Page 26 of Jaxson

“It’s Christmas fabric,” she said.

“Yep. I always make sure I get plenty in stock, and I like to have a variety between woven and knit fabric, just so people can order what they like. Christmas sweaters, pajamas, or outfits. You know how busy everyone can be at that time of year,” Kate said. “You get it ordered early, and hopefully, it will inspire customers to order.”

Tillie felt a little uneasy as she stood in the back of the shop. “Kate, have you heard any ... rumors?”

“Rumors? What do you mean?” Kate asked.

“You know, in town?” She nibbled her lip and watched as Kate frowned.

“In all honesty, I’ve not been to town for quite some time. I’ve just been so focused on the shop.” Kate reached into the box of fabric and carried it across her small storage room. “Why? What nasty little rumors are they saying now?”

“They’re talking about you and Jaxson.”

This made Kate stop. “Me and Jaxson? What on earth for?”

“They say you and Jaxson are seeing each other.”

Kate frowned. “How is that possible, he’s dating you? Also, Jaxson is so not my type.”

“He’s not your type?”

“No.” Kate scrunched up her nose. “That is ... uh, I don’t know. Look, I don’t want to insult you or anything, but he’s not my type.”

Tillie laughed. “I’m not upset, but Jaxson seems to be every woman’s type.”

“This is just stupid gossip, Tillie. I hope you don’t think I would do that to you,” Kate said, putting the fabric against the wall and coming back to her. “I know we’ve never really associated outside of work and all that, but I do consider you a friend, and I do not break the whole ‘girl code’ rule.”

Tillie reached out and held onto Kate’s hands. “You’re right. I didn’t believe it myself, but I thought you should know.”

Kate put her fingers to her head and let out the sound of an explosion. “Honestly, that is what I think to all of that.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Who is your type?”

“I don’t know ... Jaxson has always seemed so ... mean. He’s nice when he comes to work for me, and he helps me around the shop, but he has a lot of spite.” She shrugged. “I don’t even know what I’m talking about anymore.”

“Is there someone you have a crush on?” Tillie asked. Belle pawed at her legs, and she bent down to pick her little girl up.

“It’s ... uh, kind of silly.” Kate’s face had gone a bright shade of pink.

“Who is it?”

“Okay, but you can’t say anything. Do you promise?”

She didn’t even see what could be so bad. “I promise.”

Kate nodded. “You know Cruz Moore?” Kate winced as she spoke.

“Of the Moore Ranch?” Tillie asked.

“Yeah, well, my mom has a job as his housekeeper, and, well...” Kate stopped and groaned.

“Oh, my, you have a crush on Cruz Moore? Seriously? You think Jaxson is blunt and direct, and grumpy. Cruz makes him look like a child television star, always happy.”

Kate winced. “I know. I know.” She put her hands to her face. “Please do not say anything to anyone. I don’t ever want Cruz to find out, nor my mom.”

“I won’t. I promise.” She held her hands up. “Trust me. I don’t really have anyone to tell.”

“Please don’t say anything to Jaxson either, just in case he says anything.”