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This was why I valued our friendship so much—the easy banter, the way he could make me laugh even when I was determined to be in a bad mood. If what Cam said was true, if Con did have deeper feelings for me, would we lose this? Would everything become complicated and awkward?

"Earth to Geri," Con said, waving a hand in front of my face. "You still with me?"

"Sorry," I said, shaking off my thoughts. "Just tired. Three double shifts in a row was maybe not my best idea."

"You think?" he teased. "But hey, now you've got three days to recover. And I hear Lakeview is beautiful this time of year."

"You've never been?"

He shook his head. "Nope. Always meant to, but never got around to it. I'm glad I get to see it with you—I mean, with all of you."

The slight stumble in his words made my heart skip a beat. Was that a sign? Or was I just hyperaware now, looking for confirmation of Cam's claims?

Before I could overthink it further, the door to the coffee shop burst open, and Louise and Jenny tumbled in, bringing with them a wave of cold air and exuberant energy.

"Geri!" Louise squealed, throwing her arms around me. "God, I've missed you!"

"Me too," I said, hugging her back tightly. It was true—I had missed my friends, missed the uncomplicated relationships we had.

Jenny hugged me next, then both of them turned curious eyes to Con.

"And you must be the famous Con," Louise said, extending a hand. "Geri's told us so much about you."

Con raised an eyebrow at me as he shook her hand. "Has she now? All good things, I hope."

"The best," Jenny assured him with a wink in my direction that made me want to sink through the floor.

Great. Just what I needed—my friends playing matchmaker.

"Where's Nick?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.

"Waiting in the car,” Louise replied. "We should get going if we want to make it to Lakeview before the morning rush."

We gathered our things and headed out to where a large SUV was idling at the curb. Nick was behind the wheel, waiting for us. After a round of introductions and some Tetris-like manoeuvring to fit all our bags in the trunk, we were on our way.

I ended up in the middle row between Jenny and Con, with Louise up front with Nick. As we pulled away from Alpine Ridge and headed toward Lakeview, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Relief to be away from the resort, from work, from the knowing looks of the staff who apparently all knew about Con's feelings. Anxiety about what the next three days might bring, about being in close quarters with Con, about my friends' obvious attempts to push us together.

"So, Con," Louise called from the front seat, turning to face us. "Geri tells us you're quite the snowboarder."

Con shrugged modestly. "I'm alright. Been doing it since I was a kid."

"He's being humble," I said, surprising myself by jumping in. "He's amazing. Does all these jumps and tricks that make me nervous just watching."

Con looked at me, a soft smile playing at his lips. "And Geri's a natural on skis. Picked it right back up after years away."

"You two ski together a lot?" Jenny asked innocently, though I could hear the subtext in her question.

"When we can," Con replied. "Our schedules don't always line up, but we try to get out there a few times a week."

"That's nice," Louise said, her tone suggestive. "Having someone to share your passions with."

I shot her a warning look, which she pretended not to see.

The conversation moved on to plans for our stay in Lakeview—which slopes we wanted to hit, where we'd eat, what we'd do in the evenings. I let the chatter wash over me, contributing occasionally but mostly just enjoying the familiar dynamic of my friends and the beautiful scenery passing by outside.

Con's leg pressed against mine in the cramped backseat, a constant reminder of his presence. I didn't move away, telling myself it was because there was nowhere to go, but part of me knew that wasn't the whole truth.

As we wound our way down the mountain toward Lakeview, I found myself stealing glances at him—the strong line of his jaw, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed at something Nick said, the casual confidence in his posture. He was attractive, there was no denying that. And kind, and funny, and supportive.