Page 31 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Hi, we were looking for a tree,” Ryler said.

The blonde laughed, her hand waving toward the rows of green trees. “We have no shortage of that. Do you know what kind you want?”

“Actually,” Alia said, shooting a sly look at Ryler. “We could use some big, strong manly help. Perhaps a strapping lad with red hair?”

Ryler would have to work on her alibi on the way back to the rental house, because she was going to murder her cousin.

“Pike? Sure, let me grab him for you,” the woman said, disappearing inside.

“I seriously hate you,” Ryler hissed.

“What?” Alia’s tone was high and sweet. “I want to meet this steamy kiss-giver. Make sure he is good enough for my cousin.”

“That’s unnecessary, as it was just a fluke, a moment of lust that shall not be repeated.”

Alia lifted the flap of the tent, grinning. “Well, don’t look now, but Mr. Fluke is coming this way.”

Ryler scurried to watch the activity over her cousin’s shoulder, wishing a crack in the earth would open up and swallow her whole. The blond woman reached Pike, speaking and pointing their way. When he looked over and met Ryler’s gaze, her face burned. His attention shifted to Alia, and his eyes widened. He started for them with a purposeful stride, and Ryler’s heart sank.

Of course he’s rushing over. He’s excited to meet his favorite podcaster.

Man, even her inner voice sounded bitchy.

“Hmmm, I think I see it now,” Alia whispered, glancing back at Ryler with a twinkle in her eyes. “Yeah, the shoulders. Wait, on second thought, as he gets closer, maybe it’s those eyes. They’re practically burning your clothes off.”

“Shut up, they are not. If anything, he’s excited to meet you. He’s a big fan.”

Pike reached them, his smile wide and friendly. “Hi, Miss Cole, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Pike Sutton, the one who suggested you come to Mistletoe. I’ll also be taking you out on several guided experiences, courtesy of Adventures in Mistletoe.”

Pike held out his hand, and Alia took it, returning his smile. “Pike, yes, Ryler speaks highly of you and your business.”

Pike glanced her way briefly and back at Alia, making the hackles on Ryler’s neck stand up. Was he going to just ignore her, then?

“I don’t want to come on too strong, but I’ve listened to every single podcast multiple times, even the newest one. You’ve got a real knack for telling stories.”

Ryler secretly beamed at the praise, even though it was directed at Alia.

“Aren’t you sweet?” Alia said, taking Ryler’s arm and pulling her forward. “Have you met my assistant, Ryler? I know you’ve exchanged emails …”

Pike cleared his throat, hesitating as his gaze held hers, but when she didn’t admit their acquaintance, he said, “No, not in person. Hi, Ryler.”

Ryler took his outstretched hand, squeezing it as hard as she could. “Hello, Pike.”

His eyes narrowed, and his grip tightened slightly, not enough to hurt but to show her his strength, and she smirked, releasing his hand. “You can tell a lot about a man from his handshake.”

“Oh yeah? Care to elaborate on mine?”

“Like a wet noodle.”

Alia coughed, covering up a laugh, and to Ryler’s surprise, Pike chuckled. “I’ll have to work on that.”

Damn, that wasn’t the reaction she’d been looking for. Apparently, his need to make a good impression on Alia outweighed everything else.

Alia clapped her hands. “Any chance you’re available now to help us find a tree?”

“It would be my pleasure,” he said, and Ryler almost heaved at his fanboy drooling.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t wear the right shoes to go traipsing around on uneven ground,” Alia said, pointing to her high-heeled boots. “But Ryler knows what kind of tree I like.”