Page 102 of Mistletoe Mischief

“I heard your name and put two and two together.” Ryler took another drink, searching for something to say to make this less awkward and instead blurted, “He was on a pretty good tirade on Sunday.”

Delilah blushed. “Just to be clear, I’m not in the habit of causing issues between friends. I try to avoid drama.”

“Are you kidding?” Ryler laughed. “You were not the issue. He had nothing negative to say about you at all. Anthony, on the other hand, was getting a lot of heat.”

“Well, I hope they make up soon,” Delilah said. “I tried to talk to Pike about what happened. They’ve been friends a long time and shouldn’t give up on each other so easily.” Delilah smiled. “Sounds like you’ve been spending a lot of time with Pike.”

And there it was. Why else would she have opened her big mouth about other people’s drama unless she had a vested interest? “Yeah, he’s taking me and the rest of the crew around Mistletoe so we can do research … for Alia, I mean.”

“And how do you like Mistletoe so far?” Delilah asked, her smile broadening. At least she wasn’t trying to run away from the nosy outsider.

“It’s beautiful,” Ryler gushed. “I’ve heard all about your holiday festivities, and I’m excited to hang around and join in.”

“Where are you from?” Delilah asked.

“Boise originally, but I’ve got a condo in Northern California I stay in when I’m not off somewhere exploring.”

“Well, if there’s one thing Mistletoe goes all out for, it’s Christmas,” Delilah said.

“Not a fan?” Ryler asked before taking a sip of her wine.

“It’s not about being a fan. I’m just not as diehard as my best friend, Holly.”

“Which is an amazing Christmas movie, by the way.”

“Pardon?” Delilah asked.

“Die Hard. Great holiday film for the whole family. Also, Holly is awesome.”

“Yes, she is.” Delilah laughed. “Don’t say that too loud about Die Hard, or you’ll start a rumble. That is a hot-button topic.”

“Gotcha,” Ryler laughed. “I love your shirt, by the way.”

Delilah was wearing an electric blue off-the-shoulder sheath that made her eyes brighter. Between the eyes, the hair, and the chesticles that put Ryler’s full C cups to shame, she could see why Pike had his eye on her.

“Thank you. It made me feel pretty.” She shared a small smile with Ryler.

“You’re gorgeous.”

“I appreciate that. You’re not trying to butter me up and sell me something, are you?”

Ryler laughed. “No, I just call it like I see it. And I’m trying this new thing where I don’t hold back. Everything I think, I’m saying it.”

Delilah tapped her fingers on her wine glass and smirked. “That could be dangerous.”

“Maybe.” In actuality, it could be dangerous, but Ryler was sick of all the secrets. She wanted to live life without holding back and wondering what might have been, starting with her relationship with Pike. “I’ve spent a lot of time keeping everything close to the breast, afraid of offending someone or embarrassing others. I’ve finally decided I don’t give a shit. If someone doesn’t like me, warts and all, I’m fine on my own.”

“Damn, girl. I need that energy in my life.” Delilah waved her glass around the room, still grinning. “I got persuaded to play hostess at the last minute when I really wanted to escape into my room.”

“Hey, if you want to do that, I’ll totally cover for you.” Ryler feigned confusion. “Oh, you’re looking for Delilah? I think she’s in the kitchen. Not there? You know what, I think she had to pee.”

“You’re good,” Delilah said, taking a sip from her glass.

“That’s why Alia keeps me around. I’m the best.”

Delilah suddenly looked around the room, frowning. “Do you hear that?”

Ryler paused, trying to hear anything strange over the buzz of conversations. “What am I hearing?”