Chapter Nine
The last thing Dylan wanted to do was go to the farmer’s market on Saturday.
His mind was so full of thoughts about June, about his past, the relationship between his parents, his head wanted to explode.
Carson was exhibiting some of his photographs, though, and Isabella and Ricardo, her husband who was one of the cowboys working on The Weston Ranch, had a stall where they would sell Isabella’s sourdough starter—whatever that was—pies, and freshly cut flowers. Dylan wanted to support them.
Apparently, there was also a picnic afterward in the gardens surrounding the courthouse, where everyone from the ranch would have food prepared by Isabella.
Dylan arrived in town around twelve. It had been raining most of the week, but the clouds had disappeared, granting the farmer’s market a perfect summer’s day.
The sun was shining and with Daisy joyfully jumping around his heels, he walked past a street musician and coffee carts, as well as baked goods and freshly picked wild huckleberries for sale.
All around him people called out greetings. Some stopped to chat, others pointed out the beautiful pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, and woodcarvings.
On his way to Carson’s stall, his eyes fell on a table filled with jewelry. He zoomed in on a particular fine gold chain with a pendant the exact color of June’s eyes and he stepped closer. Without thinking, he bought it, not even wincing at the price.
As he turned, he saw June across the street.
In a short white dress with nude-colored sandals, her long hair cascading down her back, she simply took his breath away.
She was talking and laughing with some cowboy.
As the man turned, he recognized Nash Johnson.
Gnashing his teeth, he lengthened his stride until he reached her.
Taking her elbow in a firm grip, he vaguely smiled in Nash’s direction. “Excuse us.”
June tried to pull away, but he took her hand, lacing their fingers. “I need to talk to you.”
“I have nothing to say to you, Dylan …”
“You wanna make a scene in front of everyone? I’m totally game, but the town is going to talk about it for a long time.
” Steering her through the crowd of people, words just flowed out his mouth.
“I was an idiot, I know. I was scared. I have no idea how relationships are supposed to work. That’s why I reckoned it would be better if you met other people.
I was wrong. I can’t stop thinking about you or about kissing you.
Even if you’re only staying for another week, I want to spend as much time with you as you’ll let me. ”
They kept walking until they reached the end of Main Street, but June wasn’t talking. He finally looked down at her. “Say something, please?”
“There you are, June!” Willow called out as she, Ellie, and Rose approached them from across the street. Willow’s eyes dropped to their hands. “We’re all about to go to the gardens for Isabella’s picnic. Are you guys ready?”
Pulling her hand from his, June quickly moved forward. “Yes, please. I’m stunned by everything I’ve seen. And Carson’s photos are amazing. I’d really like to talk to him.”
The women all turned and chatting, they crossed the street to the courthouse gardens. For a moment Dylan stared at their retreating backs before he followed them. Well, damn it, he wasn’t quite finished talking with June.
*
As June joined everyone on the blanket under the trees, she was aware of Dylan somewhere behind her. What was she supposed to do with what he’d said? He was an idiot and she was supposed to trust him again? So what happened the next time he asked her on a date and decided to get cold feet again?
With a plate filled with everything Isabella had brought along, she sat down. Behind her was a movement and the next moment Dylan’s big body dropped down beside her.
From somewhere came the sound of someone crooning a song. Tilting her head, she tried to catch the words of the slow song. Something about sweet love.
Swallowing a groan, her eyes met Dylan’s. A soft wind moved the leaves ever so slightly away and for a moment the sun fell directly on the handsome cowboy by her side. Her heart sighed. She felt at home here for the first time in her life and the reason was sitting right beside her.
What this craziness inside her was she had no idea, but she also knew if she didn’t find out she’d be sorry for the rest of her life.
Smiling, she leaned toward him. “Okay.”
Putting his plate down, he stared at her. “Okay what, exactly?”
“Okay, let’s spend time together.”
He smiled; one of those that made her knees turn to rubber and woke up the butterflies. “Yea?”
She smiled. “Yeah. But we have to talk. Let’s have fun, but remember, I’m leaving soon and …”
Before she could finish her sentence, he kissed her. Right there in front of the whole of Marietta.
All the other Westons, and probably some of the bystanders as well, whistled and clapped.
“So, I hope this means he’s taking you to the ball tonight, June?” Arlene asked.
“He hasn’t asked me, yet,” June said blushing.
“Better do it quickly then,” Ellie chuckled. “Nash Johnson is heading this way.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven?” Dylan smiled before he kissed her again.
Whether Nash had seen them, she’d never know. By the time Dylan lifted his head, Nash was walking in another direction.
With Dylan’s arm warmly around her body, they spent a lovely afternoon under the trees.
Hayden got up. “We have to get back,” he said. “See you all tonight.”
As he got up a tall, older man approached them.
“Good afternoon,” Hayden said. “May I help you?”
“You’re all Westons, aren’t you?”
“Yes, we are,” Hayden said.
“I’m Jeff Thomas. I went to school with your dad Jackson and his brother, Grayson.”
Dylan and Carson inhaled simultaneously.
The older man smiled. “I moved away after school and lost touch, but would you believe it, my daughter married a rancher and moved to Marietta. Never thought I’d see Copper Mountain again.”
“So you’re just visiting?” Hayden asked politely.
“I am. Sorry for intruding, but you all have the Weston smile. That’s what I recognized as I walked past.” He grinned. “You know, I remember your dad and his brother both liked the same pretty girl. I’ve always wondered …”
Arlene got up. “Hi, Jeff.”
As he turned to her, his eyes widened. “Arlene, so you …?”
Before he could finish his sentence, she took his arm. “The kids are leaving, but I still want ice cream from the shop across the street.” And still talking, they moved away.
They were all quiet as they packed up. As they were leaving, Hayden cleared his throat. “Let’s not jump to conclusions, okay? Well talk to Mom tomorrow.”
*
It was around seven on Saturday night when Dylan parked his truck in front of the Graff Hotel. His blood was roaring in his ears, his heart was galloping away at an alarming rate. How he was going to survive looking at June, never mind dancing with her, holding her in his arms, he had no idea.
She turned to him. “Dylan, I don’t know what is wrong or what happened, but it’s clear you’ve changed your mind again. Please take me home.” Her eyes were glistening with tears.
He finally got his voice back—the one he’d lost when she’d opened her front door.
Dressed in a light blue long, soft skirt and a white, figure-hugging top that left her shoulders bare and a pair of high heels, every single line he’d ever used telling a woman she was beautiful just vanished. He hadn’t been able to talk since.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” Her voice wobbled. “You haven’t said a word since I’ve opened the front …”
Bending forward, he claimed her lips in a long, searing kiss. Out of breath, his pants way too small to accommodate her influence on him, he cupped her face. “That’s why. Do you have any idea how difficult it was not to drag you to the floor and make love to you right there on the carpet?”
Her eyes darkened.
“I’m not good with feelings, with talking about them or experiencing them for that matter,” he said. “When I’m overwhelmed—and you, June, you overwhelm me every time I see you—I don’t have words.”
Leaning forward, she kissed him. “That”—her eyes were bright with tears—“was the corniest and nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I have just one more question.”
“What’s that?”
“Where’s Daisy?”
Laughing, he kissed her again. “She’s with Cooper’s and Ellie’s pets.”
“Okay, great. Let’s go dance, cowboy.”
“Just a minute, I have something for you.” He took out a small square box. “When I saw this trinket earlier today, the color of the stone reminded me of your eyes and well …” He put the box in her hand. “I hope you like it.”
As she opened the box, her eyes widened. “This isn’t just a trinket, is it?”
“Do you like it?”
“Of course I do, it’s beautiful, but it’s way too expensive …”
While she was talking, he took out the necklace. “Turn around?”
“Dylan, I …”
“I like you June, and I want to give this to you. It’s no big deal. Come on, turn around.”
Slowly she turned. Inhaling deeply, his eyes roamed over her shoulders, taking in her soft skin, the slope …”
“Can I help you?” she interrupted his thoughts.
“I’ve never done this before, just a moment.” Concentrating, he unclasped the chain before he put it around her neck. As she lifted her hair, he fastened the clasp, using the moment to trail his fingers over her skin.
“Dylan …”
Dropping a soft kiss on her neck, he opened his door. “Wait for me, I’ll help you.” Jumping out of his truck, he rushed around to her side.
She actually waited for him. “You listened,” he teased. Lifting his arms, he helped her down. For a moment, he hugged her close. “You are so beautiful, I hope you know that.”
Touching the stone around her neck, she smiled. “Thank you. I love it, but …”
Grabbing her hand, he pulled her close to him. “Stop right there. Come on, gorgeous, let’s go dance!”
*
“Oh, how pretty,” June sighed as they entered the hotel. “Look at the paneled wood and, ooh, those light fixtures are something else.”
“We’re very proud of our Graff,” Dylan said, lacing their fingers. “It took two years to restore, but it’s a lovely place.”
“You’re here!” Willow called out behind them.
The next moment, June was enveloped in a soft hug. “I’m so glad the two of you are together,” Willow whispered. Her eyes swept over June’s outfit. “You look stunning. And that necklace … Dylan?”
June nodded but didn’t elaborate. “You look very smart yourself.”
Hunter pulled Willow close to him. “I’m married to the most gorgeous woman.”
Grinning, Willow leaned against him. “We only got married in December; we’re still smitten with each other.”
June laughed. “Well, looking at the rest of your family, it seems to me the Westons stay smitten for a long time.”
“That we do,” Becket said as he and Ellie also joined them. “Come on, let’s find our table.”
It took a while to finally get to their table. Several people stopped them to talk. Dylan introduced her to everyone but there was no way she would ever be able to remember all the names.
As they neared the table, Nash Johnson approached from the front. Next to June, Dylan stiffened.
“You promised me a dance, remember?” Nash smiled.
“The lady,” Dylan said as he ushered her to a chair, “as you can see, is with me.”
Nash turned to June. “If he changes his mind, let me know.”
Frowning Dylan pulled out a chair next to June. “The damn cheek.”
Becket slapped him on the shoulder. “You better keep an eye on her, coz; there are more guys with eyes on your date.”
Fortunately, Arlene arrived with Hayden, Laura, and … June’s eyes widened. Luke?
Rose laughed when she saw June’s face. “This is what happens in a small town, I’ve learned. All the kids are welcome. They’ll find somewhere to nap when they’re tired.”
For the first time, June noticed the other children who had accompanied their parents. Children always included—what a lovely way to grow up. Her heart sighed softly for the little girl she’d been, the one who had never quite fit in.
Sometimes she wondered about her mother. What had driven her to leave her child at the fire station and walk away? As a little girl, she’d waited for her to come and pick her up again. Maybe she was just busy, she’d thought. By age ten, she’d stopped hoping that anyone would come and get her.
Dylan’s arm folded around her shoulder. “And that deep sigh?”
Smiling quickly, she shook her head. “If someone had told me two weeks ago, I’d be attending a ball in Marietta, I would’ve laughed. Prom night was probably the last time I was at a dance.”
Getting up, he held out his hand. “Well, we’re here to broaden your horizons. Come on.”
As Dylan pulled her close, she recognized the song. It was the same one that had played during the picnic earlier today.
Dylan’s mouth was close to her ear. “Like the guy’s singing, nobody makes me feel the way you do.”
June didn’t want to talk, though. With her head against Dylan’s, she closed her eyes giving her other senses the opportunity to lap up the rhythm of the music, Dylan’s warm chest beneath her cheek, his arms tenderly holding her close, his soft breath on her face.
All too soon, though, the music ended and Dylan was steering her back to the table. “I don’t know about you”—his voice was low—“but I’m either taking you home right now or I’ll have to get a long, cold drink as quickly as possible.”
For a moment, she wanted to throw caution to the wind and drag Dylan home, but this was way too fast and too intense. She needed time to think.
“A cold drink would be nice, thanks.”
His eyes flashed but nodding, he pulled out her chair. “If that’s what you prefer.”
No, she wanted to shout. It’s not what I prefer; it is the saner decision to make. Just one look from Dylan lit the embers that had started the first time she’d touched him. Oh, my goodness, this was ridiculous. She was leaving soon.
Her eyes caught Willow’s as she sat down, but she quickly looked away. The last thing she wanted at the moment was somebody reading her mind.
“May I claim my dance now?” a voice behind her asked. Nash Johnson was indeed persistent.
She got up quickly. A distraction was just what she needed. “Yes. Thank you.”