Killian (Hope City #8) - Kris Michaels Page 0,63

‘That’s never going to happen, and you should probably drop the argument now because I’m a lawyer and I love to argue.’

Killian walked out of the hotel’s private dining area with Ryker about twenty minutes later. “I’m kind of overwhelmed,” Ryker spoke as they walked out of the hotel.

Killian kept pace with him. “When are you going to realize you are our brother, our blood? Dude, that old bastard isn’t who we are.”

Ryker nodded and cleared his throat, probably to swallow the emotion. Killian stopped beside Ryker’s car. “Can I ask you a question?”

Ryker stopped with his hand on the door handle. “Anything.”

Killian leaned against the vehicle. “How did you know you were in love with Brie? I mean, was it a flashing revelation, did it hit you over the head, or did you just kind of ease into it?” Killian shoved his hands in his pockets and stared at the tip of his steel-toed work boot.

Ryker spun around and leaned against his car next to Killian. “Wow, well, with her it was easy. We just clicked. There wasn’t any drama, you know? We just moved forward, and each day was better than the last. So, yeah, we kind of eased into it.”

Killian nodded. “But how did you know she was the one?” He glanced over at Ryker, who was staring at him.

“That’s simple. Ask yourself what you’d feel like if she was with someone else. If she was ripped from your arms, would you have the capacity to love again? Hell, would you have the ability to breathe?”

Killian’s gut rolled at the visual picture Ryker painted. His brother’s hand landed on his shoulder, startling him. “That feeling? The one that dropped all the color from your face and made you look like you were going to puke? That’s how you know. Who’s the lucky woman?”

Killian drew a long pull of air into his lungs and exhaled it before he spoke. “Bekki.”

Ryker cocked his head. “Bekki who?”

“King.” Killian watched as the realization of his words sunk in.

Ryker’s face split with a smile and then he laughed before he turned and opened his car door, still laughing. “She’s a spitfire, Killian. She’ll keep you on your toes.”

“She does,” he agreed. He backed away as Ryker got into his car. “And this stays between us,” he reminded his brother.

Ryker nodded. “I’ve been told I can be trusted.”

“The very reason I asked you and not one of them.” Killian tossed his head in the direction of the hotel where his brothers remained.

“I’m happy for you. Congratulations, and let me know as soon as I can tell Brie.”

“I will. Don’t be a stranger,” Killian said as Ryker pulled forward out of his parking slot. His brother waved as he drove away.

He made his way back to his truck and got in. His phone chirped and he glanced at the notification. Three missed calls and voicemails, all from the same number within the last two days. Mr. Grunwald obviously didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘no.’ His land wasn’t for sale, no matter the price given. Right now, it was a matter of principle—he’d said no. The lawyer was going to have to deal with his client. He started his truck and pulled out of the parking lot. The trip back to the work site was going to be a bitch because of traffic, but the smile on his face the entire way would make driving through traffic to get back to Bekki worth every second.

Chapter 15

“It was nice of you to let Blay take Duke over to meet Gage. He’s wanted a German shepherd forever. Mom even said he has a name picked out for it.”

“Gage’s mom and dad deserve to know the amount of work it takes to keep one of those dogs as a pet. They aren’t an easy breed; they need plenty of exercise and, unfortunately, they can have health issues with their hips. He’s a lot of dog to take on and all dogs are long-term commitments.” Killian chuckled as he worked on his computer. “But I wouldn’t trade a day with that loyal, hairy, slobbery old man.”

Bekki smiled. Neither would she, but Duke wasn’t her dog. Instead, she opened the desk drawer where they’d been stacking takeout menus. “What are you interested in for dinner tonight?”

Killian looked up. “Get something delivered from the deli down the street. We can have a picnic by the water when all the guys have clocked out. No dog to wander up and