Monday morning Killian waited out front and followed me when I took off running. He didn't say anything, just kept pace. I kept him in my peripheral vision even if I didn't mean too. It was chilly and looked like rain was heading in.

He stopped at the five-mile mark, slightly shorter than the distance he normally ran, and went back the way he came. I continued and finished my run before the rain began.

Killian waited at my door.

I looked at him. "Nothing's changed, Killian. This won't work."

I watched him close his eyes for a moment before opening them and giving me the smallest hint of dimples.

"I won't give up, Rebecca, though I know I deserve everything you're putting me through."

My rage kicked in. "You have no idea what you've put me through. How many tears I've cried or how many times I'd give anything to be in your arms one last time. I'm broken, Killian. You broke me. I don't want the pain that goes along with being your girlfriend."

He leaned in and kissed me. No tongue, just a short, sweet kiss with barely parted lips.

"I love you," he said, but he didn't kiss me again. He turned and walked away.

Killian wasn't waiting for me the following morning and my heart dropped into my belly. It was hard, but I stuck with my normal course. Everything I saw reminded me of Killian. I ran on the path and looked down for a minute at some fallen branches in my way before looking back up. I'd entered the soccer field park. Killian, with Michael bundled up warmly in his wheelchair, waited for me. As I ran closer, I made out a sign resting against Michael's chest.

"I love you and my brother does, too," was written in bold black letters.

I could have killed Killian. I slowed a few feet from Michael, and bent and kissed his cheek, gently squeezing his hands.

"I've missed you, Michael, but your brother is a rascal for pulling you into this."

Michael made his pleased noises that I loved to hear.

I released him, rose to my full height, and gave Killian my best "You are a dick" glare.

He wasn't intimidated.

I finished my run.

The following morning, the sign read, "If she's a screamer, she's a keeper."

I gave Michael the same kiss as the day before and didn't even bother glaring at Killian. The man had no shame.

Killian and his mother came to Tillomans during my shift that evening. I hadn't seen Beth in more than a month and it felt good to have her arms circle around me.

"You're doing wonderful, dear. Don't make this easy on him," she whispered in my ear.

I wiped a tear away and turned to Killian. "Do you know what you'd like, sir?"

His eyes sparkled with merriment. "Yes, you."

Oh the jerk. He'd said it in front of his mother. Beth laughed. I wished I had a tray of food, because I would have dumped it in his lap.

"I'll take tonight's special," Beth said into the blaring silence.

"If I can't have you- I'll have the same."

"That's enough, Killian. She's at work."

"Yes, Mother."

I stormed off, hoping I could find another server to take my place. No one was willing. They knew about my past with Killian and obviously wanted to see the fireworks.

Surprisingly, he behaved himself throughout the rest of his meal.

The sign in Michael's arms the following morning read, "Long legs make me pant."

I don't know what Killian said to his brother, but he was making all kinds of noises when I got close enough to hear. This was a new low and I so wanted to box Killian's ears.

"Good morning, Michael. I love you, but your brother is a good-for-nothing dog." I kept my voice completely sweet. Killian let out a low-sounding dog growl.

I left Michael and his deviant brother standing there while I finished my run. I really couldn't take much more of this. My heart was melting and I was at the breaking point.

Friday the sign said, "Can my brother pick you up tonight for a sleepover?"

It was only six in the morning, but other people ran or walked at this time of day. I wondered what they thought. They had to recognize Killian, but obviously he didn't care.

I kissed Michael. "Yes, I'll be waiting."

What the hell was I doing? I was a fool, but Killian was so far under my skin that I couldn't help myself.

Killian arrived promptly at five.

"Grab the Mustang keys, Legs."

"Why?" I looked at him suspiciously.

"Because I know you haven't used it and it needs to be driven."

I placed the keys in his palm. "You can keep the car, Killian."

"No, I don't think so."

He pulled me into his body and kissed me. His teeth tugged on my bottom lip until I opened my mouth and his tongue swooped in. My lady bits tingled and my heart raced. Pulling back, Killian placed his fingers on my cheeks and tilted my head back so I stared into his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Rebecca, and I don't deserve you, but I love you. We'll talk at my place."

"I'd rather just fuck." It was mean and bitchy, but I couldn't help myself.

His lips quirked and one dimple appeared. "We'll do that, too."

He released my face and took my hand. Even though the promise of fucking Killian made my panties wet, it was actually his hand holding mine that I missed the most. His touch. Such a simple thing, but so powerful. I wiped a few tears from my eyes.

After situating me in the car and taking the driver's seat, Killian didn't release my hand. I closed my eyes and let myself absorb his thumb running across my fingers. My body craved Killian's touch and the hole in my heart grew smaller.

Killian hopelessly out maneuvered me.