Taking Chances Read Online Free Page A

Alex ask.
    “Yes, please. Water would be good.”
    He came back and knelt down beside her. She sat up and took the glass from his hand and he swept the wet hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He grabbed the wet washcloth from the bathtub and wiped Clair’s chin. She was embarrassed by all that he was doing for her.
    “Come on; let’s get you off this floor and on the couch,” he said, lifting her by the arm. He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked her to the couch. “Sit here, I’ll be right back.”
    Clair nodded and watched him walk around the house, each time emerging from a different room with something new stuck under his arm. How in the world, after six months of being on the road, did I luck out and find the most caring stranger I’ve ever met? she thought.
    “Here you go, sweetie,” Alex said, sitting next to her. He handed her a glass of water and a pack of crackers. “Maybe the crackers will help.”
    “Thanks,” she said, sipping from the glass. She nibbled on a cracker, the salt soothing her stomach. Tears began to fill her eyes, a mixture of embarrassment and dread, Clair turned away from him. She had never felt so needy in all the time she’d been on her own.  She’d already been through so much. Her life during the last six months on the road had exposed her to more than just what happened tonight, and she didn’t want to think about leaving. It wasn’t because of Alex; though his compassion and kindness were more than anyone had shown her before. Clair was tired of running. At first she had a reason--to get away, but now what was she running from? She just didn’t know anymore.
    “Hey, what’s wrong?” Alex asked, moving closer to her.
    She felt his fingers lightly pull her chin toward him. Clair closed her eyes; releasing the flood of tears she had been trying to restrain. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, covering her face with her hands. Alex rubbed her back in a soothing gesture. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, she stiffened up, attempting to pull herself together, while giving Alex a faint smile. It was time for her to go. There was no need postponing it. She didn’t want to burden him any longer. Standing, she said, “I’m going to head out now. Thank you… for everything you’ve done for me tonight.” Clair walked over to the bathroom to gather up her things.
    “No, wait. Maybe you should stay, just a little longer; at least until morning. Or I could walk you home?”
    Clair turned and gave him a confident smile. “Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll be fine. Plus, you said those guys are long gone. So I should be okay.” With a firm voice, she made herself sound positive, when in truth, she wasn’t. Clair had no idea where those guys were. For all she knew, they were still waiting for her and there was no doubt that they would succeed if they got their hands on her again
    Alex moved toward her. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on and I’m not asking you to tell me. But it’s not safe out there. Plus, what do you think the police would do if they saw you on the street in that condition?”
    Clair hadn’t thought about that. What would the police do? Probably nothing, she thought. She shrugged her shoulders, “I’ll just have to make sure they don’t see me. It’s not hard, I’ve done it before.”
    “Have you looked at yourself? Your lip is still swollen. And your neck,” Alex pulled her hair back behind her shoulder. He ran his fingertips lightly across the side of her neck. “Does it hurt?” he grimaced. “It’s really red and bruised in more than a few places.”
    She shook her head. It didn’t hurt; and she liked the way his warm touch felt against her flesh. For a moment, their eyes locked, while his hand lingered on her skin. She took a step back and turned towards the door. “I really should go.”
    “C’mon, please stay. I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re out there like that. If you won’t stay