Page 78 of A Little Bit Engaged
She nodded.
“I’m Ryland Guyer.”
His brown hair fell to his shoulders in a casual style, and his eyes were a clear blue. He had the face of a model and the body of an athlete. Not that anyone could compare to Brody.
Cara blew out a breath before shaking his hand. “Thanks for letting me hitch a ride.”
“The more, the merrier.” Ryland laughed. “Always happy to help out a friend of Laurel and Brett’s.”
“Well, it’s much appreciated.”
He looked at Lex and Rizzo. “Are you guys coming with us?”
Lex shifted his weight between his feet. “No, we’re just seeing Cara off.”
Funny, but Lex sounded almost nervous. A way she’d never seen him act before. Not even at the hospital with Slayter.
Rizzo nodded. He started to speak and then stopped himself. “Take good care of her and Loki.”
“Will do.” Ryland went to grab her suitcase, but Lex stopped him.
“I’ll load it into the baggage compartment.” After he did, Lex faced Ryland. “You need to heal so you can be on the slopes next season.”
Ryland’s smile appeared forced. “I’m working to make that happen.”
“Slopes?” Cara asked.
“I ski,” Ryland said.
“I’m not much into sports,” she admitted.
“Ryland won two medals in Sochi,” Lex blurted. “Sorry. Both runs were amazing, but you almost won the last one.”
Guess the bodyguard was a big ski fan. That was cute.
“You would have killed it at PyeongChang if…” Rizzo’s voice faded.
“If I hadn’t been injured during that World Cup race at St. Moritz and had to miss the Winter Games last year.” Ryland didn’t appear embarrassed, more resigned. “But I’ll be racing again next season.”
The other men nodded.
Ryland motioned to the plane. “Let’s get you and Loki settled in the cabin. The pilot and flight attendant will be here shortly, then we’ll be off.”
Off to the Pacific Northwest. A place she’d never visited, but it would be her new home. At least temporarily.
She hugged Lex and then Rizzo. “Thanks again for everything.”
Rizzo handed over Loki. “The pleasure was ours, Cara.”
At the doorway to the jet, she glanced over her shoulder. Neither man had moved.
She waved and stepped inside. The interior screamed wealth with its taupe leather captain seats and coordinating carpet and walls, but she supposed that was who purchased private jets. It was a different world from hers, but she was grateful for the ride and the generosity of Brett’s friends.
Cara set the cat carrier underneath one of the seats. “Nice plane.”
“It comes in handy,” Ryland joked. “You can sit wherever you want. It’s a short flight.”
“Thanks.”
