Page 74 of Take A Chance

He sagged against Beau, there was a pause and then his friends’ arm circled his back and patted it.

“Let it out, Will,” Beau murmured and it was the permission Will needed. His tears burned hot, choking him.

“I know…know everything th-that he did to her,” he stammered. Beau didn’t reply just continued being his rock. “Everything.”

It was a while before he quieted, the rage was gone and a helpless feeling took its place. “You’ll do free self-defense classes, right? We can set it up and I’ll fund it, whatever you need.” Will pulled back, not bothering to dry his tears.

“Already do, my man. Right after what happened with Tay,” Beau replied, a dark look crossing his face at the memory.

That useless feeling prodded at Will again. “God, of course you do.”

“Look, you can’t change what happened to her. Just be there for her, it’s all you can do. You’ll feel ineffectual but it’s the only thing she needs you to do right now. She’ll tell you if she needs something more.”

Will knew Beau had some experience, he trusted his friend, trusted his words. He cleared his throat, using the hem of his shirt to wipe his face. “Thanks, for this,” Will gestured around them. “And for being there, I appreciate it.”

Beau shrugged. “No sweat, it’s what friends are for.”

They packed up the gear and closed the gym, the sun starting to rise, a deep chill in the air and Will realized it was mid-December and Christmas was on the way. He didn’t have the familiar sense of dread over the holiday season as he usually did.

Beau paused on the front porch. “You need a ride back?”

“Nah it’s fine. Give Taylor my love and apologies for the intrusion.”

“Apology won’t be enough, she’ll want her pound of flesh for interrupting our snuggle time.”

Will snorted. “I’ll sleep with one eye open.”

“Drinks this week?”

“Sounds good, see you then.” He waited until Beau went inside before he headed back to the shelter. He checked on Rebelle who was still sound asleep and his heart panged as he took in the delicate features that belied the hardass personalityshe had. No wonder she had been so closed off, and so cautious of him.

Parfait was curled up next to her and gave Will a slow blink when she saw him. He ducked out and showered, rinsing the sweat off. The hot water burned his skin and the steam filled his lungs as he worked out the aches in his arm. He slid back into Rebelle’s bed, pulling her into his arms. “I’ve got it from here, girl,” he told a purring Parfait, and she blinked again before heading back to her kittens.

Will stroked Rebelle’s silky hair, breathed in her sweet rose scent and a feeling of calm settled in him as he tumbled into sleep.

Chapter 18

When Will awoke later, he was alone in bed. The chill in the air had him drawing the comforter around him. He looked around, not seeing any hint of Rebelle. He had been looking forward to seeing if she enjoyed morning cuddles. Something told him she would like them, just resist it every step of the way.

His eagerness to find her and check she was okay after last night had him vaulting out of bed, tugging on his dress pants and shirt from yesterday. He pulled his shoes on and headed out to the shelter. He was halfway over when he spotted her by the rose bush. She seemed so captivated by the pure white flowers and he stopped to watch the way she gingerly touched the petals before she pruned them, flinching when she cut like she didn’t want to hurt it.

“Morning beautiful!” he called.

Her wary eyes flicked to him then away again and she spun on her heel and headed back inside.

Will chuckled to himself, of course she would be difficult over themorning after,it was Rebelle. His brows dipped as he remembered everything she had told him the night before and he realized with chagrin that this morning would be tough for her.

He went after her, his long legs no match for her slight steps. He slipped an arm around her shoulder and turned her to face him. A pretty flush had spread through her cheeks and she nibbled her lip, looking at her sneakers which he noticed looked new, not the old tattered ones she had. Her purple knit sweater hugged her slight frame and just made him want to hug her more. He was pleased she was using the money she was earningto get herself the things she needed. He had been worried she would be too stubborn to spend it.

“Are you avoiding me?”

“Yes,” she replied.

He laughed at her trademark honesty. “Why?”

“Because I’m trying to sort out my feelings. I don’t have a lot of experience with this, and it doesn’t help when you’re everywhere I turn, looking so...”

He smirked. “So, what?”

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