Page 30 of No Mistake

Sophie nodded. “I know you’re right. I can’t help feeling like we aren’t doing enough.”

Ryan reached for a cracker. “I trust the FBI to get the job done.”

She yawned. Covering her mouth, she scooted up the bed, to lean against the pillows.

“Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” he suggested.

“Not sure if I can. Are you going to leave?” There was a nervous edge to her voice. He hated that.

“No. I’ll be right here.”

“Shouldn't you sleep, too?” she said, trying to stifle another yawn.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

She finished the rest of the wine, then snuggled down and nodded. “Alright.”

Ryan moved the food off the bed and settled himself in a chair. He sat watching her. It didn’t take long for her breathing to become steady as she drifted into sleep. He continued to watch her. There was something about her, a wariness toward him that he didn’t understand, but he wanted to. She seemed scared. She was, of course, for Chloe. But it was more than that. The thought of her being scared of anything irked him.

Dragging his eyes away, he switched on the TV, keeping the volume low. Mindlessly, he flicked through channels until he found the sports highlights. His phone buzzed. Dex was texting him to check in, letting him know the burner phone had been a dead end.

Ryan dozed on and off in the chair and a couple of hours passed. When Sophie stirred, he glanced over and smiled as she opened her eyes.

“Hey.”

“Any news?” she asked sleepily.

“Nothing yet. Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you if I hear anything.”

“You should sleep, too. You can lie on the bed, I don’t mind.”

Ryan hesitated. It wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of hours, and laying next to Sophie was definitely tempting. Maybe too tempting.

“I’m good here.”

Sophie sat up and met his eyes. “Ryan, we’re grownups. Come and lie down and sleep. You look ridiculously uncomfortable in that chair.”

“Bossy, aren’t you?” He grinned, got up and moved to the bed. Sophie laid back down on her side, her back to the middle. Ryan lay next to her, careful to keep his distance. Placing his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling to distract himself from the beautiful woman beside him and all the things he wanted to do to her.

SOPHIE’S HEART THREATENED to beat out of her chest as Ryan lay next to her. She closed her eyes, trying not to think about him, about anything. It wasn’t working. Frustrated, she fidgeted, trying to get more comfortable.

“Restless?” Ryan asked.

“Sorry, now I’m probably keeping you awake.”

“Come here.” A strong arm circled her waist pulling her back against his chest, holding her tight. Her body stiffened and she swallowed. Dear Lord, this was Ryan, laying in bed with her. Those gorgeous tattooed muscular arms wrapped around her. How many times had she fantasized about this?

He murmured into her ear, “Relax.” His breath was warm on her skin. It felt good, really good. Letting herself relax, safe in his arms, her eyelids drooped. The feel of his body against hers pushed other thoughts from her mind. Finally.

When she opened her eyes again, Ryan hadn’t moved.

“How long did I sleep for?”

“A couple of hours.” Ryan kissed the top of her head. “Go back to sleep.”

“Did you sleep?”

“A little, yes.”

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