Playing For Keeps (Emerald Lake Billionaires 2) by Leeanna Morgan

getting hurt.”
    Ryan watched her spend far too much time drying the brush. “If I could guarantee that Dorothy won’t mention your name or photograph you, would you stay?”
    Sophie put the brush down before she permanently damaged the bristles. “I don’t know. I’d have to think about it.” She’d known that at some point someone would find out who she really was. But she hadn’t expected Dorothy or anyone in Montana to take an interest in her.
    She had to keep a low profile for at least another month. After that, the patent for her formula would be official and she could let the world know that there was help for people with dementia. But if the media interest surrounding Ryan increased, she might not have a month.
    Ryan reached into his back pocket. “I meant to give this to you yesterday. It’s your first pay. In cash. It doesn’t have to be your last.”
    Sophie’s hand shook as she took the envelope. If he hadn’t provided all of her meals while they were on site, she would have been hungry for the last couple of days. “Thank you.”
    “I know people who can help, Sophie. John Fletcher is my neighbor. He owns one of the largest security companies in America. He’s provided security for me at different events and he could do the same thing for you.”
    Sophie didn’t know what to say. She’d been trying to fix her problems on her own. Hiring a security company hadn’t been something she’d thought about. Even though it would have solved some of her problems, she couldn’t afford it. She’d never have enough money to pay for the time it would take to keep her safe. And even if she was safe, her mom and sister were still vulnerable. It would be better if she simply left and never came back.
    Ryan stepped forward and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “You can’t run forever. Let me help.”
    Sophie shook her head. “I’ll think about what you’ve said, but I can’t promise that I’ll be back tomorrow.” She stepped away from him and tried to smile. “Good luck with your ex-wife. Thank you. For everything.” And before she could change her mind, she walked to her car and drove away.
     
    ***
    The next morning, Ryan pulled himself out of bed and stumbled to the shower. He’d been so worried about Sophie that he’d barely managed to get any sleep. He had no idea whether she’d turn up for work this morning or whether she was halfway across America.
    By the time he was dressed it was half past seven and Danny was just arriving.
    “Morning, boss. You look as though you had a rough night?”
    Ryan ran his hand over the stubble on his jaw. “You could say that. Have you seen Sophie?”
    Danny opened a box of cereal and poured bran flakes into a bowl. “Not yet. She won’t be long, though. She hasn’t been late since she started working here.”
    Ryan picked up the box of cereal and made his own breakfast. He walked across the room and sat at the small table in front of the windows overlooking Emerald Lake. The water was as flat as a sheet of glass and already reflected the clear blue of the sky. Geese and other birdlife were enjoying the peaceful solitude that only morning could bring. Some days he wished his life was as simple as getting out of bed and doing what he enjoyed. But something always happened to complicate his life and, for him, Sophie was a big complication.
    Danny’s spoon stopped halfway to his mouth. “Is something wrong?”
    “I don’t know yet. Sophie might not be coming into work.”
    Danny looked confused. “She didn’t say anything to me yesterday. Has she been offered a better job?”
    “Why do you think that?”
    “She’s been looking at a recruitment agency’s website. When I asked her about it the other day she turned the screen off and said it wasn’t anything important. I know she could probably earn more money somewhere else, but I thought she was enjoying working with us.”
    “So did I.” Ryan and Danny finished their breakfast in silence.