Page 32 of A Rancher's Vow

Amy caught Charity by the arm. “Come with me. We’ll nab gabbing supplies. Back in a minute.”

Dustin watched the two of them walk away. Charity glanced over her shoulder at him as Amy chattered like a magpie. Charity flashed a quick thumbs-up, and Dustin grinned.

Yeah, she’d handle the crew here just fine. Maybe it would be a good thing, this short stay at the Crooked Creek ranch. Meant he could spend some time with some younger hands. He was pretty much the youngest worker at Silver Stone, and while it wasn’t terrible, being around people his age was nice for a change.

He’d take Charity riding. Show her the couple parts of the ranch that were admittedly pretty. Spending time with Charity sounded good.

She feels good at my side.

Keith nudged his arm. “You’re staring.”

“Am I?” Dustin focused a little harder and discovered his gaze was currently fixed on Charity’s ass. “I guess I am.”

“I thought for a minute you were kidding around, but you’re serious. She’s really with you?”

Dustin turned and slapped a hand on Keith’s shoulder. “Damn right. She’s got some shit to do for Silver Stone. Caleb told me to bring her down and make sure none of you lot tried to steal her away.”

Coralee leaned her elbows on the table, gaze fixed on the area where Amy was guiding Charity through the maze of food options still available at this hour. “She’s pretty.”

“She’s hot,” Lionel added. “Too hot for you, even if you’re a cocky stud.”

“Keep opening your mouth, and your feet will mosey right on in,” Dustin warned. He offered Coralee a smile. “She is pretty, isn’t she?”

“She’s not a cowboy, though.”

“Nope. Working the office for our foreman. She dances, and knows how to put out fires, although that volunteer job is on hiatus.”

“A dancer, hey?” Lionel grinned harder, his brows waggling.

Here they went again. Dustin leaned back in his chair and turned his expression to warning mode. “Watch what you say next, dude. I like a good laugh as much as the next guy, but sometimes your smart-ass comments go too far. Remember what we talked about.”

Coralee hit Lionel on the arm. “See? He already knows you’re a jerk when it comes to talking about women.”

“Iwasa jerk. I’m becoming less jerky.” He frowned. “Wait, that sounds wrong. That makes me sound like a preserved beef stick. What’s the English way to say it?”

“Less of a jerk,” Coralee offered.

Lionel gave her a thumbs-up. “No jerking. Got it.”

Charity placed one tray in front of Dustin. Amy lowered another on the opposite side of the table. Minutes later everyone had a full glass and a plate covered with snacks in front of them.

“I was telling Charity the hours Sam cooks hot meals. But that stuff is available pretty much 24/7.” Amy lifted a cookie in the air that was the size of a small plate. “We do not starve.”

“Cookhouses on ranches are dangerous places from what I can tell. The one at Silver Stone—Lordy, JP cooks some of the best curries I’ve ever had.” Charity paused as Dustin adjusted his chair so he could stretch his arm along her backrest. She hesitated for a split second then smiled as if remembering the game.

His moment of shock came when she laid a hand on his leg then responded to a question from Keith.

It shouldn’t be this distracting. Being next to his good friend, her fingers softly curled around his thigh. The scent of her hair wafted around him, and Dustin was far too aware that Charity was as good as in his arms.

Suddenly, spending time together took on a whole new meaning. His dream rushed back to mind in far too vivid detail.

Only…should they? Be more than friends?

Dustin knew one thing. After the brief moment they’d shared in her apartment—had that seriously been only two nights ago?—he’d love to explore more. Maybe this was the perfect time and place.

Charity leaned into his side to get his attention. “That man looks important. He’s staring at you, and he’s walking this way.”

Dustin followed her head tilt. “Good catch. Crooked Creek’s foreman, Adam West.”