Page 17 of Santa's Mistletoe Playbook

“Guilty.” He nodded. “My aunt and uncle—Bryson’s parents—told me he’d found a wonderful woman.”

Her ears burned with the compliment. “It’ll be two years tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, that we’ve been dating.”

“Has he asked you to marry him?”

She didn’t want to answer and swiftly changed the subject. “You have a lovely place here.”

“Why are you both here? I heard Bryson’s parents went to Belize for the holidays.”

This was an easier question to answer. “He’s filling in for another obstetrician. We were supposed to be at a resort in Sedona, and last night, I got messed up and lap-danced bikers at the Devil’s Club because all Bryson does is work.”

Danica said it casually, shocking herself for telling him this. She was so distraught over ruining things with Bryson that she didn’t care what his cousin knew.

“Messed up as in inebriated?” His brows winged up. “What an odd choice for a two-year anniversary.”

“It wasn’t a choice! I don’t know what it was…” she trailed off, pinching the bridge of her nose. She shouldn’t be pouring out her miserable regret to a total stranger, but she had no one to talk to, and her relationship with Bryson was in serious trouble. “I’ve made a mess of things ever since I got here. And now this. Running into you, of all people.”

“It is rather strange,” he said with a thoughtful expression. “Quite the coincidence, actually.”

“If you guys are cousins, why do you dislike each other so much? What happened?”

Devin let out a long sigh. “We were inseparable until our senior year in high school. Then both his girlfriends that year decided they wanted me instead of him. Things headed south after that. It’s a shame, because I’ve always thought of Bryson as a brother.”

A pounding on the door caused Danica to stiffen, and she braced herself. She hated confrontation and conflict. She wasn’t good at it.

Devin swung open the door. “Hey, Bryson. Been a long time.”

“Where is she?” Bryson’s sharp tone sliced the air.

Devin stepped back and pointed. “In there.”

Bryson strode past him, and Danica moved to him, throwing her arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Did this guy try anything?” He penetrated Devin with a look that could kill.

“He’s been a total gentleman. He invited me in to warm up, and I used his phone.”

“I’ll bet he did. But he’s no gentleman.” Bryson stepped back from Danica and turned toward his cousin. “How did you warm her up? You can’t steal this one, so hands off!” His chest puffed up, and he stiffened.

“I don’t intend to steal her.” Devin recoiled at his remark. “Maybe it’s high time you let go of the past and focus on your future.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Bryson whirled on Danica. “Did you spill your guts to this loser? What did you tell him?” His face reddened.

“I—I didn’t tell him anything—” she faltered, her entire body prickling.

Bryson stepped close to Devin. “We never did even the score. There’s something I’ve been wanting to do since you stole the woman I planned to marry in high school.” He took a step back and swung at Devin, his fist connecting with Devin’s jaw.

Devin stumbled back and fell backward onto the sofa. “Dammit, Bryson! What the fuck?”

Bryson pointed at him. “That’s for stealing Jennifer. And this one’s for stealing Amanda.” He took a menacing step forward. “You better not eventhinkabout stealing Danica!”

Danica planted herself between them, placing a firm hand on his chest. “Bryson! Stop!”

“What, now you’re sticking up for this guy? This doesn’t concern you. It’s between me and him.” Bryson’s eyes glinted in a way that alarmed Danica.

“Come on, we’re leaving.” Danica grabbed hold of Bryson’s jacket and tugged him toward the door. She glanced back at Devin, seeing him rubbing his jaw. “Thanks for helping me out. Sorry for the hassle.”

“Don’t apologize to him!” muttered Bryson, pulling keys from his pocket.

---