Read Online A Soldier's Redemption by Rachel Lee - Free Book Online

way.
    She sighed. Not now. Please. But it was a simple fact that the frisson he made her feel was not fear for her life, but fear of dangerous sexual attraction. With a man as closed off as Wade Kendrick, there could only be pain on that path.
    But she was still young enough and healthy enough to feel those urges. Well, maybe that was a good thing. Another part of her coming back to life.
    â€œAre we taking that walk?”
    â€œUh, yeah.” She punched in the codes again and together they stepped out onto the small porch. She set out purposefully in the direction of the town park, thinking it would do her some good to see kids at play again. Among the many things she had avoided in the past year was children, because they reminded her of things lost. But she might be ready to let them remind her of some of the goodness in life.
    Once again he measured his pace to hers, as if it came automatically. And once again, he said nothing.
    The summer afternoon was warm, the sun as brilliant as it could get this far north. And without warning she found herself talking, although she had to catch herself frequently so she didn’t reveal too much.
    â€œI used to live in…down south. Almost in the tropics, actually. I notice the difference in the sun here.”
    â€œIt is different,” he agreed.
    â€œThe days are longer in the summer, but the sun never gets as high or bright. And the winter nights are so long here.”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œBut at least I don’t burn as easily.” She managed a small laugh. “In the summer down there you can get a tan walking across a parking lot.”
    It was his turn to give a small laugh, as if he, too, were trying. “I’ve been in all kinds of climates.”
    Well, that was a positive step, she thought. “I imagine so.” She was careful not to question. Instead she chose to talk a little more about herself. “I’ve had a lot to adjust to, and I haven’t been doing a very good job of it.”
    For a few paces he didn’t say anything. Then, “I guess it’s harder to adjust when you’re afraid.”
    â€œIt’s that obvious, huh?”
    â€œLike I said, only to someone who would know fear.”
    â€œI don’t know whether that’s a compliment or a criticism.”
    â€œNeither. Just an observation.”
    â€œDo you ever get afraid?” As soon as the words were out she realized she might have trespassed too far again, but it was too late to snatch them back. She almost held her breath, wondering if he would turn and walk away.
    Instead, he astonished her by answering. “I’m human.”
    Sideways, but still an answer. She relaxed a bit and looked around, taking in the old trees that lined the street, their leaves rustling ceaselessly in the summer breeze. Nobody else seemed to be out and about, but that wasn’t unusual. Here, as everywhere, most couples both needed to work.
    â€œIn the evenings,” she remarked, “there will often be people sitting out on their front porches. Different from where I used to live. Most of the neighborhoods around me back home were built relatively recently, when it was important to have a privacy-fenced backyard. You’d almost never see anyone out front unless they were doing yard work.”
    â€œIn most places in the world where I’ve been, a house is where you sleep or shelter from the elements. The rest of life happens in common areas, on the street, in front of the house. Not for everyone, of course. There are always some who want to keep the unwashed masses away. And in some cultures an enclosed courtyard is considered necessary, but given that several generations of a family live together, it’s not exactly isolation.”
    That was practically half an encyclopedia coming from this man. “Do you think we’re losing something with those fenced backyards?”
    â€œDepends on what you want out of life. But