Read Online Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies - Free Book Online

since I’ve been here. Apparently, they rise up in minutes and, before you know it, you can’t see three feet in front of you. A slight one blew through town the day you and your brother arrived, but they get much worse. When the storm blows through, it leaves grit and dirt everywhere.”
    They sat a moment in relaxed silence. Dax could hear her soft breathing and wondered if she’d fallen asleep.
    “The sunrises and sunsets.”
    “What?” Dax asked, his brows drawing together in a confused frown.
    “I love the way the sun peeks up over the eastern mountains and cloaks the town in a soft, yet brilliant light. At sunset, the sky can turn the most amazing shades of pink, orange, yellow, and violet. I’ve never seen anything like it. It truly takes your breath away.”
    He glanced over to see her smiling as if she were picturing the scene she’d described.
    “You’ll stay then?”
    “For a while, at least. I’ve been here since early fall, so not quite a year. According to the people who’ve been here the longest, the winters are the worst and I’ve lived through one already.”
    “Was it bad?” Dax had fought through harsh winters during the war and never imagined ever living through them again.
    She chuckled. “If you consider snow storms that last a week, leaving mountains of snow behind then, yes, it was a challenge. At the same time, it was exhilarating in a way I can’t describe.”
    Dax let her voice wash over him. Something about the tone and intensity worked on his senses, causing his body to respond. He shifted in his chair, attempting to hide his body’s reaction.
    “When the snow melts, the grasslands turn an almost translucent green. The countryside is thick and lush. I’d run my hands over it, marveling at the silky feel.” She ran a hand along the arm of her chair in a slow movement, almost stroking it.
    Dax watched her hand travel along the wood of the chair, caressing it, and let out a groan.
    “Are you all right?” Rachel gazed over at him.
    He cleared his throat and stood. “Yes. I guess I’d better see how Luke’s doing in the kitchen.”
    “He’s fixing supper?”
    “Let’s say he’s heating up some stew from last night and attempting to make biscuits. I’d suggest you do your best to ignore the results.” He held out a hand to help her up, taking a moment before letting it go.
    Supper didn’t take long. Leftover stew, biscuits, and coffee, but Dax couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Strands of her lush, auburn-colored hair had escaped the bun, framing her face. Her hazel green eyes flashed with warmth, irritation, or amusement, and he wanted to learn what triggered all of those responses. He found he wanted to learn everything about her.
    “Luke, you did a mighty fine job with those biscuits.” Bernice picked up the plates and started for the kitchen.
    “Uh…thank you, ma’am.” He knew they were passable, but not much more.
    “Let me help you, Mrs. Wilson.” Rachel reached for the empty stew bowl.
    “Nope. You’ve done enough, and I appreciate it.”
    “She’s right. It would be best to get started back.” Dax grabbed his gun belt and strapped it around his waist, adjusting it low on his hips. He pulled on a worn great coat. “I’ll get my horse.”
    The ride back to town took longer with Dax keeping a steady pace, and not the full-out run as when she rode behind Bull. She sat in front, nestled between his thighs, one of his arms wrapped around her waist. The sensations she felt as his body moved against hers had Rachel playing word games, trying to think of anything except the hard-bodied, rugged man who held her close.
    “Relax, Rachel. If you don’t, you’ll be sore tomorrow.” His whispered words did nothing to stem the growing agitation at being this close to him.
    She took a deep breath and tried to relax her muscles, letting her back rest against his chest.
    “That’s it.” His breath washed against her neck, sending shivers up and down her