Page 38 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

“Fine,” Holly said ruefully, “but your green eyes are too pretty not to exploit.”

She resisted the urge to tell her friend they weren’t going to exploit anyone. If she defended Anthony, it would bring unwanted speculation as to why. Especially for Holly, who could sniff out a secret better than Sherlock.

Declan wrapped an arm around Holly’s waist. “Hey, hey. The only eyes I want you complimenting are mine.”

“They’re different shades,” Delilah said, realizing too late she’d said that aloud. The entire room was staring at her, including Merry, whose eyes had been closed right before she’d spoken. “I just mean that Declan’s are light hazel, and Anthony’s are a deeper green. Besides, noticing someone’s eyes doesn’t mean you’re interested in them.”

“Thank you for pointing that out, Del,” Holly said, her brown eyes watching her intensely. Holly wasn’t the only one in the room studying her and Delilah squirmed in her seat when she caught Anthony smirking.

The front door opened, and Mrs. Winters entered with Jace. “Soup’s on!”

Saved by the pizza.

Chapter Ten

The Winters family living room had been turned into a stock trader floor, only eligible men were the commodity.

They’d moved the easel out of the dining room when Mr. and Mrs. Winters had joined the fray, and they had over fifty bachelors on the list. Delilah and Holly had been on the phone for over an hour, calling potential bachelors and asking them to participate for charity. Delilah was giddy with exhilaration at the enthusiasm most of the men had exhibited.

“Thank you so much for participating, Ryan! We’ll email you the details Monday.” Delilah ended the call and cheered, “We got another one!”

The room whooped and hollered, except for Jace, who was curled up in the corner with noise-canceling headphones, playing a game on his Nintendo Switch. Daisy lay next to his feet, her brown eyes darting around as Merry wrote Ryan’s name in the plus column on the whiteboard.

Pike and Anthony were seated on the couch next to Nick, who’d returned with his wife, Noel. The willowy brunette was cradled on his lap, her arm wrapped around his shoulder as she watched the group. Most of the men, including Clark, had gone home to shower and change before returning, so as not to upset Merry’s stomach anymore. Anthony and Pike had gotten cleaned up at Anthony’s place, leaving Delilah with a few minutes to breathe. If Mr. and Mrs. Winters hadn’t returned, she might have tried escaping during the men’s absence, but she’d missed her window.

Mr. Winters was in his chair while Mrs. Winters and Declan were on the couch. Clark stood next to Merry with a dry eraser in his hand.

Merry replaced the cap on her pen with a yawn. “I think it’s about time I called it a night.”

Her mother chuckled. “I remember being pregnant with Nick. I could never make it past eight o’clock at night without wanting to curl up in bed.”

“Plus, Jace needs to detox from that thing before bed,” Clark said, pointing to the handheld.

Merry slapped his arm playfully. “Please, you just want to put him to bed so you can play it.”

As the two of them started a debate on video games, Delilah checked the time and slipped her phone into the pocket of her workout leggings, trying to figure out a way to leave without drawing attention. So far, she’d been able to avoid being alone with Pike, but every time she turned around, he was watching her. He’d sent her several texts since Monday, asking when Delilah was available to hang out. Although she’d answered them, suggesting they wait until she got back from her parents’ place after Thanksgiving, she should be honest about her change of heart.

But that interaction could wait another day.

Delilah cleared her throat before climbing to her feet. “I hate to cut this short, but I gotta get up early tomorrow.”

“What are you doing?” Anthony asked from his perch next to Pike.

“I’m driving to my parents’ place in Boise for the weekend.” Just because she was angry with him didn’t mean she couldn’t be polite. She turned to her hosts with a wide smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Winters, thank you for feeding me. Now, I must feed my dog before she thinks I’ve abandoned her.”

“Delilah, you are allowed to call us by our first names.” Victoria Winters got up from the couch and hugged her. “Pike and Anthony have been calling me Victoria since they were seniors, and I like you better than them.”

“That hurts me!” Pike gasped, clutching his chest and falling back against Anthony, who pushed him off with a grunt.

Victoria shook her finger in their direction. “She doesn’t come and eat all my food.”

“It’s a compliment to your culinary skills,” Pike protested.

Victoria shook her head, but Delilah caught the small smile on her lips. The Winters were a warm, welcoming brood who loved to tease one another and their guests. Delilah was just happy to be included.

“Thank you, Victoria,” she said, before addressing everyone else with a wave. “Good night, everyone. Holly, I’ll text you when I make it home.”

Holly got up and ran over to her, hugging her tight. “Thank you for your help.”