The only thing that drowned her out was Krista.
Could he ever love a woman again?
Alright, maybe not love. But fun. Could he have fun times—and yes, damnit—could he have sex with someone and not think about the Bad Times?
Sex with Krista was out of the question—he’d put a lid on that urge last night—but in theory, he could start casually dating when he got back home to Sydney. But that was six months away, and if lying between Krista’s thighs last night had driven him to such distraction today, he seriously needed to get laid soon—onlynotwith Krista.
Three days ago, she’d been crying over Ryan. That pain on her face couldn’t go completely away so quickly. And in what universe could he ever say,Hey Krista, how’s about us having a little no-strings fun?
Not his universe, that’s for sure, and certainly not when they still had three hiking days left together and she was likely to say,No, Shane, what the hell are you thinking?
Chapter 14
Shane parked the carnext to their tents and cut the engine.
“Let’s go and sit on the log over there,” Krista said, handing him one of the beers they’d brought back with them from the Moose Head Lodge.
The sun had almost dipped behind the mountains, already turning them a delicate shade of pink. Everything was so quiet and peaceful here, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so quiet and peaceful too.
They sipped their beers, but soon the flaming mozzies ruined the mood. He swotted one away from his face then swiped at one hovering above Krista’s head.
“They’re out in full force tonight,” Shane said as they ducked back into the car to finish their drinks.
Krista sat behind the wheel, insisting he take the passenger side so he had more room for his legs, and they set about making plans for tomorrow’s hike to the Edith Cavell glacier. Krista’s hair fell around her face as she read the trail guide on her lap.
“It says here ‘Prepare yourself for some stunning mountain views’,” she said. “You know what that means?”
“Prepare yourself for a beast of a climb.”
“Correct. No pain, no gain.” Krista snickered.
Shane finished his beer. Krista finished hers.
Tucking her legs under her, she cozied up in the driver’s seat, seemingly in no rush to get to her tent. Shane stretched out his legs in the footwell, in no rush either.
“The Icefields Parkway bike ride was a fun experience,” Krista said. “I wonder how much money you all raised.”
