Page 42 of No Mistake

Sophie: Thank you. What are you doing here?

Ryan: I was worried about you.

Sophie’s lips turned up in a small smile. This was her chance to make things right. Time to stop running away.

Sophie: Would you like a cup of coffee?

Ryan: Love one.

RYAN HAD PARKED OUTSIDE Sophie’s house after walking out on his team and making his own way home. He hadn’t planned to come here, but he was wound up, and felt pretty damn useless right now. He needed to calm down, get his head right, get focused. This wasn’t like him. He didn’t lose his cool, ever. They dealt with shit like this all the time; it never got to him. Just another mission.

Only this one wasn’t. He didn’t know Chloe. But he knew Sophie, and the thought of her, or anyone she loved, being in danger had stirred up feelings and emotions in him he didn’t quite understand. He liked Sophie, and she was family to the team, but it was more than that. Sophie and Chloe felt like his family. His to protect, to love. Love? Jesus, what the fuck was happening here?

He’d been in his car at the end of her street debating whether to call or knock on the door. It was almost four in the morning. Neither would be good options. Damn, he wanted to see her, talk to her. He’d taken a chance and texted, and now he was glad he had.

He’d checked around the outside of the house, but he hadn’t found anything out of the ordinary. Whatever had caused the noise was long gone.

Sophie opened the door wearing sleep shorts and a tank, which didn't leave much to his imagination. His cock immediately woke up. He smiled at her, forcing himself to keep his eyes on her face.

“Hey, are you OK?” he asked.

“Yes. Sorry. I guess I’m just a bit on edge and the noise freaked me out. Come in.” She stepped aside to let him in, then closed and locked the door.

“That’s understandable. I’m glad I was here.”

“Me too. Why were you here?”

“I told you. I was worried about you. I was driving and kinda ended up here, then realized the time.” He shrugged.

She didn’t answer, instead turning toward the kitchen. He followed, looking around. The house was just what he expected of Sophie. Clean, tidy. Not minimalist, but not cluttered. Pastel colors and wood floors. It was cozy and welcoming.

Sophie handed him a coffee. “Pod coffee I'm afraid. Come on we can sit in the lounge.” She took a seat at one end of the sofa, and he took the other end.

“Pod coffee works for me. Thankyou.”

“Have you heard anything?” she asked.

“Nothing new right now.” He wished he had better news.

She sipped her tea, staring at the TV screen, which was off.

“I’m sorry I told you to leave.” she said quietly. He studied her profile in the dim light. Her dark blonde hair hung loose to her shoulders. Those full lips he remembered kissing so clearly, sipped at her coffee. Graceful hands, with short, manicured nails held the cup.

“No need to apologize. You have a lot going on.” His eyes trailed down her body. The tank was cut low and thin, allowing him to see the faint outline of her nipples. His balls tightened, but he couldn’t drag his eyes away. Her legs were curled underneath her, and he could just make out pink toenails. Damn, he wanted to touch every inch of her.

“Even so, you’ve been so kind. Everything you’ve done.”

Kind was not how he would describe his thoughts right now. He moved his gaze back to her face just as she turned to face him.

“I just did what was right. But I don’t like to think of you going through this by yourself. I’m right here, whatever you need. We are friends, aren’t we?” He wanted to be way more than friends, but right now, until they found Chloe, he wasn’t about to try anything else.

Her voice trembled as she said, “Yes. We are friends.” She faltered. “I’m just not used to... this....”

Ryan frowned. “Not used to what?”

She shook her head. “Doesn't matter.” She swiped a hand across her cheek, and he realized she was crying. He slid across the sofa, took the coffee mug from her hand and placed it on the table before pulling her to his side. She didn’t resist, leaning her head on his chest and letting the tears come. He didn’t say anything, just held her, letting her cry it out.

After a few minutes she quieted, sitting up.

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