Page 34 of Yuletide Acres

I turn toward him, narrowing my glare in his direction. “You’re plying me with liquor? Dylan, I think that it’s best if we don’t associate with each other anymore. I apparently rile your anger and bring out the worst in you. Hell, the whole town claims you’re the most charming and handsome man they know. I suppose those qualities don’t extend to me.” I slide off the barstool, walking halfway across the floor before my frustration marches me back in his direction. “Why did you kiss me? If you can’t stand me, why kiss me?”

Dylan swivels the bar stool, grasping me about the waist. Okay, this is different. This is a very public gesture. I can only imagine the size of the meltdown when he turns on me again. “I’m so sorry. If I had known that you were scared… but, it’s not an excuse. I’ve behaved terribly, and you didn’t deserve any of it.”

“Is this a trick?”

“No. Just a jealous jerk who let his temper get the best of him.”

“What are you jealous of?”

His hands run along my sides, lighting off a series of sparks throughout my body. “Anyone near you. I’m not the jealous type, except when it comes to you. Then I turn into a stark raving lunatic. Remember the guy at the festival in Nevada? The one who touched your hair and commented on the color?”

I stop for a moment, recalling the day. “Yes, it was an innocent comment.”

“Not to me. I got into it with him later that night, when I caught him eyeing you.”

My eyes widen. “Is that how you split your lip? You told me you tripped over a rock.”

“I did, when I lunged for the guy.” His hands tighten around my waist as he bites his lip. It’s such an endearing gesture that I almost forget he’s been a brute. “But I’m not surprised that he was looking. You were beautiful then and now”—he huffs out a breath—“now you’re absolutely breathtaking. But you’re more than that. You’re an amazing person, Poppy Mills.”

God, I want to believe him. Believe those delightful compliments dropping from his gorgeous mouth. But he’s turned the tables on me before, and I’m tired of being on the receiving end of his ire. “Are you sure this isn’t a trick? It feels like a trick.”

Dylan smiles, and this time, it reaches his eyes. “I promise.”

I hold up my hand, pinky extended. “That’s not good enough. Pinky swear. Swear that you won’t be mean to me anymore. If you don’t like me, Dylan, that’s your right. But please refrain from hurting me again.”

His pinky wraps around mine, those dark eyes holding me captive as he brings our fingers to his mouth, sealing the deal with a kiss. “I like so very much, Poppy. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t want to throttle every man who looks at you. And because you’re so beautiful, every man looks at you.”

“You going to beat them all up?”

“It’s crossed my mind. Granted, Troy is one of them and beating up the sheriff likely won’t play out in my favor. The man really has a thing for you, and it’s driving me insane.”

I lean in, my lips hovering near his ear. “Even if he does, did you bother to inquire if I reciprocate those feelings?” I take a step back. Being too close to Dylan is dangerous—for my hormones and my heart. “Although it would be quite a story for the local paper if our gorgeous mayor is jailed for beating up the residents of Yuletide Acres.”

“You think I’m gorgeous?”

My cheeks flame and I grab my drink from the bar, downing the contents. “I think every woman in this town is in love with you.”

“Every woman?”

I’m not giving him the satisfaction, even if he can see through my lie. “Well, there has to be one exception.”

Dylan chuckles, his fingers curling in my belt loop. “There’s always one, ruining my perfect average. Of course, she’s the only one I want. But, I think I can convince her that I’m worth pursuing.”

“Aren’t we confident?”

“Not as much as you might think. False bravado, but I get the suspicion that she cares about me, too.”

“Is that a fact? Well, let the games begin,” I add with a wink.

Dylan straightens, glancing to the rear of the bar. “Actually, that’s a great idea. How about I let you beat me in a game of pool?”

“You know I suck at pool. The last ten years have not helped my average.”

“Hence why this is such a tremendous gift that I’m giving you.”

I want to stay mad at Dylan. He doesn’t deserve an easy access route back to my heart. But the man has always known the secret passageways of my soul and being near him makes me feel alive for the first time in a decade. Even when he’s behaving like a neanderthal. “I’m willing to kick your ass at pool. But, I need a refill first. And you’re buying.”

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