Deadly Chase Read Online Free PDF Page B

question.”
    “What’s that?” He didn’t move, but something about him shifted, as if he drew a shield around himself.
    Sierra recognized the subtle change, maybe because she’d felt the same about strangers asking her questions. Still, she wanted to know. “How did you react so fast last night? You were still some distance behind when I ran into the street. It’s almost as if you’re used to doing that sort of thing.”
    He nodded, but his shield remained intact. “I saw the fear on your face when you looked back and saw me. I guess”—he lifted a shoulder—”I anticipated your reaction before you ran.”
    “Well, thank you. Again. I’m glad to be alive.”
    “I’m glad you’re alive, too.” After finishing his breakfast, Chase wadded the up the trash and drank more coffee. “Thanks for the meal.”
    “It’s not much of a meal for a guy like you.” Sierra sampled her muffin, wondering if she should offer him another.
    “A guy like me?”
    “Yeah.” Tall. Good-looking, and those broad shoulders… Sierra realized she was staring and cleared her throat. “You’re obviously in good shape.”
    He looked somewhat pleased at her assessment, as if what she thought mattered. Warmth radiated up Sierra’s cheeks, and she guessed they’d blossomed into a ripe cherry color. She shifted her plate, arranged her napkin and twirled her coffee cup. “I mean, I can’t imagine how much food it takes to keep up your energy level. You must be over six feet tall.” She shrugged. “I have to use a stepladder to reach my bookcase’s top shelf back home.”
    His brows perked up. “Back home?”
    Sierra’s insides twisted and she fidgeted. She hadn’t intended to discuss where she came from. But the casual curiosity in Chase’s eyes lowered her guard. She figured it couldn’t hurt to tell him a little. “I have a condo in Seattle.”
    He leaned back, eyeing her thoughtfully. “You’re a long way from home. How did you end up here?” He glanced over at Allie, who busied herself behind the counter.
    Sierra shrugged. “Allie and I were college roommates, and I needed a place to stay for a while. One decision led to another and now here I am.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and took another bite of muffin, ignoring how Chase’s sharp gaze roamed her features as if he could read her every thought. “Last month, I had no idea I would be here.”
    “A couple of months ago, I would’ve never thought I’d be here either.” Chase glanced at his rag-tag clothes.
    “What did you do? Drift into town?” She didn’t try to smother her curiosity. He had started the conversation, after all.
    “You know how it is. One decision led to another and now here I am.” He grinned as he mimicked her elusive answer. “Seriously, I miss home, too. I took ordinary life for granted, until I didn’t have it anymore.” Chase finished his coffee. “I started wishing for the mundane routine I was tired of before.”
    “I never thought I’d miss my normal life so much either. I used to dread doing dishes and laundry. Now I wish I had my own dishes to wash.” Sierra added four packets of sugar to her coffee, stirred and tasted it. Satisfied with the sweetness she looked up into Chase’s quizzical eyes. “What? I like sugar.”
    “Why did you leave home?”
    “It doesn’t matter. Trust me. You don’t want to get involved in my problems.”
    “It’s just a simple question.”He leaned forward, his broad shoulders shadowing the small table. The look in his eyes dared her to confess.
    But should she?
    Lord, what do I do? She took in a deep, calming breath as she slid damp palms over her jeans. God had always looked out for her. If He hadn’t, she’d already have been dead. Twice.
    As Chase kept his unwavering gaze on her, a Scripture came to mind; two are better than one…if one falls down, his friend can help him up .
    Drawing encouragement from the gentle reminder, Sierra let down her guard and