Chapter 26
Sheriff’s Department
Monday 8:30 a.m.
his pink box of pastries, confused by the reception he’d just encountered. He thought he’d acted normal. His smile was the same, and there’d been no whistling. Yet his sixth sense said the whispers and indulgent smiles were aimed at him.
But why?
His trip through the department wasn’t much better. Brian snagged a donut on his way out and snickered. Amy giggled and quickly turned away. And even Sydney, the stoic old newsman, smirked.
The clothes he was wearing were clean, and his hair wasn’t sticking up in several directions. But the reception he’d been receiving was off.
“Bloody hell, Rusty,” Killian grumbled, when he stepped into his office. “Have I grown an extra head?”
Rusty snatched a donut, then studied him. “No, no extra head I can see.”
“Then why,” Killian grumbled, “am I getting strange looks? They whispered at Paula’s. Brian snickered, and even Sydney cracked a smile. You know that doesn’t happen very often.”
“I’m sure it has something to do with knowing how you spent your weekend,” Rusty quipped.
“My weekend?” Killian frowned. “No one, well except Dylan, knows.”
“Right,” Rusty tapped the side of his neck, “how do you explain that?”
Killian’s hand automatically went to his neck, where sometime during the night, Emma had latched on. And because he’d grabbed a black t-shirt from the pile, it wasn’t covered.
She gave you a hickey.
“Bloody hell,” Killian felt his face heat, “I should have worn a collared shirt.”
“Seems so.”
“That’s all you’re going to say?”
Killian threw his napkin in the trash and waited for his partner to finish eating his pastry.
“What do you want me to say?” Rusty laughed. “You’ve been around the block a time … or two. I’m sure you knew what you were doing. Just be prepared.”
“Be prepared?”
“For the questions.”
Killian’s brows rose. “What kind of questions and from whom?”
“They’ll want to know when you’re taking the next step,” Rusty imparted.
“Marriage?”
“Oh, no,” Rusty grabbed a piece of paper, “Lover’s Cave comes before marriage.”
“Lover’s Cave, huh?” Killian took the sheet of paper Rusty handed him and glanced at the rudimentary map. “It’s a cave?”
“A small one, yes.”
“The prim and proper Mayor got down and dirty with you in the sand?”
“Hey, don’t knock it,” Rusty winked, “until you’ve tried it.”
“But what’s so magical about this cove. I’m doing quite well on my own.”
“I’ll give you that,” Rusty acknowledged. “But do you know its legend?”
“No.”
“I think you’ll appreciate the cove’s legend. Especially if you want forever with Emma.”
Just a few months ago, he’d hoped for a minute of Emma’s time and yet, after leaving her that morning, forever was what he wanted. Couldn’t hurt to listen.
“Okay,” Killian sighed, not quite yet willing to admit just how much he wanted. “Lay it on me.”
Veterinarian Clinic, Monday 5:30 p.m.
email that had just arrived. A part of her had been prepared for it, but the part that wasn’t … that side was a bit weirded out. What did one say to your father you hadn’t seen for years?
You’ll figure it out.
Would she?
Share your burdens, remember?
“Emma?” Sadie sashayed into her office, suntanned from her honeymoon in Aruba. “What’s wrong?”
“Wrong?” Emma powered down her computer, wondering if out of sight, out of mind would work. “There’s nothing’s wrong.”
Sadie tsked several times. “Is it Killian?”
Emma felt the goofy smile she’d been fighting all day crawl across her face. “He’s fine.”
“I thought so,” Sadie grinned. “And that’s a talk for later. But something is going on. Tell Aunt Sadie what it is.”
“It’s not that big a deal,” Emma huffed. “My father sent me an email, and I’m a little surprised, I guess.”
“Okay,” Sadie nodded. “Why?”
“Geez,” Emma sighed, “first Killian tells me I’m an open book and now you’re reading my moods. Can’t I have private thoughts from anyone?”
“This is Swan Harbor,” Sadie laughed. “Things have a way of happening when they’re supposed to.”
“Serendipitous,” Emma murmured, remembering Killian’s comment about their do-over meet.
“Something like that.” Sadie nibbled on her bottom lip, lost somewhere Emma didn’t know. “There really is no place like it. But what did your father say that has you rattled?”
“He wants to see me when he comes east,” fell out of Emma’s mouth before she could stop it.
“See,” Sadie sent her a toothy grin. “That wasn’t so hard. But why are you worried?
“I, I,” Emma searched for the words to explain the emotions going on inside. “I grew up Peter Foster’s daughter. Big time movie star, all around lousy father. But here ... in Swan Harbor, it’s been mine since I drove across the town line. I don’t know if I’m ready to share.”
Sadie propped her elbows on the desk. “Emma, you belong to Swan Harbor, and it belongs to you. Nothing can take that.”
“I’ll think about it,” Emma glanced at the time. “Aren’t you here late?”
“Oh, don’t play that card with me,” Sadie playfully wagged her finger, “I’m not trying to interfere, just help.”
“I know, and I appreciate it,” Emma acknowledged. Except there was still a disconnect between the feelings of the child and the understanding of the adult. “Is that why you came in here? To meddle?” she teased, needing to lighten the mood.
“Ha!” Sadie laughed, as Emma had wanted. “That was just a bonus. I wanted to tell you Sydney called, and he’s adopting Summer’s puppy.”
“I thought he might.” Emma grinned. “I think it will be good for him.”
“He and Buster were inseparable for a lot of years.”
“And now, he’ll always have a little piece of the dog he loved.” Emma replied, happy that something positive had come out of the ordeal.
“True,” Sadie sighed, still a little put out she’d missed all the excitement that surrounded Belle, and the end to the ‘dog killer’ mystery. “He named the puppy George.”
“George?” Emma laughed. “As in Small Knight and George?”
“That’s where it’s from,” Sadie’s eyes sparkled. “Seems Mr. Hot, Hunky and Gorgeous impressed Madison when he read to the class.”
The nicknames Sadie had bestowed on Killian all those months ago definitely fit. “He is easy on the eyes,” Emma dimpled. “And that accent … yum.”
Sadie leaned a little closer, “And now—”
Here we go, Emma thought, willing something to happen to change where the conversation might be heading.
“—I’ve solved the problems regarding your dad’s visit,” Sadie continued. “And told you about George. We have time for you to spill about your weekend.”
“Are you sure?” Emma glanced at the clock. “It’s pretty—” She was saved when both of their phones buzzed at the same time.
“Don’t think I’ll forget,” Sadie mouthed, as she left the room, her phone glued to her ear.
Emma swiped her thumb over her screen.
Killian: Good evening, Doc. Meet me for dinner tonight?
Anytime she didn’t have to worry about cooking was a plus as far as she was concerned.
Emma: Name the place and the time, and I’ll be there.
Killian: Lover’s Cave in an hour. Follow the lights.
Emma: Lover’s Cave?
Killian: A map is on its way. Hurry.
When the map arrived, Emma frowned. Based on what he’d sent, Lover’s Cave was somewhere close to the lighthouse, down by the water.
Emma went looking for Sadie, finding her staring out the window with a dreamy expression on her face. “Waiting for Gray?”
“How did you know?” Sadie gave her a sheepish smile. “Am I that obvious?”
“Just a little,” Emma teased. “But I was hoping you were still here. Can you tell me how to get to Lover’s Cave?”
“Oh, ho ho,” Sadie smirked. “You know the legend about Lover’s Cove, don’t you?”
“No,” Emma began hesitantly, “but you do, I’m assuming.”
“Of course,” Sadie looped her arm with Emma’s and led them to more comfortable chairs. “Legend has it that if a couple makes love in Lover’s Cave, they will be betrothed before year’s end.”
“Betrothed?” Emma repeated. “That sounds so old-fashioned.”
“It’s a very old legend,” Ruby shrugged. “From the beginning of Swan Harbor, I think. But it worked with me, Molly, Jessie. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Where is it?” Emma asked, pointedly ignoring the question.
“Right there,” Sadie indicated a spot at the base of a cliff, but her eyes twinkled knowingly. “It’s quite the romantic location. There are large boulders guarding it, and once you get around those, the mouth of the cavern is heart-shaped. I’m sure it used to be much larger. But there’s still a place to build a fire, and little ledges on the walls for candles. It’s like being in your own romantic bubble.”
Her words stayed with Emma as she changed into leggings and boots before making the drive. She didn’t care what the legend said about making love outside, there was no way. Doctor Emma Foster was too practical to allow that type of romance to sweep her away.
Lover’s Cave, Monday 6:30 p.m.
hours to set everything up, and now he knew Emma was on the way; he was nervous. When Rusty had been explaining the legend, he’d wanted to scoff. Until he’d arrived. And there was something about the spot that had him imagining a pirate’s ship being led to the cove by the lighthouse and meeting his woman.
The sputter of Elli’s engine had him leaving the pirate image behind, and when he rounded the boulders, Emma was walking toward him. With her long legs encased in dark pants, and her blonde hair whirling around her head, she was a vision.
“Hello, Doc,” Killian pulled her close for a kiss. “Did you have difficulty finding your way?”
“No, your map was perfect.” Emma waved her hand toward the path where he’d placed a hundred luminary bags. “And this is very impressive. Thank you.”
When she leaned against him and offered him her lips, she was hot and sweet. “Chocolate,” he grinned, swooping in for another kiss. “You taste good.”
Killian tucked her against his side and led the way along the path. “Hungry?”
“I …” she began, but as soon as they approached the mouth of the cave, her voice died. “You did this … all for me?”
“It was noth—” was all that escaped, before she placed her finger over his lips.
“Killian, look around us,” Emma gestured around them, “this isn’t nothing. It’s something that took work, and … more than anyone has ever done for me.”
A single tear slid down her cheek, but before he could wipe it away, she squeezed his hand and walked toward the lights. He’d set luminary bags in the grooves of the rocks surrounding them. And with the picnic basket waiting next to a pallet made of several blankets, he could fully admit, the scene was set for seduction. But she wasn’t running.
“It’s perfect. You’ve not brought any of your floozies here,” she teased. “have you?”
“What do you think, Doc?” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her snug against his body. “Do you really think the Killian Reade you met in Sally’s last fall would have frequented a place like this? Especially a place with such a legend.”
“So, you know about that?” Emma hummed. “I wondered.”
“Rusty filled me in.” His lips claimed hers.
They were soft and while he wanted to go on kissing her, he’d planned a few other surprises. With little fanfare, he extracted a remote from his pocket and pushed a button, “Dance with me,” Killian beckoned, when the music suddenly surrounded them.
This time he didn’t ask like he had when they were in New York City, but made it a statement. Emma curled against his chest and matched her steps with his.
Time ceased to matter as they swayed to the music, until he lost track of how many songs played and how many kisses he stole. It wasn’t until her stomach growled that he loosened his hold. “Hungry?”
“Sorry,” She leaned her forehead against his shoulder. “I guess I am.”
“Let’s feed you.” Killian guided her toward the blankets and began searching through the food he’d brought.
“Sally’s?”
“She likes me,” he quipped, pulling out cold chicken, fresh croissants, fruit, and a bottle of chilled lemonade from the basket.
Emma giggled. “Everyone likes you.”
“I’m very likeable. Don’t you agree?”
“Well,” her eyes sparkled from the many candles, “you do have several redeeming qualities.”
“Only several?” His brows popped up. “Care to elucidate?”
A red grape disappeared into her mouth, and the way her cheeks hollowed and expanded as she sucked the juice had the saliva in his mouth drying. The little minx is trying to get a rise out of me.
“No, I don’t think so,” Emma grinned, “your head’s big enough already.”
And one of them is getting bigger by the second, ran through his mind, before he could stop it.
“So,” he cleared his throat, determined to move the conversation into a more neutral territory. “Tell me about work.”
“Hmm,” she took a drink of lemonade and puckered.
“Need some sugar?” Killian cupped the back of her head and planted a firm kiss upon her lips, “Think that’s enough?”
“Oh, you,” Emma licked her lips. “That’s one of your likeable traits.”
“My kisses?”
“Well, those too. But,” she gave him such a sweet smile, if he hadn’t already been in love with her, he would have fallen right then. “You’re corny.”
“But you love it.”
“Guilty.” Emma dumped the entire packet of sugar into her glass. “And as for my day …”
Killian watched several expressions cross her face while she was chewing. When she started talking, it was about making home visits and vaccinating horses at the Martin Farm. The uneventful, even relatively mundane procedures made him think she was working her way around to something. Until she was ready, he’d listen, as that was one of his favorite past times.
When he finished eating, and she was still rambling, he packed away the leftovers and pushed the basket aside. As he’d hoped, Emma scooted closer and draped her long legs over his.
“Sydney adopted Summer’s puppy. He’s bringing George for his shots next week.”
“George?” Killian chuckled. “Not exactly a typical Canis lupus familiaris name, is it?”
“You’re getting quite good at that.” Emma playfully shuddered, but her eyes spoke of awareness. “When the syllables roll off your tongue, my whole-body tingles.”
“I’ll remember that the next time I’m planning to seduce you.”
“I’m sure you will,” she whispered, her eyes locking with his.
The current that was always between them seemed to pulse, growing stronger, threatening to pull them together.
“You asked where the name came from,” Emma re-centered herself. “Another female fell under your spell. Her name is Madison, I believe.”
“Ahh, Madison of the auburn curls and bright blue eyes,” Killian grinned. “I think she’s six going on twenty-six.”
Her eyes glittered, “You’re very observant … for a man.”
“I am very observant,” he boasted. “For instance, I observed a certain magazine hidden in one of your desk drawers.”
“My desk?”
“Aye, Doc,” his hand found its way to her thigh. “And in case you were wondering, I marked the pages I liked best.”
“It’s research,” she sputtered primly.
“I’d be happy to help you with that research, Doc.” Killian quipped. “Anytime, anywhere.”
“I’m sure you would.”
“But now.” Killian reached for her. “Felis catus, Canis lupus familiaris, Rhopalocera, Coccinellidae,” he recited, while placing butterfly kisses on her lips, her cheeks, her eyes.
Emma carded her fingers through his hair, attempting to guide his mouth to hers. Since he wanted the same thing, he allowed her to succeed, and their lips and tongues dueled for dominance. When she moaned, he had to fight not to lay her down on the blankets and strip her bare.
“Doc,” he murmured, his lips never quite releasing hers. “What else happened today?”
“Wha—,” Emma leaned back enough to break the contact between their mouths. “Open book?”
“Aye, Doc.”
“It’s nothing … much. I invited my dad to come to Swan Harbor when he flies east. Now,” she cupped his head and tugged him back down, “kiss me.”
“Gladly,” his lips teased hers, “but we’ll discuss your father’s visit later if you want.”
“Much later,” Emma moaned, keeping his head in place and molding their lips together again.
There was a fire burning inside of him he’d never experienced, and he needed Emma closer. It took but a few moves before she’d wrapped her legs around his waist and was pushing her heat flush against the wedge behind his zipper. The contact of her softness with his hardness had his thoughts scattering in all directions. Skin. He just needed skin.
His hands skimmed around her hips, sliding under her jacket and sweater before touching the soft, smooth skin of her back. She moaned against his mouth.
“Let’s go. I want you now.” Emma pushed away, as if she were moving out of his arms.
“Then have me.” He yanked off his jacket and reached for the hem of his shirt.
“Killian wait.” She grabbed his hands, “We’re in public.”
He shook his head and as their eyes clashed, he let her see the need in them. “Trust me, Doc. It’s only you and me.”
“Promise?”
Her hands moved up his chest to toy with the hair at the nape of his neck.
“I promise.”
Killian slid his hands up her side to where he could sweep his thumbs across her tight peaks.
Everything she wanted to do to him and everything she wanted him to do to her was telegraphed in her eyes.
Trust me.
I’m here for you.
And then he could see the moment she gave in to the storm brewing between them.
“Race you.”
The two words were the sweetest words he’d ever heard.
“I love you, Doc.”
“And I love you,” she tugged off one boot. “Now hurry.”
Killian whipped his shirt over his head and tossed it one direction. His pants were thrown in another.
They met in the middle of the pallet and when her hard nipples mingled with the hair on his chest, the heat nearly set his skin on fire.
“Heaven.”
“We’re getting there,” Killian replied, following her down onto the warm blankets. “Hold on tight.”