Page 31 of No Mistake

“Still no news?”

“No.”

“I feel so guilty, laying here, warm and safe, when...”

“Sssh. Don’t. There is nothing you can do for Chloe right now other than stay strong. Because when we find her. She's going to need you.”

Sophie turned her head to look at him, locking her eyes with his. Their lips were just inches apart. She wanted to kiss him, badly. How terrible was that? Her sister was missing, and she was thinking about how much she wanted to kiss this sexy, handsome man laying next to her.

He’s just being nice, comforting you. Don’t read into this. Nothing’s changed. He’s still a Navy man. And there was no way he would settle for someone like you. It would only be a matter of time before someone prettier, sexier, more experienced came along.

But damn, what would it be like to have one night with him? Christ, even just a couple of hours? Would it be so bad to enjoy it, then walk away. The room was dark, just moonlight through the window but enough to make out his lips, her gaze drawn to them.

You don’t do casual, Sophie. No, not a good idea.

Ryan kissed her forehead and smiled. No, no, no! But God, she wanted him. She twisted to face him, placing her hands on his chest.

Stop it, Sophie, this will never work out.

Maybe it was the situation, or the wine, but for once she wanted to ignore her inner voice. She wanted to be brave. Before she could talk herself out of it, she kissed him, sparking a rush of heat across her skin.

He kissed her back so gently she thought she might cry. She kissed him harder, but he broke the kiss and lifted his head. Sophie froze, insecurities flooding back. Oh God, he didn’t like it. She wasn’t good enough. She could almost see Mark’s knowing smirk.

“What’s wrong?” His voice held concern as he frowned at her. She sat up, turning away from him.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.” She knew she was no good at this.

“What? No, it’s just—” A cellphone ringing interrupted them. He answered and she took the opportunity to flee to the bathroom, embarrassed.

Closing the door, she quickly stripped off and got in the shower, letting the warm water flow over her body.

How stupid could she be? For the first time in her life, she’d plucked up the courage to make the first move and got shut down. Mark had been right. She wasn’t good enough for a man like Ryan. What was she thinking?

You let your libido and wine do the thinking, not your head.

Yes, goddammit, she had been turned on laying next to him, and he’d been so nice, the flowers, dinner, coming here with her. Her body had betrayed her. She’d taken a risk and it backfired. Now, she felt like an idiot.

Navy men. She’d sworn off them for a reason. This had been a reminder.

Get out before you get hurt.

Stepping out of the shower, she dressed and dried her hair with the hairdryer she found in a drawer, taking her time. When there was nothing left to do, she knew she had to face him. She couldn’t hide in the bathroom forever.

When she opened the door, Ryan was sitting in a chair reading something on his phone. He looked up.

“Everything OK? That was a long shower.”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she answered primly. “Thank you.” Moving away from him to the bed, she sat on the edge.

“Sophie, I didn’t mean to—”

Sophie cut him off. “Who was on the phone? Is there any new information?”

“It was Agent Adams. They have some photos they’d like you to look at. See if you recognize any of them from being at the club. We’re going to meet them after breakfast, so why don’t you try and get a little more sleep?”

“I’d rather go do it now. I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep.”

“Why don’t you try?”

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