Page 22 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Like I said, carry on. It’s not my fault you picked the only exit to make a move.”

He passed by, and Pike saw Delilah glance after him, worrying her bottom lip. Was she embarrassed that Anthony had caught them?

When she finally met his gaze, she asked, “Sorry, what did you say?”

Ouch. Might as well get this over with. Pike wasn’t sure his pride could take any more indifference.

“I asked if you were still not feeling it.”

“I—” She cleared her throat, the noise inaudible over the roar of Anthony’s truck and the crunch of gravel under tires. “I’m sorry, Pike. I think we missed our boat.”

“Wow,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I thought the mistletoe was charming.”

“It toed the line between charming and corny. I think it would work wonders with the right girl.”

“But that’s not you, huh?” he asked, slipping the mistletoe back into his pocket.

“It’s not. I’m sorry.”

Pike gave her what he hoped was a rueful smile. “Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?”

“Yeah.”

Delilah stood awkwardly, and he didn’t want to prolong the rejection any longer, so he took a step back toward the house.

“I’m gonna head inside and grab another slice of pizza for the road,” he said.

“Good night, Pike.”

“You, too. Safe travel tomorrow.”

“Thanks.”

Pike backed up as he watched her continue down the walkway and through the gate to where her car was parked. Once she’d driven off, Pike was left with a conundrum. Did he bravely go back inside and admit to his friends and the Winters that he had struck out? Or dip like a coward and head to Brews and Chews for a self-pitying binge?

Pulling out his phone, he chose the latter, shooting Nick a text.

Suffered a painful rejection, so I’m ducking out. Tell your parents thank you and I’ll see you all tomorrow.

His phone chirped as he climbed into his car.

Sorry, man. You need me to come meet you?

While he’d have loved Nick coming out to chill with him, being around Nick and Noel’s love would only pour salt in his open wound.

Nah, you hang with your fam. Night.

RYLER

Ryler finished off her burger with gusto, moaning happily. “I think that was the best burger I’ve ever tasted.”

“It was pretty good,” Alia admitted, absently nibbling on a French fry as she stared at her phone screen. They’d taken the groceries home and headed back out to the bar in the pines. While Alia had originally balked at the honky-tonk atmosphere of Brews and Chews, Ryler had ordered her cousin’s favorite cocktail, and all had become right with the world.

Ryler’s foot tapped along with the song blasting over the speakers, although she couldn’t remember the name or artist. The dance floor was empty with the exception of one couple who were getting down and dirty. A few guys sat at the bar, chatting up the gorgeous bartender, and two women sat at a table near the exit. Otherwise, they were the only ones in the place.

“I guess the day before Thanksgiving isn’t exactly a party night,” Ryler joked, watching her cousin for the hint of a smile, but she didn’t even glance up.

By the way her thumbs were moving, Alia was texting someone, but she finally responded, “It’s also eight on a Wednesday.”