Page 18 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Sure, Pike.”

Delilah watched him walk away, but her gaze strayed from his retreating form to Anthony’s profile. He hadn’t seemed as happy to see his brother as Grant was to spend time with him.

Delilah leaned over to whisper loudly at Nick. “How have I never heard of Anthony’s brother?”

Nick shrugged. “When his parents split, Anthony was ten. Grant is six years older and went to live with their dad when he moved to Boise. Anthony stayed with his mom. He’s got four older brothers, but the rest were already out of the house.”

“I think it’s weird he didn’t want to say hi when he recognized his brother,” Clark said.

Delilah watched Grant and Anthony, noting the similarities between them. While Anthony was taller and Grant was broader, they had the same thick dark hair and jawline. If Anthony bothered to smile, Delilah could confirm her suspicion that they shared the same smile, which was why Grant seemed so familiar.

Of all the men who could have caught her attention, it had to be Anthony’s brother.

“Here’s your warm apple pie,” Pike said, holding out the shot glass with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Delilah took the shot from Pike with a smile, knocking it back. Warmth spread through her, settling in her stomach. So far, the night had been relatively disappointing, but she was determined to salvage it.

The lead singer of the band belted out the first few lines of “Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn, and Delilah stood. “Pike?”

“Yeah?” he asked.

“You feel like dancing yet?”

His face lit up, and a flush of confidence rushed through her. “Sure, I was going to ask, but wanted to let you enjoy your drink.”

“I’m good,” she said, pushing in her chair. “I wasn’t sure if you were waiting on a slow song because you were a turn and shuffle kind of guy.”

“Nah, that’s Anthony.” Delilah resisted the urge to look at Anthony and his brother, who had seemed to forget all about his interest in her not a half an hour ago.

“I got moves that will make you dizzy.” Pike held out his hand, and Delilah took it, her palm settling against his. It was warm and smooth, which was odd. She’d thought it would be rough and calloused from all his years working road construction and his love of outdoor activities.

“Your hands are softer than mine,” Delilah said.

“Thank my expensive hand cream. Although, I’m probably losing manly points telling you that.”

Delilah laughed. “I didn’t know there was a point system, so you’re good.”

She followed him through the crowd and onto the dance floor, where he gracefully spun her into his arms. “Thank God for that. Can’t let my competition get one up on me.”

“What competition?” Delilah laughed.

“You must not be paying attention. Every guy in here nearly broke his neck when you walked through that door.”

Delilah blushed. “You exaggerate. Holly was with me—”

“Every man in here knows Holly is taken and not one of them wants to tangle with Declan. It’s you in that dress that has us all bewitched.”

Delilah didn’t know why his comment rubbed her wrong, like she wasn’t attractive without the dress, but her expression must have revealed her irritation, because he asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

Why are you being so sensitive? He’s trying to be charming and you’re taking it out of context.

“Of course not. I was just thinking you’re a great dancer,” she said, looping one of her arms around his neck. Her three-inch heels closed some distance between their heights, and she came up just past his chin.

“I took lessons as a kid until I got into high school.” He held on to her other hand, leading her around the dance floor in a swift two-step, his strong arm pressed into the small of her back. “I was afraid of giving people another reason to give me shit, but it gave me an advantage at school dances.”

“I bet,” Delilah chuckled. “My date to senior prom could only shuffle back and forth, but I appreciated the effort.”

“I tried to help Nick and Anthony, but they’ll never reach my skill level.”