Page 39 of Mistletoe Mischief

“First of all, you both deserved it,” Ryler said, counting off on her fingers, “and second, my boots are made from recycled tires, which means they are long lasting and good for the environment.”

It wasn’t an epic comeback, and she knew it, since all three men wore identical amused expressions. Well, Kit’s was a little more impatient, and she imagined her type-A cameraman hadn’t finished unpacking and setting up his gear, so he was eager to get back inside.

“Speaking of the environment,” Neil said, addressing Pike, but when his dark gaze met Ryler’s, they sparkled mischievously. “Love the pics of the hot springs. When can we hit that?”

Her cheeks burned as Pike turned her way, eyebrows raised, a slow grin spreading across his face. He turned his focus back to Neil. “Anytime, man. I’ll keep an eye on the weather, and we can plan a day.”

“Great, let’s get this tree,” Neil said before hopping into the truck.

Pike caught her gaze and mouthed, Stalker.

Humiliation crawled up her throat and settled like a lump, and she needed to escape. Ryler stomped past the three of them toward the stairs.

“Aren’t you going to help?” Pike called.

“I think you three strong guys got this.” Ryler stopped on the third step up, hands on her hips. “After all, I cut it down, so feels like my job is done.”

“Do we have a tree stand for this?” Kit asked.

Ryler paused with her foot in midair and her hand on the banister, making a face. When she turned to face them, she plastered a sheepish grin on her face. “That would be a no.”

“A Shop for All Seasons will have one,” Pike said, shrugging. “Can’t say how expensive it will be.”

“What is that?” Neil asked.

“A little shop on Main Street. There’s ornaments and Christmas decorations.” Pike snapped his fingers. “Actually, have you checked the garage? I bet the Gimbles have one in there.”

“The Gimbles?” Ryler climbed back down the stairs and trailed behind him.

“Yeah, the people who own this place,” Pike called over his shoulder as he rounded the corner of the garage. “They’re snowbirds, so they spend six months in Arizona and come back for the summer months.”

Ryler shot Neil a death glare, and he responded by making a heart shape with his fingers. The shit.

She caught up to Pike on the side, who was turning the doorknob with a rattle. He looked up when she approached. “Do you have a key?”

Ryler reached into her pocket and pulled out the key, holding it out to Pike. He unlocked it and shoved the door open, and Ryler followed him inside. “Yep, they still have the basics in here.” Pike picked up the green tree stand and held it out to her. “Check your rental agreement or shoot them a text, but I bet it’s fine. If not, I can ask the Winters if they have an extra.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that and let you know,” Ryler said.

He handed her back the keys. “You should really pull in your cars before the snow hits. Branches have been known to snap when we get a heavy snowfall, and I’d hate for you to file an insurance claim.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Ryler passed through the door ahead of him but turned around too fast to lock it and bumped into Pike. “Sorry.”

“No problem, I’ll just get out of your way.”

Pike tried stepping to the right as she reached for the door, and she poked him in the stomach with the keys.

“Ow, jeez, what is this overwhelming desire to injure me?” he grumbled.

Ryler laughed. “That time was an accident.”

“Sure it was.” Pike put his hands up as he sidestepped her, giving Ryler full access to the doorknob. “I’m not making any sudden movements.”

“Man, you are a drama king.” Ryler locked up, and he let her go first. As she walked along the cement path, the back of her neck tingled, and she turned around really fast. Pike jerked his head up, looking off at the trees with a guilty expression.

“Excuse me, were you just looking at my ass?”