Page 53 of Yuletide Acres

Chapter 10

Dylan

Iswear, women make no sense.

I watch Poppy walk from the great room, wishing like hell that I could rush after her, push her into the coat check room and have my way with her.

Instead, I’m saddled with an array of pressing crises, none of which are actually pressing. After a few minutes, I’ve had enough, excusing myself from the group.

After ensuring that my mother will keep an eye on Marissa, I head to the coat check. As I grab my jacket and throw it on, I can’t help but overhear a couple of the local women bantering. About me.

“He seems crazy about that one.”

“Mr. West doesn’t do relationships. You know that.”

I clench my jaw. I know those voices, especially since they work in my office. Susan and Amelia trading tales again. Leaning against the wall, I wait, curious how deep they’ll dig themselves.

I’m not stupid. I know the women of this town gossip about me and Troy. We’re eligible bachelors. We have good jobs, don’t do drugs, don’t abuse women, and we clean up pretty damn well. What has my back up is that Poppy now seems to be part of their conversation.

“I think it’s different with her.” I know Susan’s voice anywhere, and as per usual, she’s defending my honor. That woman deserves a raise.

“I don’t know about that. He showed up to the bar with Gayle just the other night. He can’t be too serious about her. At least, now she’s aware of the score.”

I bristle at her statement. What damn score?

“What did you tell her?” Susan questions.

“That Dylan West won’t get serious about any woman, not even her. I did it to protect her. She seems like a good person, and I could tell she was really disappointed about Dylan’s rules.”

Okay, that’s enough.

“Good evening, ladies,” I stroll over, a fake as hell grin on my face. “I couldn’t help overhearing your topic of conversation.”

“Hi, Dylan,” Amelia murmurs, her cheeks turning a vivid shade of red.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret. Just because I haven’t gotten involved with any of the women in Yuletide Acres, doesn’t mean that I’m off the market. I would appreciate it if you would keep that in mind and not ruin my chances with Ms. Mills.”

“But…you always said…” Now she’s stammering, falling over her words.

“Here’s the thing. Poppy isn’t just any woman. For me, she’s every woman. Got it? Enjoy your evening.”

I turn and stalk outside, leaving Amelia gaping and Susan snickering.

What can I say? The truth hurts. But I’ll be damned if some former truths hurt the woman I love.

Now I can add damage control to my list of errands tonight.

But first, I need to catch up with Poppy. I hate that she left without me. I know Yuletide Acres is a safe town, but she’s tiny and I’m overprotective where she’s concerned.

“Heading out?”

I look to my left, shaking my head at Troy as he snuffs out his cigarette. “When are you going to quit that shit?”

He shrugs, seemingly unconcerned. “I don’t do it that often. Hey, got a lead on those tracks.”

“At Poppy’s cabin?”

“Yeah, it seems some psycho out of Bozeman is on the lam and they believe he might have headed this way.”