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A pang of longing hits my heart. Someday, I want that.

“Oh Griff, you’re still here,” Isla says brightly as footsteps land behind me.

“I figured you’d be long gone. Didn’t Charlie convince you to stop for milkshakes?” His low, warm voice washes over me. “Hey, Liv.” His hand touches my shoulder. “Were you working?”

I nod, feeling tongue-tied with him standing so close to me.

“We were heading out when we saw Olivia and wanted to say hi,” Isla explains. She turns to me. “Wait, did you say something about going into the field? What does that mean?”

Clearing my throat, I find my voice. “I’ll be hiking into Strathcona Park for a few days to do some observation and gather samples.”

Griffin shifts to stand more in front of me, and his green eyes look concerned for some reason. “Whereabouts in the park?”

“There’s a cabin just up from the Lupin Falls trailhead that the university owns. That’ll be my base camp.”

“You’re going alone?”

“Yes.” I fold my arms over my chest, feeling slightly defensive at his tone. “It’s not the first time I’ve done this. Trip comes with me, and I have regular radio contact with my department head.”

“The forest service road to the trailhead can flood really easily, especially with the heavy rains and runoff we’ve had this year.”

I nod slowly, keeping my face neutral. “I’m aware of that.” I watch his shoulders lift and fall. But I can’t make sense of why he’s reacting like this. We stand there in a silent standoff for several moments, one that feels more and more uncomfortable as the seconds tick by. Only, I have no idea what to say.

“You should ask Foxxy about that part of the park, he knows it like the back of his hand.”

Griffin’s comment only makes me feel more confused. Why on earth would I ask his friend about the park? “I’ve done my research, I know where to go to find what I need.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you have. I just mean that he knows a lot about the area. He’s a smart guy. That’s all. He could maybe even meet you there one day to help. Maybe.”

“O-kay…” I say, drawing the one word out. This is getting really awkward. And judging by the way Griff’s shoulders are bunched around his ears, and he’s looking everywhere but at me, it’s awkward for him, too.

Isla clears her throat, breaking the tension. “Well, we’d better get going, my mom is coming for dinner. Olivia, let's do lunch again after your work trip.”

I give Isla a quick smile. “I’d like that.”

“Nice to meet you, Olivia. Griff, see you at the preseason meeting?” Luca adds.

Griff chuckles, low and deep. “Just can’t stay away, can you?”

Luca grins. “Nope. Besides, someone has to make sure Dom stays in line.”

“Pretty sure you’ve got that backward, bossman,” Isla teases, leaning into his side. Seeing my confusion, she adds, “Dom is Luca’s best friend and the CEO of the Thunder, but Luca technically owns the team. Although, he’s meant to be a silent partner.” She slaps Luca’s chest to emphasize the word silent. “He’s having a hard time with that idea.”

Luca doesn’t look guilty at being called out like that and simply shrugs. “I’m a mostly silent partner. But we better get going, Wonder Woman. Charlie’s patience is going to wear out soon.”

After another hug from Isla and a round of goodbyes from everyone, they walk back over to their car where Isla’s son has been waiting.

Then it’s just me and Griffin. Anxious to get the attention off me, I nod toward the old truck he was loading gear into earlier. “I’m surprised you don’t still drive a sports car. That thing was your pride and joy back in university.”

“Didn’t need a flashy car in a town like Cedar Creek.”

“But I’m guessing that’s what you drive when you go to Alberta to visit your family?” I say it in a teasing tone but given the way Griffin’s face shutters, it doesn’t land well.

“Alberta’s even more truck country than Cedar Creek. But I don’t go back there anymore.”

“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t realize…” I don’t know what to say. I hardly know anything about Griffin’s family, only that they own one of the largest privately owned oil extraction companies in the entire country.

“It’s fine. I just don’t go back.” His words land flat and heavy. After a few seconds of loaded silence, Griffin shifts on his feet.