Chapter Six
Kian slowed the ATV down upon reaching the creek. He carefully crossed to the other side, then revved the bike and continued. Gretchen’s voice came from over his shoulder, announcing a signal for him to call his brother.
“Let me go a little further first,” he replied, “I want to check on my truck before it gets too late. I can make the call when we come back this way.” He looked back at her for confirmation.
“Whatever you think is best,” she replied with a nod.
Kian drove through the trees, surrounded by the scents of pine and snow. Eventually, he came to a stop at a road that he was sure he had parked his truck on. The road was impassable, but his truck should be here. He scanned the area, but it was eerily quiet.
“What’s wrong?”
“I parked my truck around here. I remember that cliff across the road. I walked from here.”
“I wonder where it is?” Gretchen asked.
“That’s a damn good question.” Kian got off the ATV and walked along the berm, searching for any signs of his truck. Any tire tracks had long been covered by snow, leaving no trace. “I don’t understand. What could they have done with it?”
“It’s probably where your gun, jacket, ID, and Stetson are,” she teased.
He turned to her with a playful smirk. “You’re enjoying teasing me about my hat.”
“I’m sorry,” she chuckled, “it just seemed like that was the only thing you were really stressing about.”
He shook his head with a small smile. “It’s not, but it was a damn good hat,” he winked, making her laugh.
“I’m sure once you’re able to get back to town, you can get a new one.”
“Oh, I definitely will. It was black felt with a black leather band around it,” he sighed, the air forming into a cloud with his breath. “Let’s head back. I’ll have my brother get with the sheriff in Clifton and get an APB put on the truck. Maybe someone stole it. They could have seen it sitting here for a while and decided to take it.”
“That’s very possible,” Gretchen agreed.
“Is this the road you use to get into town?”
“Yes. The cabin is about a half mile from this road, down that way,” she said, pointing to the left.
“I see. This is Gatlin Road?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Just making sure. I know this is where I parked my truck.”
Kian climbed back onto the ATV and started the engine, turning back in the direction they came from. But before crossing the creek again, he stopped and turned off the engine. He got off and turned to Gretchen.
“Could I have your phone?” he asked, holding out his hand.
She pulled her phone out of her pocket and handed it to him. Kian dialed his brother’s number, his voice was shaky and emotional as he talked with his brother for a few minutes, updating him about his truck and getting his mother’s number. Then he called her cellphone.
When she answered, he struggled to speak, shook his head, and handed the phone to Gretchen. She took it from him and spoke into it.
“Uh, Mrs. Doyle? This is Gretchen Casteel; Kian is here with me.” She glanced at him before continuing, “He’s really emotional right now and having trouble getting any words out.”
“I see,” Gretchen replied, “yes, I’ll tell him that. He loves you both.”
“Could you give me the phone?” His hand shook as he took the phone from Gretchen and held it up to his ear. “Mom? I love you and Dad,” he choked out.
“Oh sweetheart,” his mother’s voice came through full of emotion, “we love you too. We’re just so relieved you’re alright. I’m so grateful that Gretchen found you. Please tell her she’s welcome to dinner anytime.”
He could hear the tears in his mother’s voice as she spoke.
“I will,” he promised, “I’ll call again soon. We’re going to head back to the cabin now.”
“Kian? We will see you soon, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a shaky breath.
When she hung up, Kian handed the phone back to Gretchen and let out a heavy sigh.
“Thank you,” he said.
“You’re welcome, though I didn’t do anything.”
“You’ve done so much for me. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
“I don’t need you to repay me, Kian. Anyone would have done the same thing.”
He shook his head. “No, they wouldn’t. Not everyone would have done what you’ve done, and I’ll always be grateful.”
“Well, you’re welcome, but it was Lobo who did the finding. He just came to get me.”
Kian rubbed Lobo’s head when he ran toward him. “You’re the best, boy.” He looked at Gretchen. “Let’s head back. It’s cold.”
“Yeah, I really wish I had gloves for you.”
“Hopefully, it will clear up soon and I can get out of here.”
“Maybe the snow we’re expecting in a few days, won’t amount to much. Let’s wait and see and if it doesn’t, I’ll see if I can get my car out and we’ll head to town.”
“That would be great. Not that I don’t enjoy being here with you, I just want to go home.”
“I know, Kian.”
“But I would like to see you again after all of this is over, Gretchen.”
“I’d like that.”
He grinned, nodded, then started to drive the ATV through the snow and head back toward the cabin.
Stopping beside the porch steps, he held her hand while she climbed off, then walked up the steps. He then drove the machine into the shed, and walked out into the bright sunshine. It was a beautiful cloudless day, but it was still April, which meant the next snow coming could be heavy or amount to nothing.
He was glad he’d been able to talk to his mother. He knew his parents had been worried. He knew he’d been with Gretchen almost two weeks now. She still checked his wounds but they were healing well.
After brushing the snow from his jeans and coat, he entered the house, and saw her standing at the counter, making a cup of coffee.
“I never asked, do you have any siblings?”
“No, I’m an only child.”
“Oh, okay. Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to grab a shower.” He handed her the revolver.
“Of course, go right ahead. I need to work on a few paintings.” She smiled at him and their eyes met.
Taking a deep breath, Kian removed his coat and beanie, then hung them up and left the room. He sure wouldn’t mind sharing a shower with her.
****
As Gretchen lifted her cup to her lips, she listened to the running water in the shower and could picture him naked under the showerhead. She mentally groaned. A shower sounded so good, but it sounded even better with Kian.
That man had a fantastic body. She hated comparing Justin to Kian but, really, there was no comparison. She didn’t like thinking that way, but it was the truth. When she and Justin fell in love, both were virgins, and neither knew what they were doing, but learned what they thought was ‘good’ sex. Now, she knew better.
It might have been good with Justin, but it was fantastic with Kian. The man was no slacker in bed.
“Shit, all you’re doing is making yourself horny,” she muttered.
What would he think if she just suddenly appeared in the shower with him?
“Well, not suddenly, you’re not a genie,” she said, then laughed.
Making her mind up, she quickly made her way to the bedroom, stripped, then pulled on her robe. Taking a deep breath, she removed a condom from the box, stepped into the hallway, and quietly opened the bathroom door.
Gretchen entered the bathroom. When she saw his naked form behind the frosted glass doors, she moaned as he ran the soap over his body. Oh, God!
With slow, deliberate movements, she stripped off her robe. The humid air clung to her naked skin, her nipples stiffening in anticipation.
As she opened the door, Kian’s eyes widened in surprise, quickly replaced by lust as they roamed over her body. His cock sprang to attention. He stared at her, and she knew he was waiting for her next move.
Without a word, Gretchen reached out, her fingers tracing the outline of Kian’s rock-hard abs. She handed him the condom and within minutes, he had expertly rolled it down his shaft, readying himself.
Plastering herself against Kian’s hard body, Gretchen pressed her lips against his in a crushing kiss. Her hands roamed over his muscular back, nails digging deep into his flesh as they tasted each other passionately. Their bodies intertwined beneath the steaming water, skin sliding against skin as the feeling of pure, unadulterated pleasure took over.
Gretchen moved her tongue between Kian’s lips, tracing the contours of his mouth as they hungrily explored every inch of each other. Moans and gasps filled the space as their bodies melted together, wanting to become one in their shared desire.
As their hands roamed with urgent necessity. Kian’s fingers moved between Gretchen’s thighs, then her slit, rubbing her swollen clitoris as she writhed against him. In response, she grasped his cock firmly, stroking him in a slow, steady rhythm that drove them both wild with lust.
But neither could wait any longer. Gretchen gasped when Kian lifted her, putting her back against the wall and in one swift motion, they were joined together. Her body stretched to accommodate him, and they released a simultaneous gasp as ecstasy washed over them.
Their bodies moved in perfect harmony; their thrusts timed to cause maximum pleasure. The water pounded against their skin as they moved with wild abandon, their every moan and gasp growing louder with each passing moment.
Kian wrapped an arm around Gretchen’s waist, pulling her tight against him as he plunged deeper inside her. His teeth grazed her collarbone as she tilted her head back in pleasure, their lips brushing against each other in a fevered dance of desire.
Their rhythm intensified, sweat mingling with the water on their feverish skin as the intensity of their sex threatened to consume them both. Gretchen clung to Kian, her nails digging into his back as sensations unlike any she’d ever known took over her body. Moans echoed off the tile walls as she screamed his name, clenching around his cock as her orgasm tore through her with an unstoppable force.
With a deep, guttural growl, Kian thrust himself inside her, his cock throbbing as he came. Afterward, they stayed entangled in each other’s arms, the only sound around them was the heavy panting of their exhausted bodies, creating a comforting rhythm along with the water cascading over them. As the water began to cool and reality crept back in, Kian let her legs down and she moved to exit the shower, but Kian pulled her back, his still semi-erect cock pressing against her stomach. His eyes burned with desire as he whispered,
“That had to be the best shower I’ve ever had.”
Gretchen laughed. “Me too. It’s your fault you know.”
He raised an eyebrow. “My fault? Explain that one to me. I was in here taking a shower—”
“Yep. I kept thinking of you in here… naked.” She grinned.
“I’ll be sure to let you know the next time I need… a shower.”
“Please do. I’ve never had shower sex. I think I could get used to that.”
Kian kissed her lips. “Anytime.”
She reached for a towel on the rack, dried off, then stepped out, and looked at him.
“I’ll fix us something to eat.”
“That’s great. I’m suddenly starving.” He grinned.
Laughing, Gretchen pulled on her robe and left the room. In the hallway, she leaned against the wall. She couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen when he was finally able to leave. It was going to start warming up, and soon the snow would be melting enough that he’d be able to go.
With a heavy sigh, she continued toward the kitchen and jumped when Lobo ran in from outside through his pet door.
“Where have you been?” She laughed when he sat down and barked. “You’re all wet and it’s not even snowing. Have you been rolling around in it?”
“I can tell by that silly dog grin that he knows exactly what you’re saying.”
She turned to see Kian enter the kitchen. He walked to her and slipped his arms around her waist, then put his lips against her neck.
“Do you want a cup of coffee?”
“In a minute.” She heard him inhale. “You smell good,” he murmured against her neck, making her shiver.
Gretchen wrapped her arms around his waist. “What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back to Clifton?”
“Miss you.” Kian pulled back to look into her eyes. “And that’s no shit bullshit.”
She laughed. “But you know where to find me.”
“I do.” He sighed. “I will also be looking for those two men.”
“Please be careful.”
“I will, sweetheart. I promise. They need to pay though. Not only for what they did to me, but for the wolves they’ve been slaughtering.”
“I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I’ll be safe.”
“Really? Like you were the last time you came upon them?”
“That was a low blow, darlin’.”
“It was. I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright, but I’ll be ready the next time.”
“I hope so.” She moved away from him, picked up her cup, and sipped from it while he made his coffee.
****
Once Kian’s coffee was finished, he leaned against the counter and stared at Gretchen. He grinned as her cheeks turned pink.
“What are you blushing about?”
Gretchen bit her lip and shook her head. “Nothing.”
“I see. You just blush for no reason.”
She laughed. “Yep.”
Kian chuckled, then took a sip of his coffee. He looked out the window.
“I hope it clears up soon.”
“Are you that anxious to get out of here?”
He looked at her. “Yes and no.”
“I feel the same way.” She sighed. “Kian…”
“What?”
“Nothing. If I say what I’m thinking, you’d hightail it out of here even with snow this deep.”
“No, I won’t. If you were going to say what I think you were, I feel the same.” He stepped close to her and touched her hair. “I think I’m falling for you, Gretchen.” He took a deep breath. “I know it’s only been a couple of weeks but—”
Her lips stopped him from saying more as she pressed hers to his, then slowly raised them and looked into his eyes.
“I’m falling for you too. I just don’t want you to forget about me once you leave.”
“I wouldn’t do that. Besides, you know where you can find me too.”
“I do. I want you to go, so you can see your family again, but I don’t want you to leave me.” Her arms wrapped around his waist. He set his cup down, pulled her tight against him and kissed her forehead.
“I’m not going to leave you. I will have to get back, but there’s no reason not to see you again. The only way I’ll stay away is if you want me to.”
Gretchen smiled. “That won’t happen.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Kian picked his cup up again. “What should we do the rest of the day?”
“I need to paint, so you can do whatever you want.”
“What if I want to do you?” He laughed when she punched his arm.
“Let me get some painting done… first.”
“Alright. I’ll find a movie.”
“Okay. I’m hoping to get the paintings finished so I can get them to Chicago by June. A new gallery is opening.”
“How does that work? Getting your art into a gallery?”
“Well, for me, a woman I went to college with owns an art gallery and she asked if I’d be interested in showing my paintings. Of course, I said yes, not thinking they’d sell as well as they did.”
“Do you paint under your own name?”
“I sign them G. Casteel.”
“I’ll have to do a search on you.” He grinned.
Gretchen laughed. “You can do that.”
“I’ll leave you to it then. I’ll find something to do. I might go back out after a while and call Killian.”
“Of course. But just to let you know, once I start painting, nothing else exists. I won’t be ignoring you; I’m just concentrating.”
“Got it. I’ll let you know and if you’re not paying attention, remember when you look for me that I headed out.”
“Okay.” She kissed his lips, then headed toward her easels while he walked to the living room.
Kian sat on the sofa, then swung his legs up and stretched out. He picked up the remote and aimed it at the TV. He couldn’t find a damn thing to watch.
“All these channels and nothing on,” he muttered.
After an hour of trying to find something that would interest him, he decided to head out. He got up, walked to the bedroom and pulled on warmer clothes, then made his way back to where Gretchen was painting.
“Hey,” he said quietly, hating to disturb her.
“Hey. Are you going to head out?” she asked as she faced him.
“Yes. Is it alright if I take your phone?”
“Well, how else were you going to call Killian.”
He frowned and narrowed his eyes. “Yep, a smartass.”
Gretchen laughed. “It’s on the counter. It should be fully charged. Take the gun.” She walked toward the gun cabinet, unlocked it, removed the Magnum and handed it to him. “Please be careful.”
“I will. Is it okay if I take Lobo?”
“Sure. He’ll love it.”
“Alright.” Kian kissed her lips, picked up the phone, and looked at the dog. “Ready, boy?” When Lobo barked, Kian grinned. “We won’t be long.”
“Okay.”
He put the phone in his pocket, stuck the gun in the back of the waistband of his jeans, opened the door, and followed Lobo outside. Walking toward the shed, he stopped to listen to the quiet. The sun was still shining and he really hoped it would start to warm up so he could get back to town. He wanted those men who tried to kill him.
After starting the ATV, he drove it out of the shed and grinned as Lobo ran beside him, then drove into the woods.
As he slowly crossed the creek, he kept his eyes peeled. Even as quiet as it was, he was on guard. He didn’t believe the men were still around. It wouldn’t make sense unless they came back to make sure he was dead.
“Bastards,” he muttered.
When he reached the clearing, he shut off the ATV and climbed off it. Looking around, he also looked down into the snow to see if there were any tracks. Man, or beast, but there wasn’t any. He called Killian and waited while it rang.
“Agent Doyle speaking,” Killian’s voice came through the phone, making Kian grin.
“Agent Doyle speaking here too.”
“Kian, I’m glad you called. I’m going to add this number under Gretchen’s name. How are you doing?”
“Good. The wounds are almost healed, and they’re not wrapped anymore. I feel good. I want to come home.”
“That could be possible next week. It’s supposed to warm up to forty-five tomorrow.”
Kian chuckled. “Gotta love Montana.”
“You know we do. You’re safe, right?”
“Yes. Gretchen is helping me.”
“I can’t tell you how glad we are that she found you and got you inside. You would have frozen to death.” Killian’s voice caught.
“I know, if her dog hadn’t found me, I would have. Then for her to lug me back to her cabin…” Kian shook his head. “It had to be hard. I probably have a hundred pounds on her, but she said the dog helped.”
“Well, I’m glad they did.”
“Anything on my truck?”
“I gave the information to Sam, but he said nothing’s come back on it yet. I’m not sure if those men did something with it or it was stolen.”
“I parked it on Gatlin Road.”
“I know where that is. It’s not far from the cabin. Maybe those men didn’t realize there was a cabin there, but it’s very remote. Grady flew over the road, but we didn’t see your truck.”
“I bet those men did something with it. It’s very remote out here. Her cabin sits on five acres in the middle of the woods. I don’t know how she lives out here alone, but she does know how to handle a weapon, and that dog won’t let anyone get close to her.”
“So, what does she look like?”
Kian could hear the smile in his brother’s voice.
“None of your fucking business,” he said, and grinned when Killian chuckled.
“So, she’s pretty. Otherwise, you’d tell me. You seem to forget I have a gorgeous fiancée.”
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. My memory is back in full swing. If I’d seen Celine first, you’d be the one lost and I’d be engaged.”
“You wish.” Killian sighed. “We want you home, Kian.”
“I do too. Let’s see how the weather is next week.”
“The roads in town are clear and I heard that Mr. Barton is making his rounds out in the rural areas. Maybe he’ll get out there.”
“Who’s Mr. Barton?”
Killian laughed. “I’ll tell you all about him some other time, but he is a godsend on less traveled roads when it snows.”
“It sounds like it.”
“Hey, Dave was thinking of making an announcement on the local TV channel about you missing. He thinks that will let those men think you’re dead and maybe they’ll make some kind of move. But he’s worried that if they’re not sure, they might go back to look for you, and that could put you and Gretchen in danger.”
“I’d hate for them to come back and find her cabin. Talk it over with Dave and I’ll talk to Gretchen. If it bothers her, I’ll call you back right away. I’m going to head back. I hope I see you next week.”
“Me too. Be careful. We’ll talk soon.”
“Yes, sir. Love you.” Kian hung up and smiled. He couldn’t wait to get home.
As he got back onto the ATV, he saw Lobo staring into the woods with his hackles raised. Kian looked in the same direction but didn’t see anything, but he didn’t have a good feeling.
“Calm down, boy,” he whispered. Lobo glanced at him, then back toward the woods. Then Kian saw them. Wolves. “Shit.”
There were at least six of them, but they weren’t moving, just watching. Kian removed the gun from the back of his jeans where he’d tucked it and cocked the hammer. He wouldn’t shoot them, but he’d scare them away.
Lobo growled and lowered his head as he stared at them. There was no way Kian would let anything happen to the dog. He started the ATV and revved it hard, making the wolves scatter.
“Let’s go home,” he yelled as he turned the machine back toward the creek, making sure Lobo followed.
Once they reached the shed, he drove into it, shut the machine off, and then quickly made his way into the cabin with Lobo on his heels. Then he closed the pet door.
“What’s wrong?” Gretchen asked him.
“Wolves. A pack of them were watching us. I scared them away by revving the ATV, but I’m not sure if they followed us. I don’t want Lobo going out to look for them.”
“Thank you. Are you alright?” She walked toward him, and he pulled her into his arms.
“Yes, I’m fine. It was just scary for a few seconds.”
“Did you talk to Killian?”
“I did.” Kian removed his coat. “He said it’s supposed to warm up to forty-five tomorrow, so the snow should be melting. Maybe enough for me to get home.”
“That would be nice.” She smiled.
“Yes, but also no.” He kissed her lips. “But I promise you, Gretchen, this is not going to be over between us.”
“I hope not.”
“Woman, I just promised you,” he said.
Gretchen laughed. “Okay.”
“Did you get much painting done? No offense, but you stink.”
She gasped and shoved him away. “It’s the turpentine. I just cleaned the brushes. That’s why the window is opened a little. I’ll shower in a little while. But you have it on you now, so you’ll need a shower too.”
“Well, hell. What a shame.” He laughed.
“I have gloves on though, so maybe you don’t need a shower.”
He kissed her forehead. “I really don’t right now.”
“That’s fine. I’ll shower then start dinner. I’m starving.”
“I am too. What are we having?”
“Fish.”
“I like fish.” He grinned. “That sounds so much better than, I don’t know if I like fish.”
Gretchen laughed. “Yes, it does.” She turned from him, removed the smock she wore when she painted then walked toward him again. “I’ll get a shower, then I’ll start dinner.”
“How are you making it?”
She tilted her head. “I thought I’d fry it. Is that alright?”
“Sure. I just thought I could start it for us. I know how to cook.”
“That would be great. Please, go ahead. I won’t be long.”
Kian kissed her lips. “Yes, ma’am.”
She smiled, then left the room, and after Kian removed his boots and set them on the hearth, he got everything from the fridge to start dinner.