Page 5 of Mistletoe Mischief

Neil scrolled through the pics she’d downloaded on her phone, nodding his head. “You know I’m down for anything, even the potato state.”

“Kit will love the backdrop for photos,” Ryler said.

He handed her back the phone, his dark gaze holding hers. “If she throws too big a fit, maybe that’s a sign to come out of hiding. Before the truth comes out and bites you in the ass.”

Ryler got up to grab a water bottle from the minifridge in the corner of the room, Neil’s words circling her like a rope, tightening around her chest until she struggled to catch her breath. The thought of announcing to the world that she was the voice behind Excursions left her ready to give up the podcast altogether, and it was her life. She couldn’t even focus on a relationship because she was never in one place long enough to let herself fall.

But telling the world that beautiful, perfect Alia Cole had never been the voice of Excursions, and that it was actually mousy Ryler behind the mic, using her cousin’s name and face to hide behind? She’d rather just stop posting, but they couldn’t do that either. They had sponsors and advertising that paid their bills.

Ryler twisted off her water cap with a huff. “If I came clean now, it would still take a big chunk out of my behind.” Ryler slapped her butt to emphasize her point. “Starting with the sponsors and advertisers, who would pull their money and support.”

Neil scoffed. “You put too much stock in appearances. Your listeners love you. They get wrapped up in your passion for these places. True fans don’t care what you look like. They were obsessed with the show before we ever posted on Instagram.”

“They do not want to look at a midsize woman with wavy hair she can’t control and freckles dotting all over her cheeks and nose.”

“Really? I thought I just saw a tutorial on TikTok on how to give yourself freckles? I think they’re in.”

“I’m an average woman, nothing remarkable. Definitely not Instagram worthy.”

“Okay, that is what you see.” Neil got up off the bed and crossed the room to hug her. “I see my gorgeous, successful friend who shines when she walks into any room. Who can set someone at ease with a smile.” He chucked her under the chin, dark eyes meeting hers. “You are perfect, Ryls. I wish you could see it.”

Ryler didn’t have it in her to argue. She never wanted to be in the spotlight. She loved her podcast and sharing the places she explored with the world, but she didn’t want to put herself on display for strangers to pick apart. She’d seen it happen a thousand times to celebrities who kept their identity a secret for years and then the big unmasking occurred. Suddenly, everyone had an opinion on what they should have looked like. While Ryler was confident in who she was, enduring society’s insults wasn’t something she wanted to open herself up to.

Ryler gave Neil a hard squeeze and released him, heading back to sit crisscross at the head of her bed. “While I appreciate your support, I’m happy with this arrangement. I get to do what I love without all the stress of public appearances.”

“Fine, I’ll shut up about it.” Neil sat down on the edge and stared at her with solemn brown eyes. “I just worry.”

“That’s what I keep you around for,” she teased.

“You also keep me around to intimidate interested males.”

Ryler groaned and fell sideways on the bed. “I thought you went drinking with the others.”

“I did.”

“Then why aren’t you miserable and hungover instead of lecturing me about my life?”

“I stuck to beer and water. I basically played babysitter, keeping the others from doing something stupid.”

“Should I make you a shirt that reads Papa Bear?” she asked, running her finger over the front of her chest to demonstrate.

“I’ll never wear it, but knock yourself out. Back to you though … When is the last time you talked to Ollie?”

“Yesterday,” she said, fudging the truth a bit. Ryler had called and left a message … a few weeks ago.

“And is he going to make plans to spend the holidays with you in snowy paradise?”

“We haven’t discussed it.” In all honesty, Ollie and Ryler hadn’t had a conversation longer than two minutes for a few weeks now. Ryler knew that was a sign to pull the plug, but she didn’t want her friends to start chucking single men at her like basketballs to a hoop.

Neil grunted. “You need to stop dating these boring accountant types. They are never going to give you the life and love you deserve, or the fire.”

“Ollie has heat,” Ryler protested.

“Seriously, that kiss he gave you when he met you at the airport gate three weeks ago? Tepid at best!”

“Anyway!” Ryler laughed, sitting up and reaching for her phone. She tapped on Instagram again, when she saw there was a message and read Pike’s response. I’m telling you, Excursions made the right choice picking Mistletoe. We will take care of you, trust me.

Ryler checked out the picture of @PikenAround’s hot spring one more time. She knew from his profile pic that he was the guy with red hair and the beard standing up in the pool. Ryler couldn’t help admiring the wide shoulders and sculpted chest, arms, and stomach. The guy probably lived at the gym.