Page 100 of A Rancher's Vow

“Go,” Shim insisted, taking the reins as his expression lightened. “You’re meeting Charity’s family in under an hour. You need to smell a hell of a lot better than you do right now if you want to make a good impression.”

“Ass.”

“Exactly what you smell like,” Shim muttered, tugging the horses with him as he waved Dustin off. “Only the truth, my friend. Only the truth.”

Dustin took a deep whiff and grimaced. Shim probably wasn’t wrong.

Sending up thanks to his family and friend, Dustin sauntered out of the shower thirty minutes later, ready to enjoy the next three days with Charity and her sister.

As he pulled on clothes, he considered how to make the most of the time. Not just with Charity, but in moving toward the next stage.

God, had it only been a week since Demi’s arrival?

In the work world, things had settled back to normal. There were still a few new social media buzzes every now and then, and the requests for interviews had slowed, not stopped, but for the most part, Silver Stone was back to business as usual.

No word yet on who had gotten into Charity’s place, though. Which was both good and bad. He wanted to know whose ass to kick.

But he liked having Charity right where she was. And the past week had been extraordinary in terms of time spent together. As if they were already savouring every moment.

Did he even need to say that they should take their relationship in a new, solid direction? Because it felt as if they were already mostly there.

No. He scrubbed a hand over his hair to tidy it. That was the coward’s way out. He had to straight up tell her how he felt, and sometime soon. He was meeting her family. She’d already dove in headfirst with his.

Wasn’t that supposed to be one of the biggest steps in a relationship?

He found Charity pacing on the front porch, gaze fixed on the driveway as she twisted on the spot and fidgeted impatiently.

She lifted her gaze to his. “I think this is the most excited I’ve been since going to the Calgary Stampede for the first time and riding the Zipper.”

“You’re vibrating.” He couldn’t keep the amusement from his voice if he tried.

“They’re late,” Charity complained, but she was smiling as she moved closer. “You’re going to love my sister. And her wife is the most darling person in the entire world. So smart. And really kind. Suz is like this big ball of happiness in human form.”

He pulled her into his lap. “You’ve told me so much, I feel as if I’ve already met them. You, though, are going to fall over if you don’t stop bouncing.”

“I just miss them. And you need to meet them,” she repeated.

“I know. Now, you have something right here…” He touched the corner of her mouth for a moment. Charity stilled, and he leaned in. “Don’t worry. I got it.”

His lips covered hers, and the sweetness of the kiss bloomed from tender to something hotter, and damn, he wondered if he had time to pick her up and take her to the bedroom for a little ravishing.

She held onto his shoulders tightly, lips curving into a smile. “You have an amazingly good distraction game.”

“I aim to please.” He spoke against her lips, keeping her in contact even as she swung her leg over his thighs and nestled in more comfortably. “Thanks for inviting your family over so I could have a holiday.”

“Thank you for taking us not just riding, but camping.” She sat back a little and traced her fingers along his jawline. “I really think it would be fine for us to go back to my apartment. Whoever broke into my place must be long gone by now. The other nonsense has slowed to a trickle.”

“We’re not arguing about this again,” Dustin warned. “Focus on whatwillbe happening, which is making sure your sister and sister-in-law enjoy their holiday.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Okay.”

God, she was adorable. And spunky and bright and everything that made him want to be a better man.

Dustin leaned his forehead on hers. “By the way…”

She lifted a brow.

“Who do I need to talk to about checking into this dude ranch?” a cheery voice rang out. Charity straightened in shock.