“Thank you.” Sophie said the first thing that came to mind. “I know it isn’t enough after all you’ve done for me, but I don’t really know what else to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything, baby.” His dark eyes remained on hers as he took a step closer.
Baby?
Her heartrate increased and her mouth went dry.
Jason’s swallow was audible. “You can trust me, Sophia. I’d never take advantage of you or any other woman. Especially not when you’re in a vulnerable situation like this. I need you to know that.”
“I do trust you, Jason,” she responded instantly. She felt like shit for making him think otherwise.
Appearing confused, he said, “If you trust me, why don’t you want to stay with me?”
“My hesitation to accept your offer isn’t about mistrusting you.”
His dark brows turned inward. “Then what’s the problem?”
Just tell him.
“I don’t think...” Sophie licked her suddenly dry lips. Drawing in a deep breath, she exhaled slowly before admitting, “I don’t think I trustmyself.”
Their gazes remained locked, the sound of her own heartbeat filling her ears. When he didn’t respond right away, she thought the admission had been a huge mistake.
But then...
“I didn’t think I was going to get to you in time.” He lifted his hand, resting his callused palm against her cheek. “I heard you scream, and then I heard the gunshots, and I...I couldn’t move fast enough.”
“But youdidget to me.” She leaned into his touch. “I’m still here because of you.”
Jason started to move closer, his intentions to kiss her clear as day. But then his phone began to ring, cutting the moment short.
Lowering his hand, he pulled the phone from his pocket. With a muttered curse, he said, “It’s work. I have to take this.”
A strong sense of déjà vu struck, the scene similar to the one on the plane weeks before.
This is what life with a Homeland Agent would be like. Stolen moments between phone calls and classified meetings.
The thought wasn’t a criticism or complaint. Just an observation.
As an emergency room doctor, Sophie understood better than most what it was like to have a crazy, unpredictable schedule.
Jason’s job was important.Reallyimportant. No way would she make him feel guilty for doing it.
“Go.” She smiled up at him. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere without you.”
Surprise flickered behind his wary gaze a fraction of a second before his lips curved. “I’ll be right outside.”
Watching him go, Sophie was still shocked by the awful turn their wonderful evening had taken. Deciding to make use of her time, she slid off the bed and began changing into the set of scrubs Olivia had been kind enough to procure.
Careful not to bust open her stitches, she’d just gotten the top pulled down when Olivia knocked before peaking her head in and asking if she was decent.
“I’m good. You can come in.”
“Here’s your paperwork. You know what it says, of course. But I still have to give it to you.”
“Thanks.” Sophie took the papers and set them on the mattress beside her. Turning back to her friend, she stared back at the other woman and sighed. “Ok, let’s have it. Go ahead and ask.”
Olivia frowned. “Ask what?”