Breaking the Cycle Read Online Free

sheets. He covered her then pressed a kiss to her forehead. Glancing at Liz, he strode from the room.
    “You’re leaving?” Liz asked incredulously, as she spun to follow him.
    She stopped short as he walked into the bathroom and kneeled on the floor. He looked at her from over his shoulder. “Do you have a towel, or scrub brush, or soap, or anything for this?” He gestured to the puddles.
    He met her stunned gaze evenly then smiled as she rushed down the hallway to get him a scrub brush and soap.

Chapter Two
    Chloe stretched her arms and legs stiffly as her senses re-emerged from her deep sleep. Wow, that one really knocked me out. She forced her eyes open then quickly shut them again. She shivered as Max’s fingers brushed her hair from her forehead.
    What’s the hottest guy at Roadie’s doing in my bedroom? She was suddenly ashamed by her clothes. With as violent as this go round had been, there certainly had to be dried evidence on her T-shirt and pajama bottoms. She could feel the heat of embarrassment radiate from her cheeks. As pale as she probably was, her blush certainly had to be evident.
    “Wake up, sleepy head,” Max crooned.
    She opened her eyes and stared at him warily as she sat up. Wow, he’s so cute. Why does he want anything to do with me after that disastrous date? “What are you doing here?”
    “I wanted to see how you were doing. I did the math and realized this was the third Thursday. When I got here and saw what was going on, I thought I would stay and help.”
    “And what a huge help he’s been,” Liz agreed warmly as she leaned against the doorframe to Chloe’s bedroom. “Hey, muffin. How’re you feeling?”
    “Great, Mom.”
    “Do you want me to order the pizza?”
    “Sure. Canadian bacon and pineapple, please.”
    “Great. I’ll get a pepperoni, too, since there are three of us.” Liz disappeared down the hall toward the stairs. Her footsteps echoed as she descended the stairs. Chloe’s heart raced as she met Max’s blue eyes.
    “Chloe, are you sure?” he asked with concern. “You threw up a lot. I could go get you some crackers or toast or ginger ale.”
    “It’s okay, Max. It happens every time. My stomach sort of demands it. Pizza delivered is sort of my treat for surviving one more of these.”
    “How long has this been happening?”
    “Since I was five.”
    “You’re saying you’ve been throwing up like this every three weeks for over twenty years?”
    “More than that. I will start in if I’m put under a lot of stress too.” Like your incredible kiss .
    “Have you gone to a specialist about it?”
    Chloe sighed. I so don’t want to go over this again, especially with someone as hot and perfect as Max Thomas. He is going to think I’m a loser. “I’ve gone to over a dozen different doctors. None of them can figure it out.”
    “And your mom’s been taking care of you all this time? What about your dad?”
    “He left when I was eight. He couldn’t handle a constantly barfing kid.”
    She braced herself for his condescending remarks or unwarranted advice. It always came. Instead, he reached out and caressed her cheek as she smiled. “I’m sorry, Chloe. What a lousy way to grow up. How’s your new boss taking this?”
    She felt tears burn her eyes. “What new boss? I’ve applied. I’ve even gone on a couple of interviews. But when they call my past employers for a referral, my attendance comes up. The last place I interviewed with told me Roadie was really harsh.
    “I can’t be covered under my mom’s insurance. I have huge medical bills, car payments, and no job. Mom is calling a realtor to sell the house to get some money. She loves this house. She can’t sell it. I just don’t know what to do.” She choked on a sob as she buried her face in her hands.
    Suddenly, she was smothered in comforting warmth as Max hugged her tight. “I’ll help you figure something out, Chloe. I promise.”
    She really hoped he was telling her the truth.