Wildfire Creek by Shirleen Davies Read Free Book Online

mimicked Dax’s stance, resting a hip on the rail. “I’m thinking of building a place next to Wildfire Creek.”
    Dax narrowed his eyes at his brother, wondering what had triggered his desire to create a different home. “You do whatever you need to. Just know that Rachel and I like having you here.”
    “It’s got nothing to do with you and Rachel. I’ve been thinking about this for months, and the appeal of having my own place keeps gnawing at me. I figure it’s time I did something about it.”
    “Snow will be coming in a few weeks.” Dax looked up at the clear sky. Those who hadn’t spent a winter in this part of the territory had no idea of the treacherous weather. He and Luke had seen the end of last year’s weather. This would be their first full season on the ranch.
    “I figure to have maybe three weeks if I start now. If not, I’ll have to wait until spring.” He looked at his brother. “That’s too long, Dax.”
    Dax pushed from the railing and took a breath. “All right. We’ll talk to the boys tomorrow, figure the supplies, and get what you need out to the site. I figure we can spare three or four men at a time.” He paused a moment, thinking through what Luke would need. “You do have a spot picked out, right?”
    Once more, Luke took off his hat, this time tossing it on the nearby swing, relieved and thankful Dax hadn’t fought him on this. “I do.”
    Dax nodded, clasping Luke’s shoulder. “Good. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

    Bull picked up his cards and glanced around the room, looking for one of the girls to fill his glass. He spotted Ginny as she walked in from the back and waved. The expression of friendly recognition on her face faded as she marched toward the table he shared with several others.
    “Where is he?” Ginny’s words were calm, although her hands were fisted on her hips and her eyes sparked.
    Bull glanced at the others, then back at Ginny. “Where’s who?”
    “You know darn well who I mean. Luke. Where is he?” She looked around the room, hoping to spot him at another table.
    “He didn’t come in with us tonight.”
    “Coward.” Her mumbled response could just be heard over the noise in the saloon.
    “You got a problem with him, Ginny?” Bull asked. He’d never seen her so angry. She’d get irritated with some of the more insistent customers, but over the months, she’d learned to deal with the drunks and obnoxious ones.
    “I sure do, and I’m certain he knows it or he would’ve come in tonight.” She blew out a breath and turned toward the bar to grab a bottle of whiskey before walking back to the table. She poured drinks for those who held up their glasses, then set the bottle on the table. “You tell Luke I need to speak with him.” She’d calmed a little, but not much. When no one responded, she added, “You understand?”
    Bull kept his face impassive, although he was mighty tempted to grin. Compared to Luke and most of the men, she was a slip of a thing, yet she had no problem holding her own against any of them. He understood Luke’s attraction to her, even if his boss wouldn’t admit it.
    “Yes, ma’am, I sure do.”
    She brushed a strand of hair from her face and stared down at Bull. “I’d better see him in here soon.” Ginny stalked off, stopping at a couple of other tables and smiling as if nothing unusual had happened.
    “Never seen her quite like that,” Ellis said as he sipped his whiskey.
    “Don’t bode well for the boss,” Rude added, still keeping his eyes on Ginny. “Wonder what he did.”
    “Guess we’ll find out.” Bull picked up his whiskey and tossed it back.

Chapter Four
    “Isn’t this close to the spot you took the arrow?” Dax asked, wondering at the location Luke had chosen for the house.
    Several of the men gathered in the study with the brothers, discussing Luke’s plans to build a cabin. It was Sunday morning, the sun had only been up for an hour, yet everyone seemed focused and