Page 13 of No Mistake

Ryan leaned over the reception desk, putting on his best smile, clocking her name badge.

“Miranda, can I tell you something?”

Miranda smiled. “Sure.”

“I’m an old patient of Dr. Summers. You can look me up. Ryan Baxter. Navy SEAL. You know how banged up us Navy boys can get. I had some time and I just wanted to surprise her, and say thank you on behalf of the team for all she’s done for us. Do you think, just this once, you could bend the rules a little?”

Miranda typed on the computer, then looked between the screen and him.

“Do I still look like my picture? I was a bit younger then.” He winked, holding up his Navy ID.

Miranda smiled. “You look exactly the same.”

“So what do you say? For me? Please.” He stared straight into her green eyes, praying his charm would work. Once upon a time, her eyes would have stirred something in him. He might even have asked her for her number. Not anymore.

“Down the hall, third door on the right. Do not tell her I told you.”

“You’re the best, Miranda. Thank you.”

As he reached the door, he could hear her voice on the other side. Just her voice. She must be on the phone. He knocked gently.

“Come in.”

He opened the door, saw Sophie’s startled face and smiled. Closing it behind him, he leaned against it, waiting for her to finish her call. The roses were on her desk, and she’d taken the time to arrange them in a vase. That pleased him.

“Call me when you can. Love you.” She hung up the phone, looking at him nervously.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to intrude.” Fuck, she’d said love you. Maybe she wasn’t single.

“I was just leaving a voicemail for my sister.”

“Is everything OK?” Relief flooded him.

“Yes. What are you doing here? I said no to dinner.”

“You did. But I figured you had to eat some time. You couldn’t come to dinner, so I’m bringing dinner to you.” He held up the take-out bag.

Sophie shook her head. “Ryan. I said no.”

“You have to eat. Just two friends having a takeout. What’s wrong with that?”

They held each other’s gaze for a moment. Ryan had to stop himself from letting his eyes roam down to her lips, her chest. God, he wanted to walk over there and kiss that beautiful mouth, but something told him he needed to take this slow.

“So, you hungry?”

“Just so we’re clear. Just friends.”

“Got it.” Friends was a start. He’d take it.

“What you got?” She smiled. The smile set off a spark in those aquamarine eyes, almost hypnotizing him.

“Thai chicken and rice. Please don’t tell me you’re a vegetarian?”

She laughed, a sexy throaty sound that raised his blood pressure and woke up his cock.

“No. It smells delicious. Let’s eat before I get called away.”

Ryan sat opposite and they dug into the food.

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