Page 52 of A Rancher's Vow

“I’ve noticed that myself. Don’t worry about it.”

Thank goodness. “Great news. So, in light of trying to get me and my snappy remarks away from Crooked Creek sooner than later, how are things going over there? Is it safe to bring Dustin home?”

“Wait—what? Hang on a second.”

The line went quiet for a minute before Tucker returned. “I got rid of the hand. Now back up the conversation. When you said that part about speaking politely being tough, I assumed you meant Dustin. Which I totally expected, business as usual. But you meantyou?”

Oops. “Can we go back to the part where you said not to worry about it?”

He laughed. “It’s fine. You’re not in trouble, but I am amused.”

“At the risk of repeating my point, my grandmother always said I was never one to suffer fools lightly.” Charity sighed. “I’ve got everything you asked for. Well, I will once I fill in this final chart. Dustin’s been behaving. Having a good time, I think. How is the media storm?”

“Fading slowly. Caleb and I chatted about it this morning, and if you’re done—good job by the way—then you two can head home tomorrow. Tell Dustin to give Adam a head’s-up tonight in case there’s anything planned he’s needed for. I don’t want to leave Adam in the lurch since we left your departure date wide open.”

“I can pass that on. And if we need to stay until Sunday, that’s fine as well. I can keep myself busy.” Kitten hunting if nothing else.

“Then it’s a plan. Email and let me know what you decide, but in the meantime, try to stay out of trouble.” The amusement in his tone stole the sting from the words.

“I will,” she promised. “And Tucker? Thanks for being understanding.”

“I understand the need for understanding, but you’re welcome.”

Charity’s announcementpre-dinner to Dustin that they could go home the following day was both welcome and disappointing, especially to Dustin’s friends.

“You just got here,” Amy complained.

“He has a job at another ranch,” Keith pointed out. “He can’t do all your work all the time.”

Amy took a halfhearted swing at him. “Ass.”

“We should do something fun tonight,” Coralee said. “Bonfire on the ridge?”

“Brilliant. Let me check with Adam—I have to talk to him anyway. Need to let him know we’re leaving and see what timing works best.” Dustin brought Charity with him to talk with the foreman.

Adam nodded at the announcement. “Sorry to see you go. You’ve been a big help as usual. You headed out first thing, or can you still work for a few hours in the morning?”

Dustin had already checked with Charity. “If you need me, we can leave later in the day. We’ll load up Beach right before we go if we can borrow a trailer.”

“Then I’ll see you at nine. We should be done by lunch. You can enjoy one more of Sam’s meals before you leave.” Adam turned to Charity. “You shouldn’t ride by yourself yet, but if you want, Amy and Coralee are off in the morning. I’m sure they’d enjoy a ride with you.”

“Thanks, I’ll check with them.”

In an amazingly short time, Dustin and Charity and their four friends were all mounted up with supplies packed for their evening.

Charity nestled in against Dustin as if she belonged there. “Bonfire on the ridge?”

“Close to where we rode the first night. About thirty minutes from here, so just a gentle, relaxing ride.” He tucked the reins into her hands then offered a dramatic sigh. “You drive. I’m having a nap.”

A soft snicker escaped her. “I’ve learned enough in the past few days to know that an old, familiar route, ridden slow and easy, means no one needs to drive. Beach could probably get there with his eyes closed.”

“Probably,” Dustin agreed. He slipped his hand under Charity’s shirt, resting his palm on her bare stomach.

She hummed happy consent. “I like you touching me. In case I haven’t said it often enough.”

The trail narrowed as the trees closed in on either side of them. Dustin and Charity were last in the line, leaving them in a cozy, private corridor if they spoke quietly.

“You’ve been nicely vocal about what you like. Makes it more fun for us both.”