Page 60 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

Ian clamped his mouth shut. Jewel frowned.

“You’ll have to ask Rusty about that,” Jewel finally said.

Rusty did not compete in the wild-cow milking, but he did rope in the doctoring event, which was a chaotic mad scramble. Parker had once again climbed onto Kristy’s lap to watch, and as soon as the McClane ranch was done, he climbed back down. She felt honored that he felt comfortable with her.

In fact, Kristy had enjoyed the rodeo so much, she didn’t even think of leaving until Rusty appeared at the end of the row and sidled in to join her. Ariel scooted over one seat so Rusty could sit next to her.

“What did you think?” After getting congratulations from his parents and Parker, he leaned over and pecked Kristy’s cheek.

“That you’re really good at ranching.”

Rusty smiled. “Nice to place in the money. Cort’s happy.” He dug his hands into his pocket. “If you’re hungry, we should get something before the last event, ’cause they’ll be closing up.”

“I could use a coffee.”

“Anybody else want anything?”

“Ice cream.” Parker looked hopeful.

“You’ve had enough, young man,” Jewel said. “We’ll be home for supper soon, and your mom’s making your favorite—mac and cheese.”

That seemed to mollify Parker some, and he leaned against his grandmother, as if he was tired.

With that, Rusty swept his arm toward her. “Lead the way.”

“I really just wanted to be alone with you,” he said as they climbed down from the bleachers.

She had to laugh as she took in all the folks milling around. “Well, we aren’t exactly alone.”

“But I’d like to find time to get away. Together. Alone.”

Now it was getting real. And instead of wanting to distance herself, she was of the same mind. “Ariel’s usually at my place. She doesn’t exactly enjoy Mel’s trailer.”

“Those trailers are old, cramped, and not in the best shape.”

“I gathered.” She wanted to be with Rusty. Just Rusty. Away from family and friends. To see if this was a relationship worth devoting any more time to. “In a few days it will be all hands on deck, and I won’t have time to get away.”

“And with my parents staying at the old homestead, that’s a definite no for many reasons, including the bunk beds,” Rusty said. “Makes me feel like I’m back in my teen years.”

And then he smiled. “I’ve got an idea. What are you doing Wednesday evening?” He held out his hand as they strolled toward the food stalls

She took it, aware of the strength and warmth in that hand. “Spreadsheets, vendor contracts, making up schedules, and to-do lists.” But after this week it would be even crazier. “But if you’re asking me to make time, the answer is yes.”

“I feel like yelling yippee and throwing my hat up in the air.”

“Don’t you dare.” What would Jewel and Ian think?

They strolled along hand in hand. Kristy wasn’t sure why, but she felt lighter, as if a burden had been removed from her shoulders.

As they passed into the alley that held the kiosks of food and wares, Kristy spotted a young couple. It appeared the girl was trying to shrug the guy off, telling him to stop, though she seemed to be laughing.

Before she could figure out what was going on, Rusty had strode over to the couple. Grabbing the guy by the collar, he pulled the offender away from the young woman and held him like he was collaring an errant dog.

The young girl’s mouth dropped open.

“You okay, miss?” Rusty asked as the kid yelled obscenities.

“What are you doing, mister?” Her tone was filled with irritation.

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