Page 37 of No Mistake

Ryan had mentioned something about being around more.

“I don’t know, Kelly. It’s all too much to think about at the moment.”

“Of course, it is, because you’re worried about Chloe. Ryan would understand that. Might even by why he put the brakes on. You need to talk to him.”

A phone pinged and Kelly rummaged in her purse. “Shit, I have to get back. Will you be OK?”

“Yes. Go. I’ll be fine.” She gave her friend a weak smile.

“Call me, text me. Anytime. Or any of the team. You’re worried about Chloe. Listen to me when I say, you are not alone. You can always come and stay with me and Dex if you want to. Until this is over?”

“Thank you. I’ll think about it. I’m glad you came by. It was good to talk.”

“And don’t just dismiss Ryan. When Chloe is back, you and Ryan should talk. I think you guys would be awesome together.”

Sophie smiled, opening the front door.

Kelly hugged her. “Man, it would be great to double date with you two!” She winked before heading to her car.

RYAN HAD GONE STRAIGHT to the Farm after taking Sophie home. This whole thing with Sophie had got to him and he needed to blow off some steam.

Things had been going really well, he thought. She was warming to him. Then, like the flick of a switch, she’d shut down. Shut him out. He had to keep remembering her sister had been kidnapped and, of course, that came first, and he needed to be understanding and supportive. But it was hard to be supportive when she didn’t want him around!

The sooner the FBI found Chloe the better. Once Chloe was home and safe, then he and Sophie could have another conversation, and perhaps he could find out why the hell she felt the way she did. After he cleared security, Ryan found Dex waiting for him.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” Dex asked. “Everything OK?”

“There was nothing more we could do there, and Sophie wanted to come home. I just dropped her off.”

“You didn’t want to stay with her?”

“It’s complicated.” Ryan moved past him, heading to the kitchen. “Any news on the investigation?” Dale would be keeping Sam in the loop.

Dex followed him into the kitchen.

“Nothing yet. Ryan, what’s going on?”

Ryan poured two coffees, handing one to Dex.

“To be honest, I have no fucking clue. But right now, Sophie wanted some time alone, so I’m giving it to her.”

“Fair enough. Are you good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. What’s on the agenda today? I could use a distraction.”

Dex grinned. “We were about to go hit the range. Fancy shooting some shit?”

“Hell yeah.”

The team spent a couple of hours at the range, then hit the gym. They were all a little distracted by Chloe’s kidnapping. None of them knew Chloe, but they all knew Sophie, and that made it personal. After, when the boys headed to Jerry’s for a bite to eat, Ryan bailed, claiming tiredness. He hadn’t slept much at the hotel, and he was ready to go home and chill. He was tempted to drive to Sophie’s place, but decided against it. He’d give her the space she’d asked for.

He closed his locker, ready to head out.

“Ryan? You’re not joining the team at Jerry’s?”

Ryan turned at Kelly’s voice.

“Not today. Been a long couple of days. Ready to crash.”

---