The Hazards of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online

woman and her kids meant Dad was serious, but hearing her kids say it brought the point home.
    Dalton dipped a fry in ketchup. “It means I can care. What did the guy do to you?”
    “Just drop it, Dalton. She doesn’t want you butting in. I can relate.” Laney rolled her eyes.
    “Ok, then how about we move on. What did you mean when you said I was younger than most of the guys you date? I’m twenty-two. You’re nineteen.”
    “Yeah, so.” I ate another crouton. They were the best part of the Caesar salad.
    “Yeah, so… why are you dating guys older than twenty-two? You shouldn’t be dating guys out of college.”
    “Says who?” I set down my fork. Dalton was starting to get on my nerves. He barely knew me, and he had no right to question my dating choices.
    “Says anyone, including your dad. I guarantee he’s going to have a problem with it.”
    “He’s not going to know.” I gripped the table. My dad wasn’t going to take well to that news. He always told me to become friends with guys before I dated them. It’s not like I’d been sleeping around the city of Charleston, but after my Glen experience I made sure to date men I wouldn’t have to see again if I didn’t want to. That took all college boys off the table.
    “It’s your choice. Either tell me about the guy or I tell your dad about your recent dating experiences.”
    “Are you serious?” I pushed my chair back. “Are you that much of an asshole?”
    Laney put her hands out toward each of us. “Whoa. Just calm down. Dalton, she’s right. You’re being an asshole. Savannah, I apologize for my brother.”
    Dalton glared at his sister. “I don’t understand how trying to help someone makes me the asshole.”
    “Because I don’t want your help. I don’t need it.” I was ready to hit the slopes again. At least no one bothered you as you went down the mountain.
    “Fine.” He sighed. “Forget it.”
    “Good.” I pushed my seat in. “Can’t we try to get along for a week?”
    “There’s a simple solution here. We ditch Dalton after lunch.” Laney smiled. “I swear I’m not going to annoy you or ask you questions that are none of my business.” She frowned at her brother.
    “You’re not ditching me. You think I’m okay with you hanging out with a girl with baggage and a history of dating older men?”
    “You have got to be kidding me.” I didn’t think. I acted on instinct. I tossed my entire glass of water in his face. I didn’t fully comprehend what I’d done until Laney started laughing uncontrollably. “Don’t worry. I’ll stay away from both of you.”
    The hostess looked at me like I had two heads as I stormed out of the restaurant. Whatever. I was tired of caring what people thought of me. I headed back to the condo, belatedly remembering my board. I’d have to go back for it later.
    “Savannah!” Laney yelled after me.
    I didn’t stop. The girl seemed nice, but she was related to Dalton, so who knew when she’d turn off the charm and show her true colors. “Savannah, wait up!”
    I stopped a few feet outside the restaurant. People were starting to stare. “You don’t have to do this.”
    “Do what?” Laney caught up with me.
    “Try to make up excuses for your brother. He doesn’t like me. I get it.”
    “He doesn’t dislike you.”
    I laughed dryly. “He pretty much just called me a whore and a bad influence.”
    “He’s just over protective because of stuff that happened with our mom before, and he’s taking it out on you. It’s not fair, but he’s only doing it because he cares.”
    “Yeah, he’s definitely taking it out on me, but I’m not going to pretend he actually likes me.”
    She touched my sleeve to get me to slow down. “I’m serious.”
    “I’m heading up to the room.” As great as hitting the slopes sounded, I wasn’t willing to risk running into Glen again so soon.
    “I’ll join you. I’ll text Dalton and have him grab our boards.”
    “Whatever you want.” I