Deadly Chase Read Online Free PDF

would’ve been a tragedy to lose her.”
    Sierra had thought his emerald eyes striking last night, but now, in broad daylight, they glowed like sparkling jewels. When they locked onto her, attraction lit inside. She swallowed, trying to shove away the sensation. But, as he looked at her in a way that stated he would have cared had she been hurt last night, she couldn’t easily dismiss her sudden attraction.
    Self-conscious in her old jeans and plain Allie’s Bakery T-shirt, she ran a hand over the clothes, unsuccessfully trying to remove splotches of flour and sticky glaze. A silent moment stretched as he smiled, and Sierra struggled to remember what she was supposed to do next.
    Flustered, she walked to the register and stepped into Allie’s dirt pile. “Oh, sorry.” She attempted to avoid creating a mess but caused more disorder as her shoes spread soil and loose crumbs across the area.
    “Stay still, will ya?” Allie poked the broom at Sierra’s feet, grinning. “You’re worse than my kids.”
    “I made the mess, let me clean it up.”
    “No need. You just help Mr. Price.”
    Sierra dodged Allie’s quick broom strokes and had second thoughts about her offer. “A simple pastry seems inadequate for saving someone’s life.”
    Chase chuckled and leaned an elbow on the counter, moving in closer and bringing his earthy, masculine scent with him. “I tell you what. Throw in a cup of coffee with that and a few minutes of your time, and we’ll call it even.”
     
     
     
     

4
     
    Sierra suspected Chase wanted more than a quick chat. What could be going on behind those intense green eyes? “The coffee won’t be a problem, but I’m still helping out here so I can’t—”
    “I’ve got the counter,” Allie interjected. “Go ahead and enjoy yourselves. You’ve helped me out so much already, I could never repay you.”
    “You’re allowing me to stay in your rental apartment. I owe you more than a few hours’ work.”
    “Nonsense. Go on now.” Allie turned toward a customer entering the store. “Good morning.”
    Left with no polite way to decline Chase’s invitation, Sierra shoved aside her misgivings. After all, if Luanne and Allie both thought highly of Chase, he wasn’t likely to be a threat, and she was just plain tired of being on guard all the time. “What would you like?”
    “Whatever you’re having is fine.” Chase smiled, straightened and walked toward one of the bakery’s five empty tables.
    Sierra gathered plates, two huge blueberry muffins and two cups of coffee. She set them on a serving tray and followed. Chase helped her situate the coffee and food on the table and then slid out two wrought iron chairs.
    “Thanks.” She settled into the wiry, yet comfortable seat.
    “No problem.” Chase extended his long, muscular legs under the table as he sat. He bit into his muffin, a few crumbs fell and he brushed the loose particles aside. His fingernails looked clean, and his fingers held no traces of built up dirt or grime.
    “You haven’t been on the streets long, have you?” Sierra asked.
    “It’s been about a decade, but not in the way you think.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s complicated. I wouldn’t want to bore you with details.” He grasped his cup and took a swig. “I’d rather talk about you.”
    His evasive answer sparked her curiosity. “Come on, you can’t dangle a carrot and leave me hanging.”
    Last night, she sensed this was no ordinary man, and today, she felt no different. Aside from his unkempt hair, scruffy beard, and less than standard clothes, he appeared to take good care of himself. Men didn’t get such broad shoulders, muscled arms, and hard abs without earning them. And, aside from the tiny chip on his upper right incisor, his teeth appeared near perfect.
    “Nothing about you is ordinary.”
    “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He took another bite while keeping his focus on her.
    “I would like you to answer one