Page 47 of A Rancher's Vow

“I’m saying I’ve read those scenes, and while I could maybe coordinate some of the positions, I don’t think anyone would be calling out, ‘Oh God, Oh God, OhGod,’except while they were falling off.”

“Too funny.”

He tucked his fingers under her chin and interrupted her laughter with a soft kiss. “Come on. It’s time to go home.”

He’d wonderedif she’d stay quiet on the ride back, preoccupied by what they might do once they reached the trailer.

Obsessing about the unknown, the same way he was.

Nope. She chattered easily about her day. Not the specific details, but that she was finding the information a little at a time. How she’d had a great conversation with Sam, and that watching Dustin rope had been a treat. Charity practiced whistling for Annie, who came when called but kept eyeing Dustin as if asking why someone else was involved in their special relationship.

Just before they reached the barn again, Charity mentioned her sister and sister-in-law and their upcoming get-together.

“We’ll probably keep it low-key this year. Since I just started, I don’t get much time off. And Chelsea and Suz are saving up for a down payment. I think they might drive to Heart Falls from Edmonton on a Friday. We’ll hit Rough Cut on Saturday and hang out the rest of the time.”

“I’ll join you for dancing,” Dustin offered. “If you guys want to come out to Silver Stone and go for a ride, I could arrange it.”

“Seriously? They’d love that.” Charity paused. “Ithinkthey’d love that—let me find out for sure. I might take you up on the offer.”

Beach happily back in his stall, Charity helped brush him down. They didn’t need to do much since they’d only been out for a short while.

Brushed, watered, and given a treat, Beach bumped his head into Charity’s hand for a final pat before easing back to rest.

They were barely steps outside the barn when Charity caught Dustin’s fingers in hers. “Thanks for the fun lessons.”

“You’re welcome. You’ll need to wear the boots Ivy lent you when we get around to using real saddles.”

“What were you two doing?” Stepping out of the darkness like a wraith, Uncle Frank snarled the words like an accusation.

Before Dustin could respond, Charity answered, her tone one hundred percent perky excitement.

Aka, fake as hell.

“Dustin took me for a ride. What a lovely ranch you have. The view with the sun setting on the mountains to the south was spectacular. But tomorrow will be here soon enough, so excuse us. Need to hit the sack. Don’t want to keep you. Good night.”

With Dustin’s fingers in a death grip, Charity marched them to the trailer. Not even four steps past his gaping uncle, she whistled, and Annie zoomed to her side, peering up eagerly.

Well, that was…unexpected.

“Good girl.Sucha good girl.” Charity kept walking, opening up more distance between them and his uncle, but she looked directly at Annie to offer the praise.

Dustin spoke softly. “Somehow you keep kicking my uncle where it hurts without looking like a delinquent.”

“It’s a talent, I know.” She flashed him a smile before pausing and ruffling Annie’s ears in a caress. “Such a good girl. That was more than I’d hoped for.”

“You been sneaking her treats?”

“When would I have time to do that? She’s been with you all day.”

Huh. True. “Obviously she’s a good judge of character.”

“Obviously.” Outside the trailer, Charity paused. “Do we need to get her food or water?”

“I put out a bowl of water earlier, and there’s food and water in the barn. She’ll probably head there in a few minutes.”

Charity gave Annie a final goodnight pet. “Sleep tight, pupper. Tomorrow is another big workday for all of us.”

Was that a warning Charity planned to hit the sack right away? Dustin opened the trailer door and prepared for anything.