Page 121 of Mistletoe Mischief

“I wouldn’t call this bad luck. More like a poor decision.”

“Hey now, I am the injured party here. I was just protecting my friend,” he said.

“I know,” she agreed, backing the car out of the space. “Plus, watching how scrappy you are in a fight was pretty hot. You should join the WWE.”

Pike shook his head, wincing at the shooting pain in his head. “If I never get into another fight, I’ll be a happy guy.”

Ryler reached out, placing a hand on his knee. “In all seriousness, do I need to stop at the store and get anything for you? Pain meds? Ice pack?”

“I have all that, but I can honestly say, while I was sitting in that cell, all I could think about was how being with you would make me feel a hell of a lot better.”

“Are you asking me to stay and take care of you, Pike?” she asked softly.

Pike knew this was more than what any casual relationship would require, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted her with him, all the time. He needed her.

“Yes, that’s what I’m asking.”

“Then I’ll stay.”

Pike only wished she meant forever.

Fuck, when did you go and fall in love with Ryler Colby?

Chapter Thirty-eight

Ryler stepped out of the rental car, lifting the skirt of the floor-length dress she’d purchased from Amazon on Monday in anticipation for the bachelor auction. The dress was a sequined black-to-silver ombre, off the shoulder with a sweetheart neckline, which showed off her smooth shoulders and the tops of her breasts. Holly had helped her twist and braid her hair back, leaving small strands to frame her face, while the rest of her hair was curled around her shoulders. She’d artfully applied her makeup, highlighting her eyes and lips, and she couldn’t wait to see Pike’s face. If he thought the other dress was going to kill him, he would pass out when he saw this one.

And what was underneath.

Kit got out of the passenger side, adjusting his tie. “How do I look?”

“Very handsome, but I am still shocked Holly asked you to join the bachelor auction.”

“Just because I don’t live here doesn’t mean I can’t be a part of it. I’m not leaving until Christmas. Besides, it’s for charity.”

Ryler laughed. “Well, you better hurry. I think the bachelors were supposed to be here half an hour ago.”

“I thought I’d at least make sure you got inside safely. Those heels look deadly,” Kit said, holding out his hand to her.

Ryler took it and let Kit lead her into the community center. Holly greeted them with a delighted smile. “Ryler, you look fantastic.”

“Thank you.”

“Kit, they are waiting for you. Thank you for doing this.”

“No problem. Where should I go?”

“Just head up the stairs to the left and disappear through that door,” Holly said.

Ryler took a program and looked around the room at the linen-covered tables, the twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, and the smartly dressed people mingling together. She didn’t see Pike, which meant he was probably backstage already. She had no idea how much bachelors usually cost at these things, but she had a stack of cash burning a hole in her purse. Of course, would Pike want her to bid on him if they were keeping things on the down-low?

Unfortunately, the thought of letting another woman bid and win him turned her stomach, so she would take his irritation if it came to that.

“Are you okay?” Holly asked.

“Yeah, I’m just not sure what to do next.”

“If you plan on bidding for one of the bachelors, you need to register and get a paddle number. If you’re just here to have fun, you can take a seat at one of the tables, and dinner will be served shortly.”