Page 76 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Go ahead.”

Ryler wasn’t used to sharing a bathroom with anyone, least of all a man. Would he hear her through the thin walls of the hotel?

Ryler turned on the faucet and went about her business, keenly aware that Pike knew she’d been dreaming about sex and had been hovering over her, watching her. For a moment, she’d almost thought he was going to offer his services and show her what she was missing, but that would have been a turnoff. Men who bragged about how good they were in bed never measured up, and she’d already imagined what Pike would be like in bed enough, especially subconsciously.

Ryler washed her hands and exited the bathroom to find Pike still standing by the window in his hoodie and jeans. “I’ll text Alia and let her know we’re waiting for the storm to pass.”

“The weather shows snow until seven a.m., so we might be stuck here.”

All night, alone with Pike in a king bed now that he was 100 percent? “Alright.”

“I can ask Doc if he’s got another room now,” he said.

“Sure, but if not, no worries. We’re both adults.” Ryler grabbed her phone off the side table and texted Alia. Pike is better but we’re going to wait out the storm. Be back in the morning.

The three little bubbles popped up. Oh, are you two sharing a room?

No.

Boo, that is boring!

I like my sex life boring and predictable. Cuts down on complications.

Snore.

Goodnight.

I love you!

I love you too. Ryler slipped her phone into her pocket with a shake of her head. “You’ve got a sister, right?”

“Yep. Biggest pain in the ass of my life.”

“Sounds about like having a cousin.”

Pike got the door for her, waiting as she passed through. “My sister is the one that thought I needed a companion. I swear, that puppy would have been bouncing all over the place had she been in the room with us.”

“You’re going to try to tell me you don’t like that dog at all?” Ryler asked.

“Of course I like her. Still trying to figure out how she’ll fit in my life.”

“You’re worried about your job?” Ryler asked, descending the stairs next to him.

“And my living situation. If the upstairs neighbor banging on the ceiling every time Jo makes a peep is any indication, I’m going to have to move. My mother has been trying to convince me to buy a house—”

“So, why don’t you? You want to stay in Mistletoe, don’t you?”

“Yes, but it seems like a waste to buy a house for just me and possibly Jo.”

“What about in the future when you meet someone? You should buy a house based on how many kids you want.”

“Seems like I need a partner to help make that decision. If I buy a four-bedroom house, and my partner only wants one kid, I’ll have two extra rooms.”

“And she’ll get an office and you get a home gym.”

“You saying I need to work out?” he teased.

“No, you look like you like to work out.”