Kittens, Puppies & Love

Sheriff’s Department

September 7

11:00 a.m.

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?

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

“Bloody hell, Dylan! 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.”

“But aren’t these Rusty’s cases?”

“He had to take Rene to the airport, so …”

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

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

Killian sighed and 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.”

Killian laughed—an action that, even after being in Swan Harbor for seven months, still felt abnormal. In a way, it was comforting, especially after living in relative anonymity for much of the previous ten years. He didn’t need to look over his shoulder or second-guess his actions. The sound of gunshots didn’t wake him nightly, and the smell of blood didn’t surround him.

Those thoughts were ones he rarely allowed, preferring more pleasant ones. Such as the bevy of beautiful women the picturesque town offered.

“All done, Killian?” Amy, the day clerk, asked.

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

“Need anything else?”

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

Her smile dimmed. “Well, okay, 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.

However, people only saw the Killian Reade he allowed them to see. It was a behavior he liked—most of the time. Except lately, his once comfortable habits no longer felt so. They unsettled him, making him wonder what was around the corner. Yet, those were feelings he didn’t understand, and ones he spared little energy on.

When he’d completed the folders, Killian left them on Amy’s desk, slipped on his sunglasses, and stepped into the September sun. He was greeted, not by the peaceful sound of waves, but by 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. Bloody hell!

* * *

Main Street

September 7

12:45 p.m.

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

Just two more blocks.

Why was she nervous? This was what she’d been working toward.

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. Which left her with a tendency to throw up walls, especially in situations where 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.

Except the voice couldn’t stop the feelings inside. 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, and one more item could be crossed off her list.

Graduate from High School. ✔️

Graduate with her Bachelor’s. ✔️

Get into Veterinarian School. ✔️

Graduate from Veterinarian School. ✔️

Pass licensure exams. ✔️

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

September 7

1:00 p.m.

Killian stepped into Sally’s Diner, his thoughts still on the lovely lass driving 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 glanced 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?”

Hayden grinned. “Very much so.”

“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 his younger days. 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 …”

Killian gave the younger man a break and changed the subject. “When do you head back to school?”

“Next week. Just three more years.”

“Don’t rush it. You’ll get there soon enough. I’ll see you at the gym.”

He hadn’t gotten far when the yellow car rushed past, loud music trailing in its wake. Where had she been? Where was she going, and who the bloody hell was she?

* * *

Veterinarian Clinic

September 14

4:00 p.m.

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

A week after taking ownership, she added to her list.

Make Business a Success.

Before she could contemplate the steps needed to complete the goal, the bell over the door rang. When she stepped into the front room, she was greeted by a petite brunette clinging tightly to a birdcage.

“Can I help you?”

“I was looking for the Doctor.”

“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 replied. “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 examined 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 murmured. “I’ll try to set it … and then we’ll see.”

Molly’s smile fell. “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. You’re my first customer.”

“Thank you, and congratulations.” Molly’s green eyes sparkled. “You’re new in town, aren’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Small town.” Molly shrugged. “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 understood the benefit of knowing someone local. “That would be great, thanks.”

“Will you let me know about the bird?”

“Even if it’s not good news?” When Molly just nodded quickly, 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

September 20

12:30 p.m.

More than a week had passed since he’d seen the woman driving the yellow bug. He searched for the driver, but he didn’t understand why. If he wanted a woman—there were plenty available. Since the incident with Violet, though, he’d changed. More often, he felt lost, something he didn’t care for and was unwilling to share with others.

After a morning patrolling the beach, Killian was returning to the office when a flash of yellow caused him to slam on his brakes.

“Bloody hell!”

He pulled into the department’s parking lot and ducked into the men’s room. Once he swished with mouthwash and brushed his hair, he started across the street, a little extra bounce in his step.

When he walked in, the blonde sat alone at a table near the front. The curve of her cheek and the way the sun highlighted her hair took his breath, and only one word came to mind—gobsmacked. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and sauntered toward his partner, sitting at the counter.

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

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

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

Killian casually leaned against the counter. “Very funny. Hello. Now, who’s the lovely lass?”

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

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

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

Killian looked down, unwilling to admit the label embarrassed him. While it fit the man before he’d moved to Swan Harbor, he’d changed … internally. In a way, Rusty was right. He’d never had difficulty talking to women before. Was this woman any different?

“Shoo.” Rusty waved him away. “I’d like to eat in peace.”

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

“Rene and Roland are still out of town. Rusty repeated the dismissive hand motion, “Now 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 his bravado disappeared. Then, as if being pulled by an invisible string, he detoured toward Dylan and his wife, Molly, sitting nearby.

“I think Emma needs to meet Killian,” Dylan was saying. “Don’t you agree?”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Killian jumped in, using the smile he pulled out when he needed to coerce members of the opposite sex to do his bidding.

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

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

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

As he followed his friends toward the elusive Emma, Killian’s heart beat a little faster. His steps grew a little slower.

What was it about her that made him hesitate? Since it wasn’t a question he could answer, he did as always and pushed aside the feelings of self-doubt. To further hide his insecurities, he added a little extra swagger to his walk.

“Emma,” Molly began. “I’d like you to meet Killian Reade. He’s an investigator at the sheriff’s department with Dylan. Killian, meet Emma Foster.”

He smiled, using the one that never failed to get a smile in return. “I’d be happy to tune your engine any time.”

“Killian!” Molly exclaimed.

Emma’s expression had Killian taking 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 his game, leaving him confused and unsure about his next step.

“Er, I’m sorry, Lass. You drove by me the other day, and your yellow car rattled, and I …”

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

He ducked his head and glanced up under his brow. “Oh, you’re a tough lass, aren’t you?”

“Some would say so.”

Their eyes locked, Emma’s a turbulent shade of green. She might look angelic, but the words coming from her mouth were anything but. Was she, too, trying to hide something?

“Just who are you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Emma whispered, then turned her back to speak with Molly.

He thought she might ignore him and leave, but she glanced over her shoulder as if unable to resist. Her lips curled into the semblance of a smile that never reached her eyes. “It was nice to meet you.”

“You too, Ms. Foster.”

“It’s Doctor Foster,” she corrected. “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 didn’t behave as he expected. They usually fell all over him almost too quickly. Did he care enough to change what Emma thought of him? Or did he move on to the next challenge?

* * *

Veterinarian Clinic

October 14

10:00 a.m.

Over the next few weeks, Killian Reade and his lame pickup line floated through Emma’s head at the oddest times. She couldn’t decide if he thought he was charming or just socially awkward. That she was still thinking about him was annoying. Her next goal was not Find a Man. So far, though, her self-scoldings hadn’t helped, and he’d pop back into her head at the worst possible times.

In the middle of inventory, when she exercised, and even when treating patients, it was a little disconcerting and a 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 regarding 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, she had no choice and slammed on the brakes. That’s when she took down her goal list and revised her plan.

Make Business a Success

Buy Business Cards

Order stationery

Pass Out Flyers

Hire Help

The smaller goals made it easier to stay focused, even if it didn’t eliminate the butterflies in her stomach. Every time she drove into town, they swarmed. When she pulled into a parking spot at Peter Pan Park, seeing the sheriff’s department car caused her heart to race.

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.

“Fred, Emma,” she reminded herself as soon as she stepped from the car. “You’re only here to find the dog.”

I know! I know!

“No detours,” Emma repeated while skirting around the dog park.

A fresh paw print leading toward the woods distracted her long enough to refocus. She’d found the dog. Now, she needed to catch him.

* * *

Peter Pan Park

October 14

3:00 p.m.

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

He watched as Emma stepped into the shade the large trees provided. She stopped for several seconds, studied the ground, and then tilted her head. What she was listening for, he didn’t know.

Seconds later, she turned in another direction, making him think she’d heard something. He couldn’t say why he followed and didn’t alert her to his presence. His only thoughts right then were staying out of sight.

They walked deeper into the woods, and still, no sign of the dog. Emma suddenly stopped and stared at the ground, leaving Killian to wonder about her abilities once again. Even more so when she pushed aside several branches and moved backward before taking off perpendicularly.

He thought she tracked Fred by following certain patterns on the beaten-down leaves. A behavior that should have surprised him. Instead, he added it to the list of what fascinated him. It was a new feeling, but one he didn’t think he could ignore.

Not long afterward, he saw Fred’s black nose behind a fallen log. Emma didn’t move, but stood silently, waiting for the dog to come to her. He lost track of how long she stood still, communing with the animal. Goosebumps broke out on his skin when, slowly, the scared dog started toward the stranger.

Her ease with which she could get the frightened dog to trust her stole his breath. Yet, again, he was given a new item to add to his list.

Emma clipped the leash on the dog and led him back the way she’d come. When she walked within thirty yards of where he was standing, and didn’t notice him, Killian let her go.

The unsettled feelings she left behind had him wondering how to regain the upper hand. Was a night out with the guys what he needed to get her out of his mind? Or was it female companionship?

***

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