Page 59 of Critical Doubt

"You're right. I've never been in that position. Although, at the moment I feel like I have little control over what's happening in my life or in my head, so there's that." He paused. "Have you ever told your father how you felt about his actions?"

"Yes, but he doesn't listen. He always cuts me off or turns the problem back to me. But you're not him, and I shouldn't have suggested you were like him in any way. So, what were we talking about?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. I'm tired."

"Me, too," she said, as she slid down on the bed and rolled onto her side. "The last few days are catching up to me. I'm just going to rest my eyes for a minute."

"You should go to bed."

"I'll change in a second," she said, her eyes drifting closed.

He smiled, as her breath evened out. She was already asleep, but while he was exhausted, he didn't feel sleepy. Still, he kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the other bed. She'd given him something to think about. But as his gaze settled on her, suddenly she was all he could think about.

She didn't think a second night together could be as good as the first, but he thought differently, and he wanted to prove it to her.

But what would happen after that? Would either of them really be satisfied with another one-night stand? On the other hand, what was the alternative?

Their lives were moving in opposite directions, just as they'd been five years ago. Maybe they were destined to only have moments together. Or maybe he was just afraid that wanting Savannah would mean leaving his safety net behind, and for a man who used to be fearless, that was now a frightening thought. He'd gotten used to the isolation. He'd gotten used to the loneliness. Because with those two things came quiet and peace. But neither quiet nor peace were improving his problems.

Perhaps he needed a different approach. Maybe he needed someone besides himself. Maybe he needed her.

But what did she need?

He couldn’t imagine it was someone like him, not the man he was now. Maybe the man he used to be…

But was that man ever coming back?

Chapter Fourteen

Savannah wokeup to the sound of water running. The hotel room was dark, but there was light coming from under the bathroom door. The digital clock read five fifty-six. She sat up, realizing she'd slept in her clothes. She couldn't quite believe she'd fallen asleep so quickly, but the exhaustion of the day before had done her in.

She got off the bed and moved toward her small suitcase, kneeling on the floor as she unzipped it. She was happy that she'd planned on staying with Abby for a few days. While she hadn't brought a lot of clothes, she had enough to get her through at least another day or two. Hopefully, that would be all it took to get the answers they needed. Because more time with Ryker would only complicate her life.

Already, she was thinking about him way too much. And that needed to stop. There might still be incredible chemistry between them, but they were going in different directions. She couldn't let herself start caring about him, because her life was in California. Her job was her priority. She wasn't living for anyone else anymore; she was living for herself.

Although, that sounded a little lonely now. But she'd get over that. She'd meet someone someday who was the right fit. That wasn't Ryker.Was it?

Damn!She hated the little voice inside her head that was always more hopeful, more optimistic than it should be. She couldn't keep yearning for relationships that were completely one-sided. She had to stop thinking about what he needed and focus on what she needed.

But as the bathroom door opened, and he stepped out, looking so handsome, smelling so good, her heart twisted in her chest, and butterflies danced through her stomach. Her hands clenched into fists, as a desire to run across the room and throw herself into his arms swept through her. She forced herself to look at her suitcase, to figure out what she was going to wear.

"Bathroom is all yours," Ryker said.

"Thanks." She grabbed fresh undies, jeans, and a sweater and got to her feet. "I didn't hear an alarm."

"I didn't set one. I still have an internal clock."

As she started to move around him, he stepped in front of her, and her pulse sped up once more as she gave him a questioning look. "What?"

"I just wanted to say one more time that you don't have to come to DC with me. You can go back to Dobbs, spend time with Abby."

Maybe that's what she should do, but it wasn't what she wanted to do. "I need answers, too. Let's not argue about it."

"All right. Then I'll just say thanks."

Her eyebrow shot up. "Now you're thanking me?"

He nodded. "For a lot more than just your decision to continue on to DC. You've gotten me through some bad moments, and you've had to push past my barriers to do that. It made me angry that you could break them down. I thought they were strong. But in the end, I was glad you did. I appreciate you more than I can say."

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