Page 13 of Yuletide Acres

“I’m famished, actually. My tea from earlier is long gone.”

“That’s why I’m taking her to the diner. Some good old home cooking.” Troy saunters over, leaning against the wall behind Poppy.

All I know is the man needs to put some distance between them before I make him move. “It’s not home cooking at the greasy spoon.”

Poppy raises her hands between us, willing us down. “I’m sure it will be lovely.”

“I’ll get our coats.” With a final smirk, Troy walks away, leaving me to steam.

“Hmm. I didn’t think Troy would be your type.”

Poppy’s brow furrows at my statement. “For a dinner companion? As long as he chews with his mouth closed, we’re good.”

“I meant looks-wise. Didn’t think you liked blondes.” Seriously, Dylan? I’m amazing even myself with my current level of pettiness.

Poppy chuckles, crossing her arms over her chest. “Oh…that. I don’t have a problem with blondes.” Her hand reaches up, one finger grazing down my cheek. “I just don’t like men with beards.”

“Cute.” It’s the best I can manage. Her simple caress has my dick throbbing for release.

“I’ll wager you have a strong dislike for women with long dark hair and hippie tendencies. Am I close?”

I step toward her, hearing her breath hitch at my proximity. Good. She’s not immune. “Actually, I have a distinct weakness for one woman with long dark hair. Even when she’s lying to me.”

“What am I lying about?”

Another step forward and her back is against the wall, my arms caging her in. “If I kissed you right now, what would you do? Don’t widen those eyes at me. Would you push me away? Or would you let me kiss you all over, knowing how good I made you feel?”

I see her shallow breathing, but she isn’t rejecting my idea. And now, I’m close enough to grab her and make good on my threat.

“Is this how you woo women, Mr. West?” Poppy inquires, a sexy smirk crossing her lips.

“It’s how I woo you, Ms. Mills. Question is, is it working?”

With every word, our lips have moved closer. Inch by inch. Syllable by syllable, until I can smell the minty flavor of her breath.

“Here we go,” Troy announces, flouncing back into the room.

Poppy and I jerk apart, but I smile at the flush crawling up her cheeks. I’m glad to know I get to her, too.

“I’ll lock up the back door and we’ll be all set.” Troy hands Poppy her coat before disappearing once more.

What a good man, Troy. Take your time.

I hold Poppy’s gaze, daring her to deny the emotion between us. “Too bad we got interrupted. I’d love to prove your theory wrong.”

“What theory is that?” I hear the trepidation in her voice. She has no idea what I’m about to say.

“That kissing me with a beard beats kissing any other man out there.”

Poppy smiles, a chuckle escaping her throat. “Aren’t you a cocky character, Mr. West?”

“Didn’t hear you complaining a minute ago,” I remind her, letting my hand graze along her side.

“You didn’t actually do anything. I think it’s all a bunch of hype.” With a shake of her hips, she grabs her bag, nodding toward the door.

As we step into the frigid night air, I lean in, whispering in her ear. “Hey Poppy, don’t knock it until you try it.”

She stands on tiptoe, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Goodnight, Mr. West. I’ll give the matter some thought.”

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