“Ryan messaged me.” She read out the texts, so surprised that she started to laugh. “Oh, my god, Shane! Your plan, the bet—those photos of us... It actually worked!”
Was posting a photo on social media all it took to make Ryan see her as more than just a friend? Was he really that shallow? “He really did get jealous!”
When Shane didn’t say anything, Krista looked up. He stared at her a long moment then blinked and smiled.
“I’m very happy for you,” he said.
Wha—“You’re happy? Because Ryan is in love with me?”
“I always knew my plan would work. You’ve got what you’ve always wanted now.” Shane tapped the table. “So, you ready to head back to Banff?”
“What? Now?”
“Of course. I’ve got a long drive ahead, and I’d like to make a start on it sooner rather than later. I’ll go and pay for our breakfast and see you back at the car.” He strode to the counter, one hand already whipping out his wallet from his back pocket.
Krista gawped after him.
Was he for real?
Her thighs were still aching from the amount of hot, mind-blowing sex they’d had, and he was in hurry to drive her back to Banff?
Grabbing her phone off the table, she stomped after him. Shane was already on the forecourt, heading toward his car without even looking behind him to see where she was.
“Shane!” she called out. “What the—”
“Kris! Krista!”
Krista whirled round. A car full of people shouting out her name was pulling up alongside the diner.
“We found you!”
It was Ryan and a bunch of others from work, all hanging out of the car’s windows, waving and cheering and turning every damn head toward her. Ryan burst out and threw his arms around her, lifting her off her feet.
“Did you get my messages?” he said, swinging her around and around. Her head spun, she lost her bearings. “I’ve missed you.”
“Ryan, what—”
Before she could turn away, he smacked a kiss on her lips then pulled her into a tight hug. Krista’s head spun further.
Everyone refueling or charging their vehicles was staring at her—so too were the dozens and dozens of people sitting outside by the diner, sipping coffees and eating waffles as they took in the show.
“I’m—”
“I’ve been an idiot, Kris. I’ve missed you so much.” Then his wet lips smacked against hers again.
She jerked her head away. “No, Ryan...”
But all their co-workers were whooping and clapping, like at the ending of one of those sweet and fluffy rom-coms she always enjoyed. Except there was nothing sweet and fluffy and enjoyable about Ryan’s arms around her and everyone watching. It was awkward and embarrassing and so not what she wanted.
“Ryan,” she said again and started to ease herself out of his arms, but was struck by the joy and happiness on his face.
“I love you, Krista,” he said, his eyes were almost heart-shaped. “We’ve spent days looking for you, and then we figured we’d find you here if McDermit had to charge up his car before driving back.”
“But Ryan,” she whispered, “listen, I... The thing is, I’m—”
“Hey, lovers!” Darren called out.
“We’ve gotta hit the road, kids,” someone else shouted. “We’ve got a plane to catch.”
