Page 50 of Mistletoe Mischief

She finally took a tentative step forward and then another and then she squatted.

“Make sure you praise her,” his mother called from the doorway.

“Praise her for taking a piss?” he asked.

“Yes, you just say things like ‘Good girl!’”

Pike stared down at the little red puffball. “Good girl.”

The dog wagged her tail and trotted back over to him. Pike picked her up and held her at eye level. “You are a cute little sucker, but I’m still not keeping you.”

Pike pulled out his phone and took a picture of him and the dog, making sure to scowl for the camera. He sent a message to Anthony with the selfie attached.

This is why I hate my sister.

His phone beeped seconds later.

LOL what is that thing?

Pike tapped out his response one-handed, tucking the dog against his chest. Apparently, my new dog.

The three message dots popped up. Congrats, man.

I’m not keeping it.

You should. It kind of looks like you.

Pike scowled at his phone and then at the dog.

Jerk.

Just stating facts, man.

Since he had Anthony’s attention, he decided to change the subject. I’m taking Alia and her crew out tomorrow morning. When will you be back?

Probably around nine. What time are you meeting them?

Pike hadn’t solidified the plans with Alia and Ryler yet. Not sure. I’ll confirm and let you know. As an afterthought, Pike asked, Are you having fun with your brother?

It’s been a good visit.

Cool. See you tomorrow.

Pike carried the dog back into his apartment, his fingers twitching to find out if Anthony was still at his father’s house. Should he ask him about it, just to put his mind at ease?

This is your best friend. You have no reason not to trust him.

It wasn’t Delilah and Anthony’s interest in her that bothered him. It was the numerous times he’d asked Anthony if his friend had feelings for Delilah and he’d assured Pike he didn’t. It was the possibility that his best friend was lying to him that had him on edge.

“What are you doing out there?” his mom called.

“Nothing,” he said, putting his concerns to the back of his mind. Whatever the truth was, it would come out eventually. It always did.

Chapter Fourteen

It’s finally starting to look a little like Christmas in here,” Alia said from her perch on the couch.

Ryler and Kit had come back from town with their arms loaded down with Christmas décor, and they had to make three trips up and down the stairs to get everything inside. Alia and Neil had been sitting in the living room when they’d arrived, and although Neil helped, Alia told them she wasn’t feeling great.