Page 93 of Mistletoe Mischief

“Let’s just say Pike isn’t going to be happy when I show up with his partner in tow.”

Chapter Twenty-eight

Pike recognized Anthony’s familiar outline in the distance being trailed by Alia and Ryler. Pike’s jaw clenched in frustration when he realized that Ryler had contacted Anthony, knowing everything that happened, and asked his former friend to track him so that they could join Kit and Neil. Although it made perfect sense and under normal circumstances, he would have understood, all he felt now was intense betrayal.

“Hey,” Anthony called, stopping a few feet in front of him. Pike had taken Neil and Kit along Lamb Ridge, introducing them to the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys around them, but they were heading back down through the trees when the trio caught up to them.

“Hi. Who is watching the store?” Pike asked.

“I put the sign on the door letting customers know we’d be right back.”

“Oh, that’s what we need right now—to lose business by not sticking to our original agreement. If I’m in the field, you’re at the store, and vice versa.”

Anthony’s eyes narrowed. “Look, your clients couldn’t get a hold of you, and I knew where you were, so I brought them out. Now that we’re all here, I will leave them in your capable hands.”

Anthony turned on his snowshoes and nodded at Alia and Ryler as he passed back by them on his way down the hill. “Ladies, have a great time.”

“Thanks,” Ryler said, meeting Pike’s gaze. He kept his expression neutral, even when she mouthed, I’m sorry.

“I thought you weren’t feeling well,” Neil said, addressing Alia.

“I was feeling better and didn’t want to miss out on another activity.”

“Why not? You hate outdoor activities,” Neil said, pointing at her face. “You said the sun gives you premature wrinkles.”

“What, you hate outdoor activities but started a travel podcast?” Pike asked.

Alia’s eyes widened, and she glanced at Ryler, who was glaring at Neil. Kit was the only one out of the lot with a decent poker face.

“Does someone want to explain exactly what’s going on here?” Pike asked.

“I, personally, would like to head back to the car and get some water,” Kit said, tilting his head. “Pike, you want to come join me and leave these people to figure out what kind of drama they need to work through?”

“There is no drama, Kit,” Ryler said, taking Kit’s arm. “How was the hike?”

Pike trailed behind them, glancing back at Alia and Neil, who seemed to be invested in a heated discussion.

“The hike was great. Beautiful views. I’ll show you the pictures when we get back to the car,” Kit said.

“I feel like I’m missing something,” Pike said to their backs, unsurprised when they ignored him.

“Are you serious?” Neil erupted behind them, and Pike stopped and turned, watching Alia reach for him.

Ryler was suddenly beside him with her hand on his arm. “They need a few minutes.”

Pike watched Alia wring her hands, speaking quietly to Neil. “I didn’t realize they were a couple,” Pike said.

“Neither did I,” Ryler said. “I don’t even know if that’s how to describe them.” Pike stared at her and she shrugged. “It’s complicated.”

“I’m getting a lot of that lately in all aspects of my life, and I’m getting a little tired of hearing it.”

“I’m sorry that I asked Anthony to bring us out here, but you weren’t picking up, and he offered to lead the way.”

“You could have declined,” he grumbled, brushing past her. “I would have taken you out to see the ridge free of charge.”

“Pike, come on, don’t be that way.”

Pike was aware that Kit was already standing by the cars, taking random pictures, and that Anthony’s truck was slowly backing up, as if hoping that if he lingered, Pike would want to talk to him, but he didn’t. It felt like the whole world was lying to him, and he was sick of it.