Ryan had already calculated the timing and knew that her IV drip would soon finish, signaling it was time for her to eat.
"Yes, Doctor," Maureen responded promptly, turning to leave.
Just then, Ryan unexpectedly pulled her back. Caught off guard, she stumbled and landed against his chest, their eyes locking in a moment of surprise.
"Whoa! Easy there," Ryan said with a gentle smile, and Maureen felt a shiver down her spine at the sound of his voice this close to her.
For a brief pause, they remained in that position, with Ryan instinctively wrapping his arms around her waist. The silence stretched between them until Ryan finally broke it.
"We need to talk today."
"I don't want to talk to you," Maureen shot back, pulling away from him.
"Your eyes tell a different story, Maureen. I'm going to trust what I see there rather than your words," Ryan replied softly as their gazes locked.
