Page 66 of Mistletoe Mischief

Pike settled into the driver’s seat. “So you say, but I’m not really a dog person.”

“Ew, you did not just say that,” she groaned.

“What?” he asked, starting the car.

“Saying you’re not a dog person is like saying you drink the blood of babies.”

Pike burst out laughing. “What the fuck? It is not!”

“Actually, it kind of is!” she said, watching the side mirror as Pike pulled out. When Neil flipped around safely and fell in behind them, she added, “According to scientific research, people who don’t like animals show a lack of empathy and disconnect, which makes it difficult for them to form lasting relationships.”

“While that does describe my dating history, I didn’t say I didn’t like dogs, I said I wasn’t a dog person. That just means I don’t want one pissing and crapping in my house.”

“That is why you teach them not to.”

“Yeah, but when? I’m out with clients or at the store eight hours or more a day. That’s not fair for a dog. And while Idaho is a dog-friendly place, I can’t take her everywhere, especially in the summer when it gets hot.”

“Oh my God,” Ryler said, slapping his arm playfully. “You are a dog person!”

“I just said—”

“All the reasons why you couldn’t keep her have to do with her happy and healthy mental and physical being! You, Pike Sutton, have been giving this a lot of thought because you’re really falling in love with Jo and want her in your life.” Ryler turned in her seat to watch him, the seat belt stretching to accommodate her new position. “Plus, adorable dogs are a great way to meet women.”

Pike scoffed. “No, thank you. From all the things you said, it’s obvious I am too dysfunctional to be in a relationship.”

“Who said anything about a relationship?” she asked.

“I’m thirty-one. I’m a little old to be playing the field.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize there was an age limit for how long someone could be single and enjoy dating.”

Pike shook his head. “Even George Clooney eventually gave up the game.”

“Not until he was in his fifties.” Ryler settled back in her seat with a grunt. “I don’t care what anyone thinks, if I am not completely, one hundred and fifty percent in love with someone, there is no way I’m settling. Even if I never find the one.”

“Do you believe in soul mates?” Pike asked.

“I don’t know. To me, soul mates are so limiting. You find the one and they die, so then what? You’re stuck alone and loveless for the rest of your life?” Ryler shook her head. “I think there are varying degrees of love, and it depends on where you are in life. In college, I was too scared to open myself up to anyone fully, and my relationships were fleeting.”

“And now?”

“I like my life, and I love exploring with Excursions. But if I met someone who made me want to put down roots, I’d be open to it.” Ryler saw Pike’s jaw tighten as he pressed down on the gas, and the engine roared as he crested the hill. Ryler sucked in a breath as she took in the view. “Wow! I didn’t expect it to be so high on the other side.”

“Welcome to Idaho, where the landscape can change in just a few miles.”

Ryler stared down at the twisting road that descended the mountainside and rounded a gorgeous lake with pine trees surrounding it. Craggy peaks reached for the sky on the other side of the lake, snowcapped and imposing. The landscape was heavenly and raw, and she wished she could capture the view to do it justice.

“I can see why you love it here,” she murmured.

“Don’t get me wrong, it has its pitfalls. Small town. Cold weather eight to nine months out of the year. Some parts aren’t so pretty.” He sighed loudly. “But it’s home.”

Ryler put her hand on his arm. “I’m trying not to bring up what happened, but if you do want to talk about it, or maybe find a canyon or mountain and scream into the void, we can do that.”

Pike shook his head. “If it’s all the same, I’d rather try to forget about it and just enjoy today before I have to deal with reality. Right now, I get to hang out with one of my favorite podcasters, her crew”—Pike took a left down a treelined lane and shot her a grin—“and you.”

Ryler made a face. “So glad I made the list.”

He reached out and touched her hand briefly. “I’m only kidding. I appreciate you distracting me from all the drama in my life.”