Page 121 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“I don’t want him asking me to live with him out of obligation or pity. And I especially don’t want him to offer me money because he thinks I can’t take care of myself.”

“Maybe he offered it because he knows you’re in a tight spot and he, I don’t know, loves you?” Holly said, giving her an exasperated look.

Erica shook her head. “For a woman who can write the hell out of a fantasy romance, you sure know how to complicate your own damn life. Just move in with the man and then maybe next time, you can pay me to edit your books.”

Delilah laughed because Erica’s edits had been line edits, mostly sentence structure and grammar. She’d even commented about how light the book was on issues, and now, she simply needed to polish the last-minute changes and format it. Once all that was done, she could publish it. Market it.

Have a mental breakdown if and when someone hated it.

Between being so close to having her dream realized and wavering between living with Anthony or not, she was a cauldron of emotions swirling and bubbling without an end in sight.

The crackling of a speaker preluded the cheerful announcement of Merry’s voice. “We’re ready for the first annual Mistletoe Winter Games. We’d like to thank our sponsors and organizers, Adventures in Mistletoe, for putting together this exciting, delightful event. Please be sure to visit our local vendors today for fun-filled crafts, holiday food and drinks, and more.”

“Brings a new meaning to the eat, drink, and be merry part of the holiday,” Erica mumbled, showing her empty wallet. “Events like this are put on to make us broke college girls feel worse.”

Delilah pulled out a ten and held it out to her. “If I buy you a corn dog, will you feel better?”

Erica snatched up the money with a sniffle. “I may need a churro, too. I am very, very sad.”

“Get out of here,” Holly laughed.

Erica danced away with the last of her cash, but she didn’t mind. The woman was helping her out when she didn’t owe her a thing. The least Delilah could do was buy her a meal.

“We’re almost ready to kick off the first annual Mistletoe scavenger race. All racers on your mark!”

“Scavenger?” Holly asked.

“Yeah, the participants in the first two legs of the race have to find all the pieces for the snowman that the people competing in the third leg build.” Delilah was trying to get a glimpse of Pike because she very vaguely spotted Nick in the distance, waiting at the bottom of the sled hill, and Anthony hopping from foot to foot next to the large food tent. He looked so cute in his inflatable reindeer costume, she wanted to run over to him and throw herself into his arms.

“Huh,” Holly said. “Well, that’s weird. Declan and Sam are hanging out by the chainsaw tent. I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll be here. I think this is the best spot to watch.”

“Sounds great.” Delilah figured Holly hadn’t really been listening to her and watched her cross the park to greet her boyfriend and friend. Although Sam and Holly had electric banter that drove Declan crazy, Delilah knew that Holly considered Sam her other bestie.

Ryler walked up to Delilah with a white coffee cup in her hand and stopped alongside her. “Hmmm, this better not be boring or I’m going to chuck a snowball at Pike’s head.”

Delilah laughed. “I guess if it is, they won’t have another one next year.”

“Ooof, don’t put that out into the universe. I actually want them to do well.”

Delilah shot Ryler a curious glance. “I do, too, but I’m surprised you feel that way. I thought you and Pike hated each other.”

“‘Hate’ is such a strong word,” Ryler said, taking a sip of her coffee. “I prefer to think of it as mild dislike with a friendly dose of animosity.”

Delilah shook her head. “Whatever you say.”

“Everyone, get ready to cheer on your favorite holiday trio. The first team to complete the final task wins! On your mark. Get set.” A loud bang sounded in the distance and Delilah kept her eyes peeled on the crest of the hill, watching for a flurry of motion.

“If he comes in last, I’m never letting him live it down,” Ryler said.

“Look!” Delilah pointed to a redhead on a blue sled zipping down the hill. She bumped Ryler with her hip. “I guess you can’t torment him now, huh?”

“Don’t think that doesn’t piss me off,” Ryler said with no real heat.

Holly came back with Declan and Sam in tow, asking, “How are they doing?”

“Pike just handed off the bag of goods to Nick, who has to put on skis.”