"We always thought you'd end up back together," Jenna said, appearing with Ryan in tow. "Didn't we, Ryan?"
"We did," Ryan confirmed. "Literally everyone thought so."
Grant's hand tightened slightly at Riley's waist, and she leaned into him without thinking. It felt natural. Easy. Like they'd been doing this forever.
Dangerous.
Mark appeared with drinks, handing them both glasses of something that smelled like rum and bad decisions. "To Riley and Grant. Pine Valley's most…or maybe…least surprising couple reunion."
Everyone laughed and raised their glasses.
Riley forced a smile and took a sip, the warmth of the rum doing nothing to settle her nerves.
They spent the next hour being interrogated.
How did it start?
Who made the first move?
Why didn't you tell anyone?
Riley answered with the story they'd practiced. Grant filled in details with the easy charm he’d always had, all while his thumb traced small circles on her hip that made it very hard to focus.
Every time someone asked a question, he looked at her first, like he was checking to make sure she was okay. Every time someone made a joke, he laughed and pulled her closer.
It was perfect.
Almost too perfect.
And Riley was starting to forget it wasn't real.
"Okay, okay," Hannah said, pulling Riley aside while Grant got cornered by Mark and Ryan near the kitchen. "Real talk. How is he? I mean, really."
Riley blinked. "What?"
"Come on. You and Grant. Back together. It's like Christmas came early. Literally."
"We're taking it slow."
Hannah's eyes narrowed. "How slow?"
"Very slow."
"Riley Monroe. Are you telling me you haven't?—"
"It's new, Hannah. We're not rushing anything."
Hannah studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay. Fine. But I have questions. So many questions."
"You always have questions."
"Because you never tell me anything!" Hannah grabbed her arm. "But seriously. Are you happy?"
The question caught Riley off guard. "What?"
"Are you happy? With him?"
Riley looked across the room. Grant was laughing at something Mark said, his whole face lighting up. He caught her eye and smiled—soft and real and just for her.
