to hear them. It’d be too easy to let him make her soft and she couldn’t afford to be soft. She’d learned that the hard way—too many times.
Eventually, he nodded. “For now. But I want to see you again. I’m going to want to keep seeing you. And if we’re going to do that then I’m going to have to tell you little bits of what I am as we go. Will you do the same for me?”
She held his gaze, knowing that she should tell him no. That she couldn’t do that. But man, she wanted to. Instead, she smiled. “Just little bits? And only occasionally?”
He smiled. “Yeah.”
“Okay.”
~ ~ ~
Ryan wasn’t surprised when he woke the next morning to find that she’d gone. He went downstairs to make himself coffee before taking a shower. There was a note propped on the counter.
If you’re going to change your mind, would you do it soon?
I could get attached to you.
I’m free Saturday, if you want to do this again.
I understand if you don’t.
Leanne.
He smiled as he read it a second time. It was more than he’d expected. He didn’t know her that well yet, but he did know that the note was her way of letting him in—if he wanted to get closer to her.
He did.
But the more important question was whether he should. The immediate and obvious answer was no. He should leave her alone. For both their sakes. Callahan would no doubt make life difficult for him, but he could handle that. He was more concerned about Leanne. It sounded like she’d had it tough. Would it be fair of him to let her get attached, as she put it? Would it be fair to break down her walls if he was only going to hurt her in the end? He didn’t plan to. But his life was such that … he blew out a sigh. That was why Callahan had his rules. You didn’t get attached to a woman because you weren’t free to be with her. When the job was done and it was time to move on, you moved on.
He sipped his coffee. It suited him that way, too. At least, it had until now. He just wanted more time with her, that was all.
He set his mug down and reached for his phone. He might as well go on the offensive—call Callahan before he called him. He dialed the number and waited.
“Are you seeking forgiveness or permission?”
“Huh?”
“Forgiveness for last night or permission to see her again?”
Ryan rolled his eyes. Callahan always knew everything. “Both?”
He was surprised to hear his boss chuckle. “At least you’re not lying to me.”
“You know I wouldn’t do that.”
“I hoped. It looks to me like you just passed another test.”
Ryan frowned. “I did?”
“With flying colors.”
“How so?”
“You didn’t lie to me. You didn’t try to hide it. Come on, Ryan. You know I was married. This job takes over your life, sure. But you’re still allowed to have one.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Then I’ll explain. It’s pretty standard, the first time you’re in the field like this, to be told that you shouldn’t get involved with anyone. Most guys don’t—they’re happy enough to stick with one-nighters. Some guys do meet someone who they want to get involved with. Out of them, probably seventy percent lie and try to hide it. You didn’t lie and you didn’t try to hide it—from me or from yourself.”
“Well, you got me. I had no clue it was some kind of test. I’m surprised to hear such a high percentage of guys would lie.”
“You’re only surprised because it’s not in your nature. You’re a straight-shooter, Ryan. And you’re not afraid of confrontation. That’s why I brought you in.”
“Thanks.” Ryan couldn’t figure out where this conversation was going.
Callahan laughed. “Let me put you out of your misery. If you want to keep seeing her, that’s fine by me. But—and it’s a big but and one you might want to think about before you dive in. If you do get involved, you’ll be responsible for her. For anything that happens to her because of you. You need to decide if you can handle that. And I should warn you that not everyone we work with will be happy about it.”
“Like who?”
“No one you even know yet, but if you’re in for the long haul, you’ll run into some who only want single guys on board—and who aren’t above rearranging things to make sure that’s what they get.”
Ryan frowned. He