Page 90 of Mistletoe Mischief

Pike opened one eye. “You can’t say that this time.”

Ryler laughed. “No, I can’t.”

Pike opened both eyes and threaded his hands in her hair, bringing her mouth down to his, his tongue roving over hers slowly, deeply. The kiss was sensual and caressing, making her moan.

Pike pulled away and kissed her jawline and her neck. “Can you stay awhile?” he whispered.

Ryler moaned, her hands running over his shoulders. “I told everyone I was going to the store. They’re going to wonder where I am if I take too long.”

Pike continued kissing her, moving along her collarbone. “I wish I could keep you here.” His words lit through her like lightning, and she froze. Was he asking her to stay in Mistletoe?

Pike must’ve realized what he had said, and his hands dropped to his sides. “I just mean that I want more time with you. I’m not ready to let you go.”

Ryler relaxed, laughing. “Believe me, I’d stay if I could.”

Ryler climbed off his lap, her legs wobbly. She gathered up her clothes from the floor. “Can I use your bathroom?”

“Yeah, it’s through the bedroom at the end of the hall,” he said.

Ryler followed his directions, passing by Jo’s cage. When the dog heard the footsteps, she started whining. Riley didn’t say anything, afraid of setting her off. She ducked into the bathroom, surprised by how clean and organized it was. She giggled when she noticed that Pike had more hair and skin products than she did. It made sense though, considering how much pride he took in how he looked.

She used the facilities and then started dressing, ignoring her vibrating phone. When all her clothes were back in place, she looked at the messages from Kit, who also wanted sherbet, and Neil, who wanted a case of Mountain Dew in addition to the Gatorade. And finally, Alia. The two word text message her cousin sent hit her like a fist in the chest, making it hard to breathe.

Pregnancy test.

What in the actual fuck had happened to her easy, drama-free life?

Alia was pregnant? If she was asking for a test, she didn’t know for sure, but she suspected. What was she going to do? What was her plan?

Ryler burst out of the bathroom, causing Jo to bark excitedly. Pike came into the bedroom, frowning. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’ve just got to get going. Thanks, this was great.” She gave him a quick kiss, bolting for the door. “I’ll see you.”

“Ryler, what—” Pike called after her, but she didn’t stop to listen to the rest of his question. Her cousin needed her.

Chapter Twenty-seven

Ryler sat outside the bathroom door the next morning, waiting for Alia to emerge with an answer on whether or not she was expecting. Alia read somewhere that the first pee of the morning is the strongest for early detection. She’d sent Kit and Neil off to go snowshoeing with Pike, and although she’d been disappointed about missing out, Ryler hoped that after Alia discovered the truth, they’d be able to join the guys.

The door opened, and Ryler studied Alia’s tear-stained face, her stomach sinking.

“What do you want to do?” Ryler asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never been pregnant before, so this is new territory for me,” Alia said, walking past her to the front door with the box in hand.

“Where are you going?” Ryler asked, climbing to her feet.

“I am taking this out to the trash can so Neil and Kit don’t see it.”

“Even if they see it, what does it matter? If you decide to keep the baby, they’ll find out about it.”

Alia didn’t answer her, just walked out the front door, and a lump formed in Ryler’s throat. No. No way. No fucking way.

When Alia came back inside and closed the door, Ryler ran a hand over her face.

“Does he know?” Ryler asked.

“No, but I’m going to have to tell him.”