Page 77 of Mistletoe Mischief

“More like I have to. I was a pretty chubby kid. Puberty helped, but I also started hitting the weights freshman year.”

“I do a lot of walking and hiking, but I don’t worry about it. As long as I’m eating enough fruits and vegetables and I feel good, that’s what matters to me.”

Pike chuckled. “I like pizza and beer too much to not hit the gym five times a week.”

“That’s interesting,” she said.

“What is?” he asked.

“The girl with Anthony, the one you were interested in. She’s plus size.”

“And?” he said flatly.

“A guy who cares that much about his appearance, I’m surprised you wouldn’t be obsessed with women who looked more like my cousin.”

Pike shook his head, stopping outside the restaurant’s entrance. “Why would I look at women superficially when I’ve experienced that behavior my entire life?” Ryler couldn’t come up with anything to say and he added, “Do you really think I was popular with this hair color? People called me Lucky Charms growing up, and that was after I lost weight. Delilah is gorgeous just the way she is.”

Ryler wanted to sink into the floor. She’d made a lot of assumptions about this man’s character, and the more time she spent with him, the more she realized his Instagram showed him best. He was well-liked and respected by the people who knew him. He was hardworking and adventurous. He was funny and raw.

Shit, it was one thing to be attracted to the guy, but to like him?

That spelled trouble.

“I’m sorry for how that came off. I am far from perfect, but I guess I just assumed she’d be—” Ryler shook her head. “Listen to me sounding like a superficial shithead.”

“Listen, I get it. You see it on social media, in movies, on television. You can’t help who you’re attracted to. I just happen to be a guy who likes variety.” Pike winced. “That came out wrong. I just mean I don’t have a type. I want who I want.”

“Fair enough,” she said.

The hostess seated them by the window, and Ryler was surprised that a booked-up hotel was so empty. “I wonder where the family reunion is.”

“There’s a ballroom at the other end of the lodge. They probably rented it out to have their party down there.”

“Ah, makes sense.”

The waiter came back to take their drink orders, and when he left, Ryler looked around at the wood walls and rustic atmosphere. Several animal heads adorned the walls, and she shook her head. “Alia would definitely have something to say about the animal heads.”

“I’m not surprised. I remember the episode when Excursions was on a safari tour and discovered a poached lion. Given the anger and emotion during that podcast, I can’t imagine she takes well to seeing animal trophies.”

Ryler had never talked so much with someone about her podcast as if it wasn’t her behind the mic. Most of the people they met in countries she visited had never listened to Excursions and just thought they were a group of Americans touring. No one cared who said what or how they felt. Choosing an American city, especially where Pike was such an avid fan, may not have been the best decision, but she couldn’t regret being here.

“Are you a hunter?” she asked.

“No. I went when I was in my teens, but I don’t love venison, so it doesn’t make any sense to go out hunting something I don’t want to eat.”

“I’m not a fan either. Too gamey. I did have alligator in New Orleans.”

“How was that?” Pike asked.

“Tasted like chicken. I could not do the frog legs, however.”

“My sister got me chocolate-covered crickets and shoved them into a regular chocolate box. After that, I would never accept anything edible from her.”

Ryler laughed. “I never had a sibling to torture, but it sounds like a delight.”

“For her, maybe. Nick’s sisters were the same with him, although they were younger. Holly was evil when it came to pranks. I woke up covered in glitter once after drinking too much with Nick. I was finding that crap in my hair for weeks.”

“Sounds awful,” she said. “Alia and I tease and mess with each other, but nothing that extreme.”