Kittens, Puppies & Love

Chapter 1

one

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Kittens, Puppies & Love, be sure to check out my offer for more Emma and Killian at the end.

With that, enjoy!

Sheriff’s Department

September

Killian Reade closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. The sheriff’s department was quieter than it had been for a few months, and he kind of enjoyed it. With the end of summer sending the tourists home, it gave him time to appreciate how much his life had changed in the past year.

Surprised you liked it, aren’t you?

However, before he could dive too far down the reflection hole, Dylan, his boss, dropped a pile of folders on his desk. “You’re welcome.

“b****y hell, Dylan,” Killian exclaimed. “What are these? I’ve already finished my paperwork.”

“Just think of them as a gift.” Dylan gave him a cheeky smile. “When you’re done, I’ll take my usual from Sally’s.”

“Gee, thanks,” Killian retorted. “But aren’t these Rusty’s cases?”

“Yeah.” Dylan sobered. “He had to take Rene to the airport, so …”

“Welcome to Swan Harbor,” Killian groused, more for show than annoyance at helping his partner.

“What can I say?” Dylan shrugged. “We’re a friendly bunch.”

“Alright, alright.” Killian opened the first file. “But next time you want to give me a gift, a pastry from Paula’s will do.”

“I’ll remember that,” Dylan tossed over his shoulder on his way out of the office.

Killian laughed. Even after being in Swan Harbor for seven months, the action still felt abnormal. It was comforting, though. Especially after living in relative anonymity for much of the ten years previous. He didn’t need to look over his shoulder or second guess his actions. The sound of gunshots didn’t wake him nightly, and he wasn’t surrounded by the smell of blood.

Except those were thoughts he rarely allowed, preferring more pleasant ones. Such as the bevy of beautiful women the picturesque town offered. He never had to look far for female companionship as the likes of Belle, Tia, Chloe, or ….

“All done, Killian?” Amy, the office clerk, chirped.

“Thanks, love.” He nodded toward the completed folders. “You can take those.”

“Need anything else?”

The hopeful tone in her voice had him glancing back up. “Not right now.” Then, because it was expected, he winked.

“Well, okay then,” her smile dimmed, “I’ll just file these.” She flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder and left the room, with a little extra wiggle in her walk.

Women liked him and with his tousled black hair, blue eyes, and square jaw, he was used to their attention. He treated them well and never made promises he didn’t intend to keep. Except, people only saw the Killian Reade he allowed them to see. Most of the time, that was how he liked it. Lately, though, his once comfortable habits, no longer felt so. They made him feel out of sync and wonder what was around the corner. Except instead of settling him, they unsettled. Which had him tossing those thoughts aside and focusing on the present – like lunch.

He slipped his sunglasses on and stepped out into the September sun, expecting to hear the waves washing up on the beach. Instead, the peaceful afternoon was shattered by the noise from the untuned engine of a bright yellow Volkswagen Beetle. The thought of ticketing them for disturbing the peace was just starting to form when he caught sight of the driver. b****y hell!

Main Street

12:45 p.m.

Emma glanced at the building as she rolled past and read its sign, “Swan Harbor Sheriff Department,” which was her second landmark. Unconsciously, she tightened her hand on the gearshift.

Just two more blocks.

Why was she nervous? This was what she wanted.

Then take a right.

She’d grown up in a world full of make-believe and had run far away.

125 Summer Ave, Suite 2A.

As an adult, Emma needed to be in control. Something she’d had very little of growing up as she had. Which had left her with a tendency to throw up walls, especially in situations she might not be completely comfortable.

Attorney Ben Matthews, 1:00 p.m.

One way she retained control was by setting goals. Once they’d been achieved, she’d check them off. They allowed her to see where she’d been and make plans for where she wanted to go. Those were important to her well-being.

Emma pulled into a parking space in front of the early colonial home where Ben’s office was located.

Her palms began to sweat.

She opened the door, and the Rhopalocera in her stomach swarmed. When she stepped from the car, her heart rate took off like a herd of Equus caballus.

It’s okay Emma.

The voice couldn’t stop the feelings inside, though. Fear, anxiousness, excitement … hope.

Goals equaled success. Something she’d said to herself probably a million times. All she needed to do was sign a few papers, then one more item could be crossed off of her list.

Graduate from High School. Check.

Graduate with her Bachelor’s. Check.

Get into Veterinarian School. Check.

Graduate from Veterinarian School. Check.

Pass licensure exams. Check.

Get a job. She was doing better than just getting a job. Soon, she would be Doctor Emma Foster, Owner and Veterinarian.

Sally’s Diner

1:00 p.m.

Killian stepped into Sally’s Diner, his thoughts still on the lovely lass behind the wheel of the yellow car. She’d looked through him and not at him, a behavior that had him curious.

“Hey, Killian,” Hayden, Sally’s nephew, greeted him with a series of hand slaps. “Let me clean this table, and your order should be ready.”

“My order?” Killian frowned at the younger lad. “I don’t recall giving my order. Did I step through a time warp?”

Hayden rolled his eyes in typical late teen fashion. “No, you’re just one of my regulars, that’s all.”

“Regulars?” Killian looked down at his black jeans and t-shirt. “I never thought of myself as a regular anything.”

Hayden tucked his rag back into his apron and picked up the tray of dirty dishes. “Regular, as in you have lunch at Sally’s three times a week, eat the same foods, look around for someone, and after paying, you leave.”

“I’m that predictable?”

“Yep,” Hayden nodded once, “Same days, same time and same order.”

“And, when I look around, you’re assuming I’m looking for someone, or do you know?”

“Killian,” Hayden exclaimed with a slightly exasperated tone, “I’m not a kid. I know you’re trolling for fresh meat. I’ll check on your order.”

“Maybe you should be the Investigator instead of me.”

Hayden laughed. “Nah, I’m a computer guy, you know that. I’ll be right back.”

Killian watched the younger man bound across the room. His mannerisms and confidence reminded him of himself once upon a time. However, life and experiences had gotten in the way and created the man he saw in the mirror. Predictable in his past life would have gotten him killed. Did he want that title? Or any of the titles Hayden had used?

“Dylan’s order was ready too.” Hayden handed him two bags. “See you at the gym tomorrow.”

“I’m predictable about that too?”

Hayden blushed, almost as if he was embarrassed to have divulged so much information, “Well …”

“When do you head back to school?” Killian let the younger man off the hook and changed the subject.

“Next week,” Hayden grinned. “Just three more years.”

“Don’t rush it,” Killian advised as he paid for his food. “You’ll get there. I’ll see you at the gym.”

He hadn’t gotten far when the yellow car rushed past, loud music trailing in its wake. His first thought was, where had she been? Which was immediately followed by, where was she going? Then who was she? She was a mystery he needed to solve.

Veterinarian Clinic

4:00 p.m.

Emma’s purchase, Swan Harbor Veterinarian Clinic, included two buildings on several acres, located not far outside of town. She would use the largest building, a barn, for treating horses and cattle. The smaller building had been divided into her clinic on the bottom floor, and a one-bedroom apartment above. It was perfect.

A week after taking ownership, she pulled out her list and added, Make Business a Success. Before she could contemplate the steps needed to complete the goal, the bell over the front door rang. When she stepped into the front room, Emma was greeted by a petite brunette clinging tightly to a birdcage.

“Can I help you?”

“I was looking for the Doctor,” the brunette answered.

“I’m Doctor Foster,” Emma replied. “Maybe I can help.”

The woman studied her for a few seconds. “Okay, thanks. But what happened to Doc Thatcher?”

“He retired,” Emma explained. “Now, how can I help, Miss …?”

“Prince, Molly Prince,” the woman murmured. “I found this bird tangled in some wires and thought maybe …”

Emma took the cage and led her into one of the smaller rooms. While she was examining the bird, she learned the woman was a first-grade teacher and married to the town sheriff.

“It looks like the bird has a broken wing,” Emma explained. “I’ll try to set it … and then we’ll see.”

Molly’s face fell at the news. “Will it be alright?”

“I’ll do the best I can, okay?”

It took several minutes of intense scrutiny before Molly finally nodded. “How much do I owe you?”

“This one’s on me.” Emma smiled. “You’re my first customer.”

“Congratulations.” Molly’s expression grew curious. “You’re new in town, aren’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Small town,” Molly laughed. “Would you like to meet for lunch sometime? I could show you around.”

While Emma wasn’t sure how much free time she would have, she realized that having someone who knew the area and its inhabitants could help with her newest goal. “That would be great, thanks.”

“Will you let me know about the bird?”

“Even if it’s not good news?” When Molly just gave a quick nod, Emma promised to let her know.

“Thanks, we’ll talk soon.”

“Well, little bird,” Emma crooned softly. “Let’s see what we can do about your wing.”

Sally’s Diner

Mid-September

More than a week had passed since the yellow bug had driven past him, leaving only snippets of a song he couldn’t get out of his head. Why he’d spent time searching for the driver, he couldn’t explain. There were plenty of women available – if he’d wanted them. However, since the incident with Violet, he’d felt lost. Which was a feeling he didn’t like. Nor was he willing to share that piece of information.

Killian spent the morning patrolling along the beach and was on his way back to the office, when a flash of yellow had him slamming on his brakes.

“b****y hell!”

He pulled into the department’s parking lot and, after a quick check with Amy, ducked into the men’s room. Once he’d swished with mouthwash and brushed back his hair, he made his way to Sally’s, with a little extra bounce in his step.

The blonde was sitting alone at a table near the front, and the only word to describe how she made him feel was – gobsmacked. He took a deep breath, wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans, and sauntered toward his partner.

Be cool, Reade. You’re just here for lunch.

“Who’s the lovely lass?” Killian asked without preamble.

“Well, hello to you too,” Rusty quipped.

Killian gave him a dirty look and nonchalantly leaned against the counter. “Very funny. Hello. Now,” he tried again in a slightly friendlier voice. “Who’s the lovely lass?”

Rusty pointed over his shoulder. “That lovely lass?”

“b****y hell, Rusty!” Killian pushed his friend’s hand down. “Are you in high school?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Rusty pointed out. “After all, you are the town Lothario. Go introduce yourself.”

Killian glanced around the diner, unwilling to admit the label embarrassed him. While it might have fit the man before, he’d move to Swan Harbor, since – not so much. However, Rusty was right. He’d never had difficulty talking to women before. Was this woman any different?

“Shoo,” Rusty groused, interrupting Killian’s thoughts. “I’d like to eat in peace.”

“You’re sure grouchy,” Killian retorted. “Problems at home?”

Rusty swallowed first, making him wait before he answered. “Rene and Roland are still out of town. Now,” he made a dismissive motion with his hand, “go meet the girl.”

Killian stood a little taller and pulled his shoulders back. “I think I will.”

He took several steps toward her table before the bravado he’d been feeling disappeared. Then, as if being pulled by an invisible string, he detoured toward where Dylan and his wife, Molly, were sitting.

“I think Emma needs to meet Killian,” he heard Dylan say. “Don’t you agree?”

Killian didn’t wait to hear Molly’s thoughts. “I couldn’t agree more.” He blessed her with the smile he used, when he needed to coerce members of the opposite s*x to do his bidding.

“Killian,” she cautioned, “Emma might not …”

“Emma.” He repeated the name several times, liking the way it felt on his tongue. “What could it hurt?” Then, when Molly seemed to be weakening, he pushed a little more, “Even Dylan thinks it’s a good idea.”

“Okay. Come with me,” Molly sighed. “We were just leaving, anyway.”

As he followed his friends toward the elusive Emma, Killian found his steps slowing and his heart rate beating faster. What was it about this woman that made him hesitate? When no answer was forthcoming, he pushed aside his feelings of self-doubt and did as he’d done in the past. He added a little extra swagger to his walk and effectively cloaked his insecurity.

“Emma,” Molly nodded his direction, “I’d like you to meet Killian Reade. He’s an investigator at the sheriff’s department with my husband. Killian, meet Emma Foster.”

He smiled at her in the way that never failed to get one in return. “I’d be happy to tune your engine any time.”

“Killian!” Molly exclaimed.

When Killian got a look at Emma’s expression, he automatically took a step back. It wasn’t adoring, indulgent, or one that spoke of intrigue. Instead, she appeared aggravated, annoyed, and bothered. Once again, she’d thrown him off of his game. It left him confused and unsure about his next step.

“Er, I’m sorry, Lass,” he began. “You drove by me the other day and your yellow car was rattling and, well, I …”

“Thought to impress me with your witty repartee?” she snapped, effectively dismissing him.

He ducked his head and looked up at her under his brow. “Oh, you’re a tough lass, I see.”

“Some would say so.” Emma’s green eyes locked with his.

Killian studied the woman standing in front of him. She might look angelic, however, the words coming from her mouth were anything but. Why was that? Was she trying to hide something?

“Just who are you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Emma whispered. Then she turned her back on him to speak with Molly.

He thought she was going to ignore him and leave, but then, as if unable to resist, she looked back. “It was nice to meet you.” Her lips curled into the semblance of a smile, but it never reached her eyes.

“You too, Ms. Foster.”

“It’s Doctor,” she corrected. “Doctor Foster. I took over for Doc Thatcher.” With a wave to Molly and Dylan, she was gone.

Killian stared at her retreating figure. He’d never met a woman who hadn’t behaved as he’d expected. Usually, they fell all over him, almost too easily. Did he care enough to try to change what Emma thought of him? Or did he move on to the next challenge?

Veterinarian Clinic

Mid-October

Over the course of the next few weeks, Killian Reade and his lame pick up line floated through Emma’s head at the oddest times. She couldn’t decide if he thought he was being charming, or if he was just socially awkward. That she was still thinking about it annoyed her. Her next goal was not, Find a Man. Except, no matter how many times she reminded herself, it kept happening.

In the middle of inventory, when she was exercising, and even when she was treating patients. It was a little disconcerting and a whole lot terrifying. Emma Foster made goals and checked them off one by one. She did not skip around.

Molly had been both a saint and a sinner when it came to Emma’s quest for control. She’d stopped by the clinic more than once and somehow Killian’s name always entered the conversation. But when a kernel of anticipation flickered to life inside, there’d been no choice but to slam on the brakes.

Emma had taken her goal list off the wall and revised her plan.

Make Business a Success

Buy Business Cards

Order Stationary

Pass Out Flyers

Hire Help

Once she’d added smaller goals, it was easier for her to stay focused. Except that didn’t mean the butterflies in her stomach didn’t swarm when she drove into town. Nor did it stop her heart from racing when she pulled into a parking spot at the Peter Pan Park and saw a car from the sheriff’s department.

She’d been asked to help locate Fred, a black Labrador, who belonged to the hospital administrator. The dog had been seen roaming the woods surrounding the park and since she was close … well.

“Fred, Emma,” she reminded herself, when she got out of the car. “You’re just here to find the dog.”

I know! I know!

“No detours,” Emma repeated, as she skirted the dog park.

A fresh paw print leading away from a playground and toward the woods distracted her long enough to refocus. It appeared she’d found the dog. Now she just had to catch him.

Peter Pan Park

3:00 p.m.

Killian was standing behind a group of trees, watching Emma weave around the dog park. When she turned his direction, he took a step deeper into the shadows, not wanting to be seen. He hated admitting it, but her brush off at Sally’s was still fresh in his mind. Some days, he was ready to move to the next name in one of his black books. However, other days, he wanted a do-over.

He watched from his spot as Emma stepped into the shade the large trees created. She stopped for several seconds, studied the ground, and then tilted her head. What she was listening for, he wasn’t sure.

Seconds later, she took off in another direction, as if she’d heard something. Why he followed and didn’t alert her to his presence, was a question he tucked away for later. All he cared about was staying out of sight.

They walked deeper into the woods and still there was no sign of the dog. Emma suddenly stopped and stared at the ground, leaving Killian to wonder about her abilities once again. Especially when she pushed aside several branches, then moved backward before taking off in a perpendicular direction.

He thought she was tracking Fred by following certain patterns on the beaten down leaves. There was a part of him that wanted to be surprised. Instead, he added it to the list of what fascinated him about her. It was a feeling he wasn’t sure he’d ever experienced. But as she stood motionless, he was powerless to walk away.

It wasn’t long before he saw Fred’s black nose peer around a fallen log. Emma didn’t move, as he’d expected, but stood silently waiting for the dog to come to her. Killian lost track of how long they stood still while she communed with the animal. Goosebumps broke out on his skin as, step by step, the scared dog made its way toward the stranger.

Her ease with which she could get the frightened dog to trust her was like nothing he’d seen before. She was an animal whisperer; of that, he had no doubt.

“You’re coming with me.” Emma clipped the leash on the dog and led him back the way she’d come.

Killian hesitated, wondering if he should make his presence known. When she walked within thirty yards of where he was standing, and didn’t notice, he let her go.

Was a night out with the guys what he needed to get her out of his mind? Or was it female companionship? One way or the other, he needed to regain the upper hand.