Rafe's Redemption Read Online Free

saddlebags.”
    “Thank you.” Maggie took a fortifying gulp of the thick coffee. She had no time to lose. Now was the time to appeal to his sense of honor. She swallowed hard, preparing for the most important speech of her life. “Mr.
    McBride, I wondered if—”
    “Tom will show you to the coats.”
    She stepped aside as Rafe brushed by her, leaving her hopeful proposal melting like the puddles of snow left from his boots.
    She riddled his broad back with silent curses.
    Damned, arrogant horse’s ass. What made men think they owned the last word? Since her father’s death, Maggie had had a small taste of freedom. She wasn’t going to lose it now to some overbearing mountain man.
    Ice pinged against the windows, matching the cold beat of her heart. She needed another drink of courage.
    She drained the bitter coffee in one long swig, then handed Tom the cup. “Mr. McBride, there’s something I have to say.”
    The muscles in his back tensed, pulling the plaid shirt tight as he stiffened, then turned. “Well, I don’t have time to listen. Do you understand if we delay, we’ll be riding in a whiteout?” His dark brows knitted a frown. “I’m not afraid to die, but I’ll be damned if I want to do it by freezing. Now hurry up and choose a coat!” Tom tugged her hand, pulling her down an aisle.
    “He’s right. You two best git goin’.”
    “But I can’t—”
    “Oh, don’t fret about decidin’. Not many of these coats be small enough to fit you. Won’t be much choosin’
    to do.”
    Maggie groaned in frustration. Tom was daft if he thought her concern lay with the stylishness of her coat.
    A nd Mr. McBride…she glared across the room. She hoped he choked on his coffee. Boorish bastard.
    “Tom, make sure it will keep her warm.” Rafe spoke into his cup, never raising his gaze, but his rich voice, laced with worry, flooded her with shame. Maybe he was daft. Harsh and controlling one second, then worried about her comfort the next.
    “I’ll pick the warmest one I got.” Tom scratched his bald head as he scurried to the back of the store. He dug to the bottom of a stack. “This’n might do.” She accepted the dusty coat he held out. The abrasive brown wool scratched against her palms, but the inside lining was soft and would protect her from the harsh weather. Even though she had no intention of leaving with Mr. McBride, she couldn’t hide in the store forever.
    “Thank you, Mr. War—I mean, Tom.”
    He blushed, toeing the floor like a schoolboy. “My pleasure, Miss Maggie.”
    “Is there somewhere private I can change coats?” If not, then these two men would have to turn their backs.
    She was not exposing her breasts to anyone else today.
    “You know,” Tom said as he tapped his mouth in thought, “she’s gonna have a hard time ridin’ in that fancy dress. I still got a box of Jimmy’s clothes from afore he went to war. He weren’t too big a boy. I bet they’d fit her.”
    Rafe’s gaze raked over her. Head to toe, then back again. When their eyes met, heat flooded her face. His look appraised, not lusted, still her heart beat a little faster, and the heated ache between her legs started again. It wasn’t too far a stretch to imagine those gray eyes filled with desire, with hunger. A hunger she would not encourage. Freedom was what she wanted. Not a man.
    “Thank you.” Maggie tried to clear the husky timbre from her throat. “I appreciate your offer.”
    “Just let me go git them clothes, then you can change.” Tom scuttled away. Several clanks sounded from two shelves over. “Hell and damnation. Where is that—ah-ha.” He reappeared carrying a cobweb-covered box, then showed her to a small room attached to the side of the store.
    “This is where I sleep.” He dropped the box onto the bed and lit a lantern. “You take whatever clothes fit. A nd don’t fret.” He gave her a wink. “Rafe’s a good man.” A patchwork blanket-door swung closed behind him, swirling dust