Page 43 of A Rancher's Vow
She nodded. “Same goes for you.”
Dustin gestured her out the door. “I’ll meet you at the dining hall. Save me a seat.”
“Okay.” She paused then went up on her toes and connected their lips again for a sweet but intense moment.
She was whistling softly as she slipped out the door and headed to the warmth and fellowship of the chow line.
Dustin dressed quickly then contacted Shim, continuing to ignore the mass of other unanswered messages.
Dustin: Sorry. Meant to message you last night, and then this morning, but the day slipped away.
Shim: At least you do remember how to use your phone.
Dustin: I’m mostly pretending it doesn’t exist. Sorry I’m not there. Or maybe I’m glad I’m not there. How’s the chaos?
Shim: Not as bad as the first day, or so Tucker told me. Less media trucks as they’ve started to get the message through official channels to stay away, but more random strangers.
Dustin: Shit.
Shim: Caleb’s shut the main gate. First time I’ve ever seen that thing across the road.
Dustin sighed. He could remember the massive wrought-iron thing being closed once his entire life, and that was for a photo op.
Dustin: Shit again.
Shim: Don’t blame yourself. Tucker, Luke, and Caleb have all been repeating to everyone who will listen that this is just one of those things that can happen these days, and we’ll ride it out. Ashton is ready to fight on your behalf.
Dustin: I know I have their support. I still wish it wasn’t happening.
Shim: Give it time for the different stories to die down. Now it’s about half interested in Silver Stone and her newfound success, and half interested in you.
Dustin: And my big, thick…bankroll.
Shim: Lol. Right, stud. But now that we’re telling everyone you have a girlfriend, that interest should drop soon.
Dustin: Hopefully. Means I’ll be here for a few more days then.
Shim: Yeah. No signs you’ve been followed?
Dustin: So far, so good.
Shim: Great. By the way. I’m working on updating the website. Plan to put a “about the family” in there to quell a few of the wilder rumours. I’ve got a few pictures of you and Charity from past events. Okay with me posting them?”
Dustin: Okay by me. Check with Charity first, though.
Shim: Will do. Now shut up. I’m in the chow line and it’s nearly my turn.
Dustin: Food’s more important than me?
Shim: Hell yes.
Dustin:Ass.
Dustin:One more thing—
Shim:What?
Dustin:Kidding. Go eat.
