Page 60 of No Mistake

Ryan pursed his lips and frowned. She wondered what she’d said wrong.

“Yeah. It happens,” he said finally, then turned back to the stove.

His smile was back in place when he said, “Foods up.” But she sensed she’d hit a nerve and decided not to push it.

The food smelled good, and by the time he dished up the omelets, Sophie thought she might be able to eat.

Ryan sat beside her and waited as she took a bite.

“Mmmmm.” It did taste good.

Ryan smiled. “Glad you like it.”

“It’s delicious. Thank you.”

“I can cook more than omelets, in case you were wondering.”

She took another bite, realizing she was hungry. Stealing a glance at him, she saw he was checking his phone.

“Ryan, there’s something I need to tell you.” She put down her fork and faced him. He stopped eating and frowned.

“What is it?” He reached for her hand.

“I probably should have said something before, but...”

“Sophie, whatever it is, you can tell me.”

She squeezed his hand, loving the feel of it. Of being here, sitting next to him, eating with him. It felt so normal, so right. Everything else seemed to fade away.

“I can’t cook.” She grinned when his face broke into a smile.

“Jeez, Sophie, you had me freaking out. I thought it was something serious.”

“Oh, it is serious.” She loaded her fork. “I burn toast.”

Ryan was shaking his head in amusement. “I love this side of you.”

“What side?”

“This funny, sarcastic side. You crack me up.” He pushed his plate away, done.

“I guess I use humor to cover up how scared I am.” She put down her knife and fork, her appetite dissipating as her current reality came flooding back and ruined the moment.

Ryan squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry this is happening to you.”

She yawned. The events of the day were catching up with her.

“Why don’t you go to bed? You’re tired and it’s late,” Ryan said gently.

“Yes, I think I will.” She hesitated.

“What?”

“Will you come with me. I mean... sleep together. Just sleep.”

“I’d love that.”

SOPHIE DRIFTED OFF to sleep quickly, her back pressed up against his chest as he spooned her. Fuck, he loved this closeness. Never had he laid in a bed and just slept with a woman. Normally, there was sex, maybe a nap, more sex. And then he’d make an excuse and leave. But this, right now, felt so right, so normal. Despite being fully dressed, he was hard. Yeah, he wanted to make love to her, but she was worth waiting for. Just being here with her was enough.

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