Page 36 of No Mistake

‘Why do you say that?”

“In all the years I’ve known Ryan, he has never been the chasing type of guy. And come to think of it, Dex said something about him brushing off a girl. Not like Ryan at all. But now, it makes perfect sense. His heart is elsewhere.”

“Kelly, I’m not Ryan’s type. Look at me. He could have anyone he wants. I'm just, well, ordinary.”

Kelly sputtered over her coffee. “You are not ordinary, Sophie. Yes, you are different from the women Ryan usually goes for, but in a good way. Trust me, I’ve had to suffer some double dates with Ryan, and they’ve been brutal.”

That made Sophie smile. Kelly leaned back, crossing her legs as she ran a hand through her long dark hair. Her brown eyes met Sophie’s.

“People often think because they use muscle and guns for a living, people like Dex and Ryan are all brawn, no brain. Sadly, they don’t understand that many of the guys have degrees, or that having a good brain is just as important as being a good shot. You know as well as I do, women go after sailors, especially SEALs, just to say they bedded one. And to be fair, plenty of sailors are happy to play along with that, Ryan was one of them.”

“Then it makes even less sense why he would be interested in me. When he could pick and choose every night.”

“It could be Ryan’s finally realized that’s not what he wants. Perhaps he’s just seen what’s been right in front of him all these years. A gorgeous, sexy, educated woman.”

Sophie looked down at her coffee.

“I’ve seen some of his girlfriends, know his reputation. I’m so plain compared to those women. I’m sure he’ll get bored with me in no time and I don’t want to be another notch on his bed post. I’m not a casual fling type of woman, and I’d hate to lose his friendship.”

“Sophie, you are not plain. You’re beautiful. You save people’s lives. How on earth is that boring?”

She didn’t see herself that way. Mark hadn’t seen it either. Why would Ryan be any different?

Kelly broke into her thoughts. “I know he has a reputation. The guys bust his balls all the time. It doesn’t mean he’d be like that with you. Maybe he’s ready for something more serious. You’re head of the emergency room at Westside. A hospital where our country’s service men and women rely on you to put them back together. You are a strong, confident woman. And just because things didn't work out with Mark doesn’t mean this would be the same. It’s OK to be scared Sophie,” Kelly said softly. “When Dex and I crossed that line from being just friends, I was petrified.”

“You and Dex were meant to be together.”

Kelly smiled. “We’ve had our ups and downs, as you know. Who’s to say you and Ryan aren’t meant to be together? Think about it, Sophie. This is Ryan, Dex’s best friend. Ryan knows how much we love you, what you’ve done for me, for the whole team. Do you really think he’s going to piss us off by messing with you? He’s not stupid. If he treated you badly, he’d have the whole team to answer to.”

“I’m not one of the team. They’ll always have Ryan’s back. I get the whole brotherhood thing.”

“You’re wrong. You’re family to all of us. If he messed with you, the team would be pissed.” The sternness in Kelly’s voice took her off guard. Sophie swallowed, fighting back tears. It had been a long time since she’d thought of herself as part of a family. Of anyone having her back.

“Stop it, you’re going to make me cry.”

“You once told me I was underestimating Dex. Do you remember?”

“Yes. When you were assuming what he was feeling about you after your captivity.”

“Well, take your own advice. Don’t underestimate Ryan and what he might be feeling. Ryan’s a great guy. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t mean it. He means the world to me and Dex. A brother to us both. Christ, he’s been there for us more than once. You’ve seen that side of him. I can hand on heart say that he would never willingly hurt you.”

“But he shut me down when I kissed him.”

“Did he say why?”

“I didn’t really give him a chance,” she admitted sheepishly. “I ripped into him instead.”

Kelly laughed. “I bet that was a first for him. But seriously, I’m sure he had a reason.”

“Even if he did, we have crazy schedules. He’s a SEAL, long deployments.” Yeah, she was clutching at straws now, making excuses. But dammit, after Mark, the thought of putting her heart out there terrified her.

Kelly frowned and Sophie sensed she was warring with herself about saying something. She waited patiently for her friend to speak.

“Look, I can’t give you details, but the team won’t be going on long deployments anymore.”

“What do you mean? Are they in trouble?” Sophie asked in alarm.

“No. The opposite. I wish I could tell you more, but I can’t. They’re all good. Just trust me when I say there won't be any three- or six-month deployments.”

---