Page 45 of A Rancher's Vow

“I’m not that green,” Charity complained. “I know he won’t melt if I touch him.”

“Maybe I just want a reason to have your hands on me.”

The way he said it more than the words sent a shiver racing through her. “Dustin.”

“It’s true. And I like how you quivered, as well.”

He moved their connected hands to the spot between Beach’s eyes, sliding down slowly. Once. Twice.

Then he switched their position, pressing her palm firmly to the horse’s nose. The short hairs scratched her skin, warmth making it clear this was a living, breathing creature and not some inanimate object she was touching.

“On your own, now.” Dustin removed his hand. Charity offered another stroke.

Beach lifted his head slightly, and she froze. “Did I do something wrong?”

Dustin laughed, a gentle warm sound. “He’s greedy for more of your touch, and I don’t blame him one bit. Pet him harder.”

“You’re making this sound far too sexy considering we’re standing next to a horse,” Charity complained, the breathiness in her voice impossible to hide. But she petted Beach harder as ordered, and he exhaled heavily, a very contented sound.

Dustin stepped behind her, one hand wrapping around her waist. “You’re ready for your Horse 101 introduction class now that you’ve said hello to the demonstration model.”

He guided her hand over Beach as he named parts. Withers, forelegs, saddle, mane. He had her feel the different textures of the horse’s skin and mane. Even lifted Beach’s hoof and showed her the solid and softer parts, and the sturdy horseshoe.

“Beach doesn’t mind all this touching, does he?” she asked.

“Most horses don’t. Working horses this old become attached to human companionship. He’s probably a little lonely here at Crooked Creek since he’s getting too old to ride for some tasks. He likes the attention you’re giving him.”

“I’m enjoying it, too.” One hand rested on Beach’s rump. “He’s still very big, but not as scary as he was at first.”

“I’m glad. But being careful around horses, especially strange ones, is never a bad idea.” Dustin nuzzled her neck with his nose. “Ready for your reward for being an A-student during lesson number one?”

She twisted her head and met his lips in a kiss. Sweet, soft. Instinctively, she turned toward him and linked her fingers around his neck. He tucked her body against his even as he deepened the kiss.

Shivers slipped up her spine, an electric sensation of pleasure and need. He eased his tongue over hers, and she sucked on it lightly, smiling at the hum that escaped him.

Hands settled on her butt, lifting her higher and tighter. His hardening cock pressed against her belly, and it was her turn to hum happily. “You’re turned on.”

“I’m kissing you. Touching you. Hell, yeah, I’m turned on.”

“Good to know.” Charity kissed him again, tugging him toward her so she could thoroughly enjoy the connection.

A shot of hot air rushed past her cheek on the left before something prickly bumped her face.

“Son of a Beach,” Dustin scolded as he broke off the kiss and pushed the horse’s face away from them. “Get your own girl.”

She couldn’t help it. Charity laughed, trying to keep the sound soft and gentle, the same way Dustin spoke around the horse, but it really was too funny. “Was he jealous?”

“Green with envy.” Dustin caught Charity’s hand, hooked his free hand into the rope halter, and guided them both from the stall. Annie instantly joined them. “Next lesson, getting up on a horse.”

Charity caught herself before checking the time. If she was going to trust him with her body later, she needed to trust him with time keeping now. “Okay.”

As if he’d caught some of her thoughts, Dustin squeezed her fingers before stopping beside a railing. He looped the head rope over the center post. “You said it before, horses are big. But they’re not a ladder, so it’s not like we climb them by stepping anywhere we want.”

Keeping as relaxed and calm as possible—she remembered what Kelli had said about horses picking up on feelings—Charity laid her hand on Beach’s withers again. “I’m not seeing much to step on to be truthful.”

Dustin looped his hands together and stooped over. “Today, I’m your ladder. Left foot in the stirrup, left hand grabbing Beach’s mane. Pull up and stand up, then lift your right leg over. Last thing you’ll do is sit up and get comfy.”

She stared at his hands for a moment.