But Ryan was different in a way that mattered. Perhaps it was his disarming smile or his penetrating blue eyes. Sh

went on the more uncomfortable she became. She felt that she ought to be objective, to preserve her 

ing herself ridiculous. But she was a professional, after

feeling that she might have crossed the line in some way or needlessly brought the whole method down. She had always conside

. She read more about his past, about the struggles

tracted to him. She admired his strength and resilien

derstand that there were aspects of Ryan that were still

old friend. And NOT Alex, a friend who had become a longsta

e. There was something about the way Ryan said it 

said, attempting

iend I knew a long time ago," he finally said.

there was more to the story. But Ryan di

more and more about Alex. Who this perso

sitting in her office. She took out her phon

n with a troubled past, the son of a war

had Ryan's relationship with Alex progressed

ead what she have read since she sat in her offi

n she spotted Ryan walking down the street. He wa

offee shop a block away. Emma paused for only

und herself striding into the coffee shop,

yan with the woman seated at a c

irlfriend, her heart sank. She had felt a twinge

gled. The dynamic between Ryan and his girl was smac

knowing she had crossed a line. Her personal feelings had

proper setting for a sentence that gets many of

e coffee shop. Could she keep it business with Ryan,

gs. She was very conflicted about her feelings towar

e of her thoughts when an unfamiliar knoc

r. Lee asked, upon seeing the

any of that out loud. "I'm not doing well with a patient," she confess

aid. "But you have to remember you are a professional, Emm

was right. "I know," she said. "It's jus

you have to keep a business relationship, Emma

at she had to rein in her feelings, br

was nervous about meeting him again, but she h

th measured professionalism. She was going to keep h

nor, for his eyes practically bored right thr

her face. "Yes, fine, everything is f

ress. Emma was firm that the session had to be about what Ry

sigh of relief. She had kept it professio

to her with an inquisitive expression.

little trepidatious. "Wha

t know if I'm paranoid, but I feel like something'

panic stricken. But she quickly composed

aid. "I'm the same person I always was. J

und convinced. But Emma fel