Page 65 of A Rancher's Vow
“Hey.”
The slow lean in until their lips met gave her all sorts of time to consider again how terrible of an idea this was. But seriously—between the choice of kissing Dustin or not kissing Dustin?
No choice at all.
The brush of his lips over hers stayed soft. His tongue teased her lips until she opened, and they both made sounds of thedelicioussort.
When he finally broke them apart, it was to press his lips to her temple and keep snuggling her close. “Any updates to report? I mean about life in general, not thehashtag social media suckstopic.”
She laughed softly. “I have the dates for my sister and sister-in-law’s visit. If that horseback ride offer is still available.”
“It is.” Dustin trailed his fingers down her arm. “I caught up with Shim. He says hello, and that you owe him a dance when we’re out next. Apparently, there was a second picture of the two of us taken during the Nutcracker where you were still wearing the red Rudolph nose. He didnotuse it.”
“I bet the picture is cute. But thanks to him for saving me from becominghashtag Dustin’s Deer.”
“Damn, I need to use that one.”
She poked him in the chest. “Behave.”
“Why start now?” He winked, though. “Dancing this week?”
She thought over her schedule. “Sooner is better than later. Since the auction is on Saturday, we should get in some public viewing before then.”
“Tuesday work? I’m on a late shift tomorrow.”
Charity nodded. “Okay.”
Making plans to go fake dating while still in bed after real sex. The situation was beyond what she’d expected, but there was no use doing anything right now but go with the flow.
Work on Monday felt far too ordinary. With the security at the front gate, there were no further interruptions in the office.
Tucker showed up with Caleb halfway through the morning, though, and a shot of worry struck. After all, she had been rude to Caleb’s uncle. Even if the man had deserved it.
But Tucker and Caleb simply wanted to go over the information she’d gathered the previous week.
After checking through the papers, Caleb sat back in his chair and sighed contentedly. “You’re a miracle worker, Charity. Thanks for digging through what I expect was a mess to get this data for us.”
“You’re welcome.” Her grandmother’s admonition to always be truthful struck hard. “It wasn’t as hard to find as I expected. Your uncle’s bookkeeping system is old-fashioned but orderly. Once I figured it out.”
She didn’t need to mention the chair incident, either.
Tucker and Caleb exchanged amused glances.
“That was nearly a compliment,” Tucker noted.
Charity’s cheeks heated. “He wasn’tallbad.”
Caleb’s chuckle was deep and low. “No, Uncle Frank is notallbad, but I agree that he is annoying. Thanks for putting up with him.”
She met Tucker’s gaze, silently asking what she didn’t dare ask in front of Caleb.
Tucker shrugged. “Told you not to worry about it, didn’t I?”
“I know he’s good at pushing people’s buttons.” Caleb said, standing as he spoke. He met her gaze straight on. “You didn’t swing a pitchfork at him. Which means so far, mywifeis still troublemaker number one when it comes to family relationships and Uncle Frank.”
“Oh my God, really?” Although it didn’t surprise Charity. Not really, but she was curious as all get-out what could possibly make even-keeled Tamara react that violently.
“Really.” Caleb adjusted his hat then winked. “Like Tucker said, don’t worry about it. And thanks again for your help, with the info gathering and the girlfriend thing with Dustin.”
