Page 69 of Mistletoe Mischief

The trees cleared ahead, and Pike heard the thundering of the waterfall before he saw the rocky base. A cloud of mist rose from the water, obscuring the bottom of the cascading liquid. A collection of excited reactions came from the group as they took in the sight, followed by the rapid clicking of Kit’s camera shutter.

“Let’s get some pictures,” Kit said, waving at Alia. “Come on, A, we’ll start with you.”

Alia stepped up in front of the waterfall and flashed a dazzling smile, changing up her stance with each take.

“You’d never guess she used to model.” Neil laughed.

“She did?” Pike asked.

“Mostly print stuff,” Ryler said, watching her cousin. “The business was brutal for her.”

“Really? Seems like she’s a natural at it.” Pike caught the sharp look she gave him and frowned. “Something I said?”

“She knows how to smile and pose for a camera, but the demands and the pressure really took their toll on her.”

“How long after that did she start Excursions?” Pike asked.

“Yes, Ryler, how long after?” Neil asked.

Ryler scowled at Neil before she sent Pike a smile. “It wasn’t long. The summer after we graduated from college.”

“Alright, the rest of you get over here. You, too, Pike!”

“Oh, I don’t need to be in it—”

“Nonsense, you brought us here, and we’re going to tag Adventures in Mistletoe for taking us on this gorgeous hike,” Kit said, pulling out his phone. “Although, someone with longer arms is going to have to do the selfie.”

“Gimme that, Tiny,” Neil said, holding out his hand for the phone.

Kit placed it in his hand, muttering, “Jerk.”

Pike chuckled. “I’m the shortest in my friend group, too, man, and they never let me forget it.”

“I think being tall is overrated.” Ryler echoed what she had told Pike the night before, stepping in next to him.

“Says the short girl,” Neil teased.

“Shut up.” She laughed.

Pike was keenly aware of Ryler’s full breasts pressed against his arm as they squeezed together to fit into the frame.

“Alright, everyone, smile.” Neil held up his hand, and the camera on the phone clicked.

When they all moved apart, Pike was still only a foot away from Ryler, so close he could see the hint of gold in her dark eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” She laughed softly.

“I just—”

Alia suddenly screamed, shoving into Pike as she took off running. Pike flayed his arms, trying to stay upright, but fell backward into the freezing cold pool. The water splashed up and over him, soaking his clothes from neck to shoes.

Fuck this day.

Chapter Twenty

Pike!” Ryler handed Jo off to Neil before kneeling on the side of the shallow pool, reaching for him. “Here, let me help you.”

“Thanks,” he said, his teeth chattering. His hand gripped hers, wet and icy.