Page 16 of No Mistake

She started walking again toward the parking lot.

“Long day?” he asked.

“They’re all long. I’m used to it.”

A woman stepped out of her car, walking toward them. Tall, she wore a tight red mini dress, high heels, long red nails and perfect make-up. Must be visiting someone at the hospital. No one dressed like that on the base. As she got closer, the woman shamelessly trailed her eyes over Ryan, licking her lips.

“Well, hello there,” she said, once in earshot. Sophie cringed inwardly at her own simple pencil skirt and blouse. Her nails were short and unpainted, she wore little make-up, and her shoes were a sensible kitten heel. Why on earth would Ryan ever be interested in someone like her when he could have that?

“Evening ma’am.” Ryan nodded at the woman and continued walking past without another look.

“What’s the plan for the rest of your evening?”

Sophie was still a little stunned he hadn't flirted with the woman. Mark used to flirt with other women all the time in front of her.

“Umm... hot bath, glass of wine, and bed.” No sooner were the words out, she blushed. A vision of doing those three things in vivid detail, with him, made her heart race. She glanced at him, and he smiled that sexy smile.

“Three of my favorite things.” His suggestive deep tone sent shivers down her spine.

They reached her car. Unlocking it, she placed her purse inside, a sense of déjà vu washing over her.

“Well, thank you for walking me to my car. I really am tired, so I’m going to head home.” Alone, and fantasize about this man while trying to work out exactly what to do about him.

Ryan said nothing. Instead he placed a hand on her cheek, stroking his thumb across her skin, making it tingle. A longing ache started between her legs. She should push him away. This wasn't a good idea. He brought his other hand up to cup her face, staring into her eyes. She struggled to breathe as her gaze dropped to his lips. God damn, why did he have to be so damn attractive? And what he’d said earlier played through her mind.

“Not the same. I made a choice. One where all I had to do was follow orders, not look after a younger sibling and try and get through med school.”

Mark had never gotten what it had been like for her. The pressure, the worry. Yet Ryan had summed it up straight away. He understood.

The corners of his mouth turned up in a small smile just before he kissed her gently. His lips were soft, his touch so tender for such a big powerful man. Circling her arms around his neck, she surrendered to the kiss, ignoring her warning inner voice.

His tongue explored her mouth with increasing force. One hand on the nape of her neck, the other around her waist, he pulled her body against his. Sophie gasped at the feel of him, his erection, pressed against her stomach. Oh dear Lord! She lost herself in the kiss, the feel of that hard body and his warm hand on her neck. Immediately, her body responded. Her breasts hurt, wanting his touch. Her sex was wet, throbbing. All from a kiss. Yeah, but this was no ordinary kiss. Relaxing his grip, Ryan slowly pulled his mouth away from hers, his hands moving back to cup her face.

“I’ve fantasized all week about doing that again,” he whispered, his thumb rubbing across her swollen lips.

Sophie couldn’t speak. He leaned in to kiss her again. So, so gently.

“Did you think about me? When you were gone?”

She nodded. He smiled.

“Good.”

Ryan stepped back, Sophie reluctantly lowered her hands.

“Go and enjoy your bath.” Her breath caught as he lowered his mouth to her ear. “Think of me.”

Then he walked away.

Oh god, that man was trouble. Sexy, hot, irresistible trouble.

Chapter 5

“OK, Chloe. I’m getting worried. Please call me or text me.”

Sophie sighed. They’d never gone this long without returning a call or text. If by the end of her shift Chloe still hadn’t contacted her, she would call her hospital and track her down, then give her a piece of her mind for making her worry.

It was mid-morning already, her shift started at eight. Rubbing the back of her neck, she stifled a yawn. Between worrying about her sister and fantasizing about Ryan, she hadn’t slept well. After taking her breath away again with that scorching kiss, she’d not heard from him. No call, not even a text. OK, it was only last night, but if he was really into her, wouldn’t he have at least sent a quick message?

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