Mistletoe Mischief (Falling in Mistletoe #2)

Chapter Thirty-seven

H ey, man,” Anthony said, clearing his throat. “Thanks for jumping in.”

Pike rested the back of his head against the wall with his eyes closed, thinking about the hours he could have been wrapped up with Ryler. Taking a hot shower to ease his aching muscles, then convincing her to give him a back rub that he would gladly return with tax. Instead, he was sitting in the Mistletoe police station, in a jail cell with Anthony, all the while sitting next to the smelly, bloody, and beaten idiots they’d been fighting with. Every part of him hurt, especially his face, but at least Anthony was happy with his comradery.

“Sure, what are friends for but to have your back when you start a fight with six guys?” Pike heaped a hefty dose of sarcasm into his tone so his friend wouldn’t miss his irritation.

Anthony gave him a hard nudge with his shoulder. “Hey. What’s your problem?”

Pike opened his eyes to glare at him. “You’re supposed to be the smart, level-headed guy in this friendship. Instead, you’re betting our equipment and getting into fights that lead to us sitting in a jail cell facing possible charges. It’s like you’ve been replaced by a pod person!”

“So, because you have me to curb your spending, you think volunteering us for everything is fine because I’ll create a budget?” Anthony snapped. “News flash, sometimes the budget is too much.”

“Uh-oh. I think the lovers next door are fighting,” Trip said, earning a chuckle from a few of his friends.”

“Will you shut the fuck up?” Pike hollered.

“Why don’t you make me, Lucky the Leprechaun? ”

“I thought I already did,” Pike said, pointing to his mouth. “Nice lip, Trip. Looks like it split open again.”

Trip touched his fat lip, which had split open and started oozing blood. “You’ll pay for that later.”

“Stop your whining, you big boobs!” Officer Wren barked from the other room, the stomp of her boots growing louder before she cleared the hallway and stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at them. Her blond hair was pulled back in that severe bun that reminded Pike of an angry librarian instead of an officer of the law.

“If you weren’t fighting like a bunch of middle schoolers,” she said, her tone acidic, “you wouldn’t be hurting so damn bad.”

Pike laughed. “You tell them, Wren.”

“I’m talking to you, too, ya idjit,” she snapped, approaching their cell, her gaze focused on Anthony before swinging to Pike. “You are supposed to be leaders in this community. Leaders control their damn tempers.”

Pike shrugged. “We tried to take the high road, but he started talking shit about Anthony’s lady.”

“They’re just words,” Officer Wren said, lowering her voice to add, “and he’s dim-witted anyway.”

Brodie hollered, “Hey!”

“Hey yourself,” Wren said without turning Brodie’s way. Her entire focus was on Anthony, who shuffled his feet under her disapproving gaze. “Why would you care what he thinks? Do you like the guy? Respect his opinion?”

“No,” Anthony said.

“He’s a douchebag,” Pike added.

Brodie smacked the bars with his hands. “I am sitting right here!”

“Yeah, we can see you.” Pike grinned at Wren, pain erupting from his eyeball, and he groaned. “Admit it. The shiner makes me look tough, huh?”

“Idjit,” Wren muttered again, turning her back on him and disappearing back down the hall.

“I think Officer Wren likes me,” Pike said.

Anthony shook his head. “I think Officer Wren wants to take us all out back and tase us. Can’t really blame her.”

“What are you talking about? We are the victims here. Innocently making sure your girlfriend was okay and then, blam! They walk up on us and start talking shit. ”

“It was stupid of me to let that dick get to me,” Anthony said.

“So, why did you?” Pike asked.

Anthony closed his eyes. “I guess I’ve just been on edge. Stressed out.”

“I’m sure you have been,” Pike said, every muscle protesting as he sat on the bench. “And sounds like I’ve made things worse. But I think you went off on Brodie because he was saying hurtful things to Delilah.”

“Obviously, Pike,” Anthony said. “Any man would have reacted to a woman being verbally attacked.”

“But only a man in love would have pummeled the idiot the way you did.”

Anthony stiffened, silence stretching between them. Did he really not see how in love he was with Delilah Gill?

Brodie muttered, “I think I’m going to puke.”

“God, can you ever just keep your mouth shut? Or do you have to hear yourself talk to pretend you’re relevant?” Pike asked.

“Watch yourself, Pike. You’re no better than me.”

“Actually, I am. I don’t alienate women when they reject me or tear them down. I accept the rejection with dignity. Walking around like you don’t care if people think you’re the biggest douche in the world is not a good look for you.”

“Fuck you,” Brodie said.

“Witty retort.” Pike turned his back on the other man and sighed.

Anthony wiped a hand over his face. “I hope Nick gets here soon.”

Pike nodded. “I am ready to blow this Popsicle stand.” He sat forward, his forearms resting on his legs. “I’m sorry, man. I know I can be moronic, and I need to learn to slow down and ask you before I agree to things for the business. I just get excited, and I’m still getting used to having a partner.”

Anthony smirked. “Me, too. I did a lot of research before we got into this, and there were a lot of people saying that going into business ruined friendships for them. I don’t want that for us.”

“Agreed.” Pike got up, holding out a hand to him. “Forgive me?”

Anthony took his hand and pulled him in for a hard hug. “Always.”

“Someone get these assholes out of here before I lose my cookies?” Trip hollered, with Brodie and the rest of their friends shouting in agreement .

Wren appeared through the hallway again, jingling a set of keys. “Your wish is my command.” Wren unlocked Anthony and Pike’s cell. “It’s your lucky day, boys. You’ve been sprung.”

“What about us?” Brodie asked.

“Can I call my father again?” Trip bellowed.

“I’m sure it will be any minute now,” Wren said, smirking. Anthony and Pike picked their jackets up off the bench and followed her. Once they passed through the hall, she whispered, “You’ve got a ten-minute head start before I release the goon squad.”

“Thanks, Wren,” Anthony said.

Wren pointed at each of them in turn. “You can thank me by staying out of trouble. You’re lucky no one wanted to press charges.”

Pike’s laughter died when he saw Anthony’s expression fall and followed his line of sight to Delilah and Ryler standing next to Officer Wren’s desk, wearing identical frowns. Pike wanted to rush Ryler and wrap his arms around her, grateful that she’d shown up after watching him throw down in a brawl, but he couldn’t blow their ruse with anyone else.

“Hey, you don’t get to give me that look,” Pike said, pointing at Ryler. “You ain’t my girlfriend.”

“Thank God for that.” She laughed, but her eyes scanned his face, worry heavy in those beautiful brown orbs. “No man of mine would get into a fight wearing snow pants.” Ryler shot Delilah an apologetic smile. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Delilah took a step closer to Anthony and reached up, her hand hovering over his cheek; it was bruised and swollen. Pike could only imagine what a mess he looked like to Ryler.

“You look terrible,” Delilah said.

Anthony tried to smile, but it split his swollen lip open. “I know, but really, you should see the other guys.”

Delilah shook her head, but Pike saw her small smile, and relief flooded him. After all that Delilah and Anthony had been through, he’d hate to see this be a wrench between them.

“I have your truck outside,” Delilah said.

“You’re all good to go,” Wren said. “And I wouldn’t worry too much about those idiots changing their minds about pressing charges. I think they’re too ashamed that the two of you kicked all six of their asses.”

“You’re good people, Wren,” Anthony said with a wink. “Don’t let anyone tell you differently. ”

Wren’s cheeks flushed unexpectedly, and she scoffed. “Get them out of here.”

Anthony and Delilah walked ahead of them out of the police station, conversing quietly.

Pike took a step closer to Ryler, his hand brushing hers.

“Are you okay?” she asked quietly, and Pike could have sworn her voice trembled.

“Yeah, Kitten. Just a little banged up.”

Delilah called over her shoulder to Ryler, “Do you have Pike?”

“Yeah, I’ll take him home,” Ryler said, rolling her eyes. “He’s so tore back, I’m afraid he might pass out if I made him walk.”

Pike snorted, rounding to the passenger side of the rental car. “Don’t act like I’m a chore to be around, when we both know I’m a fucking delight.”

“You’re more like a de-blegh,” she said, making a gagging sound.

“That’s mature,” Pike deadpanned.

“Says the man who looks like he went five rounds with a badger.” Ryler waved at Delilah and Anthony before climbing into the driver’s side, hitting the unlock button.

Pike got in, watching her buckle up. “This is the second time you’ve rescued me after having a spot of bad luck.”

“I wouldn’t call this bad luck. More like a poor decision.”

“Hey now, I am the injured party here. I was just protecting my friend,” he said.

“I know,” she agreed, backing the car out of the space. “Plus, watching how scrappy you are in a fight was pretty hot. You should join the WWE.”

Pike shook his head, wincing at the shooting pain in his head. “If I never get into another fight, I’ll be a happy guy.”

Ryler reached out, placing a hand on his knee. “In all seriousness, do I need to stop at the store and get anything for you? Pain meds? Ice pack?”

“I have all that, but I can honestly say, while I was sitting in that cell, all I could think about was how being with you would make me feel a hell of a lot better.”

“Are you asking me to stay and take care of you, Pike?” she asked softly.

Pike knew this was more than what any casual relationship would require, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted her with him, all the time. He needed her .

“Yes, that’s what I’m asking.”

“Then I’ll stay.”

Pike only wished she meant forever.

Fuck, when did you go and fall in love with Ryler Colby?