Page 119 of Mistletoe Mischief

“I’m talking to you, too, ya idjit,” she snapped, approaching their cell, her gaze focused on Anthony before swinging to Pike. “You are supposed to be leaders in this community. Leaders control their damn tempers.”

Pike shrugged. “We tried to take the high road, but he started talking shit about Anthony’s lady.”

“They’re just words,” Officer Wren said, lowering her voice to add, “and he’s dim-witted anyway.”

Brodie hollered, “Hey!”

“Hey yourself,” Wren said without turning Brodie’s way. Her entire focus was on Anthony, who shuffled his feet under her disapproving gaze. “Why would you care what he thinks? Do you like the guy? Respect his opinion?”

“No,” Anthony said.

“He’s a douchebag,” Pike added.

Brodie smacked the bars with his hands. “I am sitting right here!”

“Yeah, we can see you.” Pike grinned at Wren, pain erupting from his eyeball, and he groaned. “Admit it. The shiner makes me look tough, huh?”

“Idjit,” Wren muttered again, turning her back on him and disappearing back down the hall.

“I think Officer Wren likes me,” Pike said.

Anthony shook his head. “I think Officer Wren wants to take us all out back and tase us. Can’t really blame her.”

“What are you talking about? We are the victims here. Innocently making sure your girlfriend was okay and then, blam! They walk up on us and start talking shit.”

“It was stupid of me to let that dick get to me,” Anthony said.

“So, why did you?” Pike asked.

Anthony closed his eyes. “I guess I’ve just been on edge. Stressed out.”

“I’m sure you have been,” Pike said, every muscle protesting as he sat on the bench. “And sounds like I’ve made things worse. But I think you went off on Brodie because he was saying hurtful things to Delilah.”

“Obviously, Pike,” Anthony said. “Any man would have reacted to a woman being verbally attacked.”

“But only a man in love would have pummeled the idiot the way you did.”

Anthony stiffened, silence stretching between them. Did he really not see how in love he was with Delilah Gill?

Brodie muttered, “I think I’m going to puke.”

“God, can you ever just keep your mouth shut? Or do you have to hear yourself talk to pretend you’re relevant?” Pike asked.

“Watch yourself, Pike. You’re no better than me.”

“Actually, I am. I don’t alienate women when they reject me or tear them down. I accept the rejection with dignity. Walking around like you don’t care if people think you’re the biggest douche in the world is not a good look for you.”

“Fuck you,” Brodie said.

“Witty retort.” Pike turned his back on the other man and sighed.

Anthony wiped a hand over his face. “I hope Nick gets here soon.”

Pike nodded. “I am ready to blow this Popsicle stand.” He sat forward, his forearms resting on his legs. “I’m sorry, man. I know I can be moronic, and I need to learn to slow down and ask you before I agree to things for the business. I just get excited, and I’m still getting used to having a partner.”

Anthony smirked. “Me, too. I did a lot of research before we got into this, and there were a lot of people saying that going into business ruined friendships for them. I don’t want that for us.”

“Agreed.” Pike got up, holding out a hand to him. “Forgive me?”