Page 32 of Yuletide Acres

“Getting there,” I murmur, my lips nuzzling against hers, feeling that same delicious spark fire between us. Our gazes hold, my hands cupping her face as I claim her mouth, feeling her body quiver against me. Her lips part and I slide my tongue against hers, tasting her sweetness. I’m desperate for this woman, and the kiss reflects the savage intensity I’ve bottled up in our years apart.

“Hey, Poppy, you around?” Troy’s voice sounds from the other room, as Poppy projectiles herself away from me.

“Just a second, Troy.” She grabs her shirt, shoving it over her head. “I’m sorry.”

I wrap my fingers around Poppy’s wrist, holding her fast. “For which part?”

“I shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t professional.”

“One would hope you don’t do that with all your clients.”

“Never, with the exception of you.”

“Then why did you jump away from me? Why do you care what Troy thinks?” My blood heats up as the situation becomes clear, and I shake my head, my jaw tense. “I should have known.”

“You should have known what?” Poppy inquires, her hands resting on her hips. Hips I want to grab as I bury my cock inside her. “What are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything. There’s no need. It’s pretty damn apparent.”

“Wow, you can’t help yourself, can you?” Poppy hisses, throwing up her hands in disgust.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Being a total dick to me. You get off on it, don’t you? You and your little head games. It’s twisted, D. One second you’re charming as anything and the next you’re biting my head off.”

“I’m only asking for clarification. How many men are you entertaining in Yuletide Acres?”

Okay, that question should never have left my mouth. The headache is blasting again as she recoils from my words.

“Get out,” she grits, her face centimeters from mine. “Don’t ever come back.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“You know what? Yes, I do. I prefer to spend time with people who don’t loathe me. Imagine that. And you don’t fit into that category. But, I suppose I’m good enough to fuck. That was your plan, right?” Tears form in her eyes, but she wipes them with the heel of her hand. “I’ve always been a fool for you, Dylan West. So, do me a favor. Just stay away.”

She and I wait there, in a standoff, both desperate for the other but neither willing to yield.

“Poppy, I hate to bother you, but I need to get back to the station. I wanted to discuss some things with you, although it can wait until tonight if you’re busy.”

“Tonight, huh? Don’t want to keep your man waiting.” With a heated grunt, I shove on my clothes before storming out to the front of the store.

“Dylan?” Troy asks, his eyes wide. “What are you doing here?”

I look back to where Poppy stands, her arms crossed over her chest. “Nothing, apparently. I was just leaving.”

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