Page 111 of No Mistake

“Good. You and Dex were in here before.”

Her eyes widened in surprise.

“I heard voices, muffled, but you guys were talking.”

“Yes. We were both here a while ago. I came to check in and see how you were. Dex has been here the whole time,”

Ryan smiled. “I’m glad you did. Dex left. You stayed for a bit.”

“You were conscious?”

“Not fully. I could hear, but when I tried to open my eyes, I couldn’t.”

“That would be the drugs.”

“Mmmmmm. But I remember what I heard. Do you remember what you said?”

Sophie blushed and he held back a grin. Yeah, she remembered.

“I believe I was wondering why you chose me,” she said quietly.

“I believe you were. Would you like to know?”

She looked at him shyly. God, she was adorable. He took hold of her hand, squeezing it.

“Because you’re beautiful, sexy, intelligent, loyal. You put everyone else before yourself. You’d do anything to help someone. You floored me, hitting Perez like you did. You’re brave and strong. Much stronger than you think. Being a doctor isn't just a job for you. It’s who you are as a person. It’s a calling, and you have no idea how much I admire and respect that. I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you. Not just sexually. I want all of you.”

Ryan raised her hand to his lips, kissing it gently, enjoying the stunned look on her face. “Does that answer your question?”

“That describes you, too,” she said softly.

“Mmmmm, so you think I’m beautiful, sexy, intelligent, and loyal.” He grinned.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. You put others before yourself and you do way more than I do to help them.”

“We have a lot more in common than you think. I didn’t choose you, Sophie. I was drawn to you, and you are drawn to me.”

Sophie stood up and pulled away her hand, startling him.

“Ryan, I like you a lot. There’s just a lot going on right now and Chloe needs me. Maybe we should, just, I don’t know, press pause for a bit until things calm down.”

Oh no, she wasn’t getting away that easy.

“I heard what else you said, Sophie,” he added softly. “I think you more than like me. You said you were in love with me.”

“Ryan, don’t–”

He interrupted her. “I love you, too.”

“Ryan, this is crazy. We barely know each other.”

“We’ve known each other for years, and we will get to know each other better, one day at a time. I know you want to be there for Chloe, and you should be. I wouldn’t expect anything else. But that doesn’t mean we have to put a stop on what we have here.”

Ryan frowned at the broken look on her face. Shit, was he reading this all wrong? “Or do you not want what we have here? Because I thought we got past all your concerns?” Fuck, the wall was back up; he could sense it. Why was she backing off?

“Ryan, I just need a little time. It’s been an emotional few days.”

“All the more reason to lean on me. I’m here for you, and I told you before we can go as slow as you want.”

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