Page 120 of No Mistake

“Don’t get up, stay there. You’re meant to be taking it easy.”

“Yes, doctor,” he teased, pleased when she smiled back at him. “Come sit with me, then.” He patted the seat beside him and Sophie sat.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better every day. Be a while before I can start light training again, but all things considered, that’s OK. How are you and Chloe?”

“I just left Chloe with Claire.”

“Ahh, Claire. I like her. That’ll be good.” Claire did the team’s psych evals, so Ryan had the pleasure of speaking with her himself. “How long does Chloe plan to stay here for?”

“She’s not sure yet. Taking it one day at a time.”

Ryan nodded. An awkward silence prevailed. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No, thank you.” Sophie fiddled with her dress. Ryan sensed she was building up the courage to say something, so he stayed quiet, letting her do it in her own time.

“I’m sorry I haven't answered your texts and calls.” She glanced at him shyly.

“You had a lot on your mind. I forgive you.” He smiled, wanting to ease the tension.

“Thank you for giving me some space.”

“You’re welcome. It’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”

It was barely more than a whisper, but it warmed his heart.

She was still fiddling with her dress, clearly uncomfortable. He didn’t want that.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said.” Ryan took her hand in his. Her expression registered surprise. He continued, “About you not being able to live with what I do. The risks my job entails. I want you to know I understand. I care about you, Sophie. I’m in love with you.”

Her beautiful blue eyes were filling again.

“Are you still in love with me?” he asked gently.

She nodded. “Yes.”

Ryan’s heart swelled and he smiled. “Then I don’t want to lose what we have because of my job.”

Sophie frowned. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I’ll quit. If that’s what it takes to be with you, then I’ll leave the team.”

Sophie gasped, her eyes widening further. “No!”

She had spoken with such force, Ryan almost jumped.

“No Ryan. No way. God, I can’t believe you would do that for me, would even consider it. Ryan, what you do is who you are. Like being a doctor is who I am. I would never ask you to stop for me, ever. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering. You mean that much to me,” he said softly.

Sophie shook her head. “You’re insane Ryan. You are not quitting the team.” She surprised him, then, reaching for his other hand. Completely off-kilter now, he saw she was smiling.

“So, where does that leave us?” he asked. “I’m not letting you walk away from me. Not again.” No fucking way. She was his and he was not letting her go.

“Well, that kind of depends on you.” She looked down at their joined hands. “I hope it leaves us where we were before I got scared and ran away,” she said softly.

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