. One was also a chocolate palomino with a blonde mane and tail, a chestnut with a black mane and tail, two roans, and a golden palomino. She had always lovedhorses and knew the different breeds and colors.

“That chestnut is gorgeous. Well, they all are, really.”

“You know your horses.”

“Yes, I’ve always loved them. I always wanted one but never had the place for one.”

“You can ride any of these. They’re all gentle.” Killian led the horses to the indoor corral, then put the palomino in a stall. He took each horse to a stall one at a time. Celine knew he had to be dead on his feet.

Once he got them all in their stalls, he filled their buckets with oats and made sure they had fresh water, then closed the stall gates. After he was done, he walked toward her, took her hand, and they walked back to the house.

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