Chapter 4
Pale dawn light seepedthrough the crack in Krista’s blinds. For a blissful moment, she luxuriated in the warm comfort of her bed—until her stomach knotted with a ball of cringe. Her eyes flew open.
Her ass.
Exposed.
Shane McDermit.
And worst of all, she still hadn’t had her time alone with Ryan.
After her stupid pants had ripped, she’d raced to her room to change, but once cocooned in the quiet privacy, she’d given up on the seduction plan that she was so obviously not cut out for. Ryan had messaged to say they were all heading out to dinner, but her appetite had gone and she was too pissed at herself to feel like joining them.
She’d also still been too annoyed and embarrassed to go downstairs in case she bumped into Shane McDermit again.
Wasn’t he just one big flashing sign telling her to give up?
She ducked under the covers.
As soon as she got back to Vancouver, she’d shove that handful of pitiful lace back in Lisa’s drawer.
Lesson learned?
Be yourself.
Ryan liked her plenty just how she was, didn’t he? All Krista had to do was get a few minutes alone with him to talk, and she’d get that today. The hike they’d planned would take at least four hours, and even if the rest of their co-workers would be joining them, she was sure that they’d all walk at different paces.
With that in mind, Krista flung back the covers. Determined not to reflect on last night’s disaster anymore, she dressed in her running gear, cleaned her teeth, and headed downstairs, ready for a hard, fast run to shift the last remaining strands of embarrassment.
It was early, and the hotel lobby was so quiet. Just as well. She didn’t want to face anyone she knew right now, not until she got her head together. Stepping out of the front entrance, she set the timer on her wristwatch then skidded to a halt.
Shane McDermit.
He was standing next to his car, reading something on his phone. She ducked behind a potted plant then slipped off to the side of the building, just as Michael Adams walked out of the hotel toward him.
“All set, mate?” Shane asked, not having seen her.
