Page 22 of Rescuing Sophia

More heckling follows, adding to the light-hearted teasing aimed at Blake.

“Our boy’s all grown up and in love.” Gabe claps his hands over his chest, mimicking a heartbeat with a pseudo-serious expression.

“Sorry about them.” Blake’s ears turn red, but he doesn’t deny their accusations. Instead, he turns to me, his expression apologetic and something else I can’t quite decipher. “I’ll walk you back to your quarters.” His voice is gruff as he steps closer, a protective edge to his posture.

As we leave the gym, the cool air of the hallway shocks my overheated skin. Every step beside Blake heightens the tension between us, the space charged with unspoken emotions. My skin tingles in his presence, the closeness making my heart race.

Frustration bubbles up inside me. I’m getting under his skin; that much is clear, but he’s still fighting it, still clinging to that professional distance.

It’s maddening.

When we reach my door, Blake hesitates. His hand hovers near my arm but not quite touching.

“Sophia, I…”

“Yes?” I turn to face him, hope rising in my chest.

Lifting a finger, I place it gently on his chest, trailing it down slowly over the soft notch of his throat, down his broad chest, slipping down to his washboard abs, letting it linger suggestively at the waistband of his shorts.

“Do you want to come in?”

“I need to take a shower.” He swallows hard, his eyes darkening with desire, but he shakes his head slightly.

“You could take a shower here. A shower for one is lonely.” I let my finger trail back up to his chest.

It looks like he might give in for a moment, but then he steps back, breaking the contact.

“I, uh, left something in the gym. I should go get it.”

“Up to you.” Frustration bubbles up inside me, but I force a smile.

“I’ll pick you up for dinner later, okay?” His voice is gruff, and he seems to struggle with himself.

“Looking forward to it.” I hide my disappointment behind a smile.

As I shut the door behind me, I lean against it, closing my eyes. The memory of Blake’s body against mine, the heat in his eyes, and the tension in his voice swirl in my mind, leaving me frustrated and longing for more.

SEVEN

Sophia

The sun dipslow on the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks as I stand before the mirror in my new apartment. My reflection stares back at me, a stranger in borrowed clothes. I smooth down the simple blouse and jeans, wondering if I look normal enough.

Whatever that means these days.

A knock at the door sends my heart racing.

Blake.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Tonight, he’ll see me as more than just an assignment.

I open the door, and there he stands, all six-feet-plus of chiseled perfection. His blue eyes sweep over me, lingering with an unmistakable flicker of appreciation that sends warmth rushing to my cheeks.

“Ready for dinner?” His voice is gruff, his gaze still locked on me as he takes a step closer.

“Absolutely. I’m starving.” I step out into the hallway. As we walk, I intentionally let my arm brush against him, relishing the brief contact. “What are our options?”

Blake clears his throat. “We’ve got the cafeteria, a burger joint, or a pizza place. Your choice.”

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