Kittens, Puppies & Love

Chapter 2

two

Molly & Dylan’s Apartment

October

The minute Molly answered her knock, Emma knew she might be in trouble. Instead of the quiet evening she’d expected, the room was full of unknown faces.

“Emma, I’m so glad …” Molly’s smile faded. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”

“I’m ah…” Her breath lodged in her throat. Come on! You know what to do. “I just wasn’t expecting this.”

“Oh,” Molly murmured. “I thought this was the best way for you to get to know everyone.”

“At once?”

“I could …”

“No, no,” Emma replied, not wanting to disappoint her new friend. “I’ll be fine.”

“Oh, good.” Molly smiled. “Come, let me introduce you.”

Emma took a deep breath and stepped into the apartment. Molly led her from one group to another and introduced her. There was something about it that reminded her of the many times she’d been paraded in front of people as a child. Those partygoers had exclaimed over her because of who her parents were. Whereas the people she was meeting weren’t as – scary as she’d imagined.

“Molly,” she whispered. “I’m never going to remember everyone’s name.”

“No?”

“No,” Emma sighed. “Maybe, if they were holding a dog or cat, but without …”

“That’s okay,” Molly assured her. “You’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be fine,” Emma echoed, even though her head was already swimming.

“Do you know Ben?” Molly stopped in front of the one person Emma did know.

“Ben helped with the sale of my clinic.”

“Plus, Emma helped me find Fred,” Ben added.

Emma laughed. “How is Fred? No more problems?”

“None,” Ben sighed dramatically, “and, I’m happy to say, he’s back home with Arthur.”

“Be nice,” Molly tsked. “Fred’s a sweetheart.”

“Just go on thinking that,” Ben muttered. “The next time Arthur leaves town, you can dog sit.”

“Oh, Wilby would …” Molly began. Then suddenly a panicked look crossed her face, and she muttered, “I forgot my crostini!” and rushed away.

“Her crostini?” Emma frowned. “Did I miss something?”

“Molly’s feeling a bit frazzled lately,” Ben explained. “Their house is being remodeled. Which means things are spread out between here and across the hall in Killian’s apartment.”

The man’s name she’d been trying not to think about had Emma’s curiosity peeking out. “That must be tough.” Although, why was this something Molly hadn’t shared? She usually didn’t let any opportunity to mention Killian’s name pass by.

“Whether it’s tough or not,” a tall man with sandy hair stepped into their circle, “Molly tells me it is every day. Gray Hunter,” he introduced himself.

“Emma Foster.”

“From the look on your face, I gather you’ve heard some of her complaints,” Gray went on.

“Oh, I have,” Emma laughed. “The last one had something to do with cabinet knobs.”

He winced. “They did. I never knew she had such a colorful vocabulary.”

“She did have quite a bit to say,” Emma agreed.

“I probably should talk to her,” Gray sighed. “My brother, Cameron, is married to Dylan’s sister, which makes Molly family, so …” He shrugged, almost as if assuming she’d understand his meaning.

Except, the family dynamic he seemed to be alluding to wasn’t anything Emma was familiar with. Her family was different.

“So, you’re the new vet Anita has been praising lately?” Gray pulled her attention back to the conversation.

It took a second for Emma to connect the name with her treatment. “Four-year-old bay mare with a red-bag delivery, right?”

“That’s Roisin, Anita’s prized mare,” Gray acknowledged. “I heard it was touch and go there for a while.

“I just did what any animal doctor would do. Helped a mother in trouble.” What she didn’t say was just how dangerous that type of birth, with the foal being born inside the placenta, could have been for either the mother or son.

“You’re being modest.” Gray tipped his beer bottle toward her. “Anita said you were amazing.”

“Thanks. Are you related to Anita?”

“I’m engaged to her daughter.” Gray glanced across the room, and a goofy smile lit up his face. The display of his emotions out there for everyone to see gave Emma a strange feeling. It didn’t last long, but was one she was unfamiliar with.

“Get a room,” Ben quipped.

Gray’s response was succinct.

“Didn’t I hear your mama tell you to watch your mouth around ladies?” a familiar voice drawled.

Emma’s eyes flared when she realized who had joined their group.

“Well, if it isn’t the local crooner.” Ben nodded toward Emma. “Have you met …?”

“Tyler James,” she murmured. “I saw you in concert at the Illinois fair, two, maybe three years ago.”

His dark eyes clashed with hers, and all she could see were shadows. Almost as if he were trying to hide what he was thinking.

“More like four,” Tyler answered in that husky voice that caused many females to swoon. “I stopped touring before Beth was born. She was three earlier this year.”

“Oh!” Which answered more than one question. “Your wife and daughter must love having you home …” Except, before she’d even completed the statement, she realized, she’d somehow stuck her foot in it.

“Kara, my wife, died right after having Beth,” Tyler replied.

“I’m sorry.” Unconsciously, Emma tightened the strings of her invisible cape, unsure how else to respond. After all, Emma Foster didn’t do close relationships.

“We’re doing okay.”

However, the shadows in his eyes made her wonder whom he was trying to convince.

“I bet Beth’s a handful.”

“She is!” While he talked about his daughter, the shadows faded, which was interesting and made her wonder. “I’m trying to find a new sitter. Lois and Glynis, the women who currently watch her, are leaving for warmer weather soon.”

“If it doesn’t have to do with Animalia,” Emma quipped. “I’m no help.”

“I didn’t want you to think I was suggesting …” Tyler began.

“That I watch her just because I’m a woman?” Emma suggested.

‘Deer-in-headlights’ expressions flashed across all three men’s faces, causing her to snicker. “You fellas are too easy.”

“So, you’re not mad?” Tyler asked hesitantly.

“Mad? No.” Emma laughed. “I am, however, hungry. It’s been nice talking to you.”

She left them trading insults and began making her way around the room. As the distance between her and the men grew, her need to pretend decreased. While it wasn’t completely awful being in a place with so many people she didn’t know, she still felt like she was sitting on the outside looking in.

Someone knocked, as she walked by the door and since no one was around, she pulled it open.

“Oh, Killian,” she exclaimed breathlessly.

A strange look crossed his face. Which made her think he was just as surprised to see her, as she was to see him.

“Emma.” His lilting accent wrapped around the syllables, making her feel as if he were caressing her name. It gave her pause and had her looking at him a little closer.

“Come in. Dylan and Molly are here somewhere.”

“Thanks, love.” As soon as he stepped into the apartment, gone was the man who’d been on the other side of the door. He’d become the same confident, cocky man she’d met at Sally’s. The kind of man she usually ran away from. Which should have made it easier to walk away. Except, there was something about him that …

“Killian, there you are!” A redhead threw herself into his arms.

He grunted with surprise, making Emma snicker. However, the spectacle made it much easier to walk away and leave the couple behind.

She forced her attention to the buffet table. So different, was her first thought when she glanced at the assortment of finger foods. Pigs in a blanket or a simple crostini would have been considered too common, not fitting for the upper crust society she’d been born into. After a quick peek at the two women in front of her, Emma picked up a plate and began adding an assortment to it.

“Can you believe she just threw herself at him like that?” one of the women in front of her whispered.

“She’s so pushy,” the other woman replied. “But that kiss! Just ugh!”

“Don’t remind me,” the first woman answered in a jealous voice. “Although he does know how to kiss.”

“Oh, yes he does,” the second female purred.

Emma grimaced and hurried around them. She wasn’t interested in hearing all about Killian’s women.

“You forgot one of these,” a husky voice murmured close to her ear.

She looked up into the blue eyes of the man being discussed. It took several seconds before her lips and tongue interpreted the message from her brain. “What did you just say?”

“The shrimp.” He lightly touched her bottom lip with the shellfish. “It’s succulent.” His eyes bore into hers as he leaned in and the gentle puff of air when he popped his T wafted across her lips.

Emma’s mouth dropped open, and her brain tried to wrap around what was happening. Finally, her common sense woke up, and she stepped back. “What are you doing? For all you know, I could be allergic to that stuff.” Then, without waiting for him to respond, she gathered her food and headed toward the other side of the room.

“Are you okay?”

Emma glanced behind her to see a leggy brunette who looked vaguely familiar. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

The woman gave her a look that said ‘really, you’re going there,’ causing Emma to capitulate, “I’m fine,” she repeated. “He’s just …”

“Hot. Hunky. Gorgeous.” The woman smiled. “Take your pick.”

“Sadie.” Gray slipped his arm around the woman’s waist and kissed her quite thoroughly. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”

“How do you know I wasn’t describing you?” Sadie kissed him again.

Gray side-eyed Emma and a corner of his mouth curved up. “Well, were you?”

“Of course, Sweetheart,” Sadie grinned, “right?”

As soon as Gray had said the woman’s name, Emma realized why her face was so familiar. Sadie was Anita’s daughter. “Right,” she muttered, tongue-in-cheek.

“See,” Sadie gave Gray a toothy smile, “told you.”

“You did,” he conceded. “How will I make it up to you?”

Sadie leaned in and whispered something that caused him to blush. “Now shoo, we’ve got some girl talking to do.”

“If I shoo, you’ll have to make it up to me,” Gray teased.

Emma watched them communicating, saying nothing, and a zip of envy rushed through her. She wanted that. Wait! No detours, Emma, remember?

“Sorry about that.” Sadie’s grin was wolfish. “That man is just …” She glanced off in the direction Gray had gone and sighed, “Anyway, where were we? Oh yeah, Killian.”

He was easy to locate, as he was the only man who was holding court to a harem. In addition to the redhead who’d met him at the door, and the two she’d overheard at the food table, he’d been joined by two others. “Does he always need to collect women?”

“Killian is …”

“Self-absorbed, cocky, shallow,” Emma quipped. “Shall I continue?”

Sadie tipped her head as if she agreed, “But … I think there’s more behind those blue eyes then he allows anyone to see.”

“Really?” Emma had to bite her tongue to prevent anything further from escaping. “So, what’s the story with those women? No pride?”

Sadie laughed. “The redhead, Morgan, seems to think if she buys him gifts, she’ll have his undying love.”

“Puhlease!” Emma drew out the single syllable word. “Guys like that aren’t looking for just one someone.”

“You sound like you’re talking from experience,” Sadie murmured.

“My father,” Emma surprised herself by responding. Then thought, why did I reveal that?

Thankfully, Sadie didn’t ask any further questions before continuing, “The brunette is Chloe,” she wrinkled her nose, “who spreads rumors about people.”

Emma frowned. “Why? That sounds immature.”

“It is,” Sadie sighed. “But it’s been like that since elementary school. Boys, grades, clothes, you name it … jealousy, I think.”

“That’s sad. Why throw themselves at Killian, though?”

Sadie rolled her eyes. “Killian’s new to town, so he’s fresh meat. They’ve already made the rounds with most of the other men here, including Gray, Cameron, Ben, and Dylan.”

The news that Killian had moved to Swan Harbor in February had come from Molly. As did the part about him not having any problems attracting company. A group always surrounded him, making Emma wonder. What was it about him that drew people? While her encounters with him hadn’t been completely positive, he lingered in her mind.

“He’s just a man.”

“Who probably leaves the lid up just like my fiancé,” Sadie muttered.

Emma snickered. “Truth. But I don’t plan on being another notch on his bedpost.”

“Good for you,” Sadie smiled. “Ah oh, look.”

Killian ushered Morgan and Chloe from the room and shut the door.

“Well, that was special,” Sadie sniped. “I think I need a drink.”

Emma followed her across the room, to where Molly was manning the punch bowl.

“Is it spiked?”

“Maybe,” Molly giggled. “Want some?”

“Whoa!” Emma exclaimed, after taking a careful sip. “Vodka and rum?”

“Yeah,” Molly grumbled. “Dylan and Killian made the punch.”

“Ah, speaking of.” Emma glanced around to make sure they were alone. “Did you forget to tell me something?”

“What?”

“Okay, be that way,” Emma laughed. “I just remembered I wanted to ask Sadie something.”

As she walked away, the door opened and Killian came back inside, arm in arm, with both women.

Killian caught sight of the lovely Doctor Foster gliding across the room when he re-entered with Morgan and Chloe. As predicted, it had taken little more than a few kisses and a promise of dinner, and they were pacified. Why wasn’t it as easy to get Emma’s attention? She didn’t seem to have difficulty giving it to others.

“Ladies,” Killian kissed each on the cheek. “My mate, Dylan, needs my help. I’ll see you two later.”

“Promise, Killian?” Chloe ran a slim finger down his chest.

“Promise, love.”

Morgan wound her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. “Don’t you forget now.” She tugged his head toward hers.

When he leaned down, his eyes met Emma’s. Unconsciously, he jerked his head sideways.

“What was that?” Morgan snapped.

The image of Emma’s arched brow and curled lip had him shaking his head to clear the picture. “Sorry, love. Dylan needs me.” He walked away, not caring that she’d stormed off.

“Breaking hearts again, Killian?” Dylan questioned.

“As long as it’s not mine,” Killian quipped.

Dylan started to say something. But, after a few beats, he shook his head and handed over a bottle of rum. “We’ve been instructed to create our punch again. Any idea how much of that stuff you added?”

“No idea.” Killian glanced at the bottle in his hand. “Trial and error?” He upended the liquid into the bowl, where it mixed with the fruit punch, lemonade, and club soda.

“Works for me.” Dylan did the same with his bottle of vodka. “Just don’t tell Molly our secret.”

Killian scooped a cup of the punch for each. “Why didn’t you tell Emma I’d be here?”

“Molly was supposed to,” Dylan tossed the blame. “But you know how women are.” Then he quickly changed the subject. “I saw Ladies Monday through Saturday surrounding you earlier. Are you looking for Ms. Sunday?”

Killian refused to acknowledge he was in any way ashamed of his behavior. “And if I am?”

Dylan glanced across the room to where Emma was standing. “I’d have to say ha!”

“Ha?” Killian echoed. “What kind of response is that?”

“Emma’s not a groupie, Killian.”

“A groupie?” Killian frowned. “What the b****y hell are you talking about?”

“You know, a groupie!” Dylan replied. “One of many women who follow you around hoping for a tiny crumb of attention. Emma is worth more than all of those floozies combined.”

Killian dropped his eyes, unwilling to look into whether there was any truth to the statement. He enjoyed having a different woman on his arm every night. Didn’t he?

His gaze drifted to where Emma was standing. The memory of how her green eyes had become shuttered before she’d stormed off, had him pasting on his cockiest smile. “If you’ll excuse me, Ladies Monday and Tuesday are waiting.”

When he walked away, he heard Dylan murmur, “You can only run so far, as the truth has a way of coming out.”

The comment combined with the memory of Emma’s waspishness had him planting himself in the center of his admirers. They soothed his ego. Yet, they didn’t stop his thoughts. Somehow, he always knew where she was and with whom she was speaking.

“Are you listening to me?” Chloe pouted.

“I certainly am.” He gave her his ‘you’re the only one I’m thinking of smile.’ “You were telling me about your dress.”

“You were listening,” she squealed.

Her high-pitched voice had him tightening his jaw to keep from saying something untoward. He felt like he was balancing on a wire that was tipping into the unknown. It had his patience wearing thin. When Chloe went off with Morgan, he couldn’t help but sigh with relief.

“Are you okay?”

Killian glanced down into Tia Patterson’s brown eyes, his sometimes date but always friend. “Just peachy.”

Her look said, ‘don’t-kid-a-kidder,’ which had him offering, “I’m alright, why?”

“Because.”

He followed her line of sight to see Tyler and Emma engaged in what appeared to be an intimate conversation against a back wall.

Bloody hell! It took every ounce of Killian’s training not to storm across the room and demand an explanation. Thankfully, his common sense stood up before he’d moved. However, it didn’t keep him from worrying he’d be asked questions he couldn’t answer.

When Tia leaned her head against his arm, his chest relaxed. It was her heart she was worried about, not his.

“Have you met her?”

“Who?”

Tia’s brown eyes sparked briefly. “Emma. The woman talking to Tyler.”

“Aye,” Killian admitted. “She seems to be a prickly sort.”

“Really?”

While he wasn’t privy to Tia’s entire history with Tyler James, her heart had been involved. Which meant, even though she was no longer dating the singer, seeing him with another female was difficult.

“Really.”

Tia kissed his cheek. “You’re a nice guy, Killian Reade. Thank you.”

“Of course, I’m a nice guy.” He exaggerated his accent.

“I’m not fooled,” Tia murmured. “Good luck.”

“With what?”

“You know.” She lightly squeezed his fingers and drifted off.

Killian’s attention went back to where Emma was still in close conversation with Tyler. He decided he couldn’t stand it any longer and put his expertise of hiding in plain sight into use. It took a while of weaving in and out of groups, but just before he’d drawn next to her, she turned toward the room-at-large.

Bloody hell!

He slid behind several people and peered around, trying to decide if he should put himself out there.

Before he could convince his feet to move, he heard her laugh and realized she’d moved closer. If he could ….

“Ready to go, Emma?”.

What? Killian watched as Tyler helped her with her jacket.

You’re such a d**k! Tyler seemed to be a good bloke, but ….

Once Emma and Tyler were gone, Killian glanced around the room. Chloe and Morgan were in one corner, and in another, Tia was talking to Belle and Amy. He had choices.

The decision was easy, and he quickly worked his way to the door and grabbed the knob.

“Going somewhere?”

Killian whirled around to Molly’s laughing green eyes. “There’s no need to sneak up on a man.”

“Sorry about that.” Molly didn’t look contrite. “I just wondered why you were sneaking out.”

“I’m not sneaking anywhere,” Killian tossed back. “I thought,” he searched his surroundings and spotted Wilby’s leash, “I’d take the dog out to do his business. He’s been stuck in my apartment for several hours.”

“Oh!” Molly reached for the leash and a little bag and shovel. “You’ll need these.”

“Leash,” Killian held up the flexible strap, “but what’s this other stuff for?”

“You said you were taking Wilby out to do his business, right?”

“Right.”

“That’s for his business.”

“Oh.”

“Is there something you need to tell me, Killian?” Molly’s smile was all-knowing.

“His business,” Killian muttered, “right. I’ll be back.” Before she could say more, he ran across the hall and grabbed Wilby.

After being cooped up, Wilby kept tugging on the leash, but Killian didn’t want it to look like he was in a hurry. “Slow down, boy. We can’t appear desperate.”

However, luck wasn’t on his side. By the time he arrived downstairs, there was no sign of Emma or her yellow bug. Which left him with options, a walk with the dog or back to his bevy of beauties.

Once again, the decision was an easy one.

“Well, boy,” Killian directed the dog away from the apartments, “shall we?”