The party wound down long after sunset, soft music, and laughter fading into the night air. Catalina helped her mother gather plates and cups from the backyard tables, her mind only half on the task. Every time she glanced toward the patio lights, she caught sight of Kerian—leaning against the railing, talking with Keith and Brian, smiling that easy smile that made her heart do odd little flips.
But Vivienne wasn’t far either.
She hovered near Kerian like a determined shadow, her high-pitched laugh cutting through the hum of conversation. Catalina tried to ignore it, but when Vivienne “accidentally” brushed her hand along Kerian’s arm again, Catalina muttered something under her breath that made Maire glance over.
“Everything okay, love?” Maire asked, stacking dishes.
“Peachy,” Catalina said tightly. “Just wondering how many times one woman can fake a laugh before she sprains something.”
Maire raised a brow but wisely stayed quiet.
By the time most of the guests had left, Catalina was ready to retreat. She slipped upstairs for her bag, only to freeze when she heard someone behind her.
“Planning to sneak away without saying goodnight?”
Kerian leaned against the hallway wall, arms folded, a crooked smile on his face.
Catalina’s pulse jumped. “Didn’t think anyone would notice.”
“Oh, I noticed.” His voice dropped low enough that it made her stomach flutter. “You disappeared the second Vivienne started talking.”
Catalina tried to look unimpressed. “Maybe I just didn’t feel like being the third wheel tonight.”
Kerian stepped closer, and for a moment, all the air seemed to vanish between them. “You’ll never be that with me, KittyCat. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
The sound of Maire calling from downstairs broke the moment. Catalina stepped back quickly, pretending to fix her sleeve.
“I should go,” she said softly.
“I’ll walk you home,” he replied.
They walked in silence for a while, their hands brushing every so often but neither brave enough to hold on. The night air was cool and still, the kind that made the stars look sharper.
When they reached her porch, Catalina turned to him. “Kerian… what you said earlier about caring for me—did you mean it, or were you just saying that to make me feel better about my writing?”
Kerian smiled faintly, his eyes searching hers. “I meant every word. You make my days better, Catalina. You always have.”
Her heart stuttered. “You always know what to say.”
He chuckled. “That’s because it’s the truth.”
She wanted to say more, but her words tangled with the quiet rush of emotions she didn’t yet know how to name.
Instead, she whispered, “Goodnight, Kerian.”
“Goodnight, beautiful,” he said—and when he brushed a kiss against her forehead, she knew sleep wouldn’t come easy that night.
---
Later That Night…
The moon hung low over the quiet neighborhood. Somewhere on the edge of town, headlights flickered briefly before disappearing down a narrow dirt road.
Inside a dimly lit cabin, a phone buzzed on a cluttered table. A man answered it immediately.
“Talk.”
“It’s confirmed,” came the reply. “Peterson’s file leads straight to Haven Ridge. That’s where he’s hiding. Going by a new name now.”
The man’s jaw tightened. “Good. Keep watching. No contact until I say so.”
He ended the call and leaned back, eyes burning with fury. “You can run all you want, Peterson,” he murmured. “But I always finish what I start.”
YOU ARE READING
Curves For The Agent Cowboy
Romance"I'll be right back.. I need to go and find out what's taking Nick so long. I'm thirsty!" With that being said she ignored the scared look on Catalina's face and walked away. Catalina watched her go and when she turned back around she was surprised...
