Page 74 of A Rancher's Vow
He waited to hear her thoughts about the event, but she stayed quiet. They were at the end of the first block when he offered a bit of a prod, just in case. “You dealing with over-stimulated fallout?”
She glanced his way. Nodded slowly. “Maybe a bit. That was bigger than I expected with all the people who showed up. But it’s more—” She took a deep breath and shook her head. “No, just a little overwhelmed. I’m glad I don’t have to work tomorrow.”
It wasn’t what she’d been about to say, but Dustin let it go for now. He’d get her safely behind her apartment door and then find a way to loosen her up enough to spill the goods.
He pulled to a stop in front of her apartment, coming around to help her down. “A good night’s sleep and a day off will make Monday feel like a breeze.”
“You’re right.”
“This time at least.”
She unlocked her door, paused again, then twisted toward him, chin rising determinedly. “I know you’re working tomorrow, but would you like—” Her bright gaze drifted into her apartment and a gasp escaped. “Oh my God.”
The door swung open to reveal a disaster zone.
“What the hell?” Dustin pushed past her, gaze darting around the room. The place was in shambles. Kitchen chairs had been tipped over, and broken dishes lay in pieces on the counter and floor.
The flowers he’d given her earlier in the week had been ripped apart, the petals strewn on the floor, scattered over the broken stems and shattered vase.
15
Only seconds earlier, Charity had been fighting for the courage to speak her mind to Dustin. Being casually called one of theStone galshad hit hard, an open present she wanted to peek into so badly. No matter that the group of them as a whole still intimidated her, the open door had tempted.
All her concerns about fake dating and who belonged where were wiped away by the devastation that was her apartment.
“Oh my God,” she repeated, taking one step into the room.
Nothing was where it should be. From the pictures that should be on the walls, to the items on her bookcase, to the tipped over couch and torn up pillows. It all looked as if a tornado had landed in the middle of the room and blasted everything.
When she would have stormed forward, Dustin stopped her with a hand to the shoulder, fixing her in place with a firm look. “Stay put,” he ordered. “I need to make sure no one is still here.”
She drew in a sudden breath. She hadn’t even thought of that, considering the door had been locked. “Dustin, be careful.”
Her stomach muscles clenched with fear as he quickly shoved open the bedroom and the bathroom doors, gaze darting into each space. A low curse escaped him.
Antsy enough to jump out of her skin, Charity fisted her hands. “What?”
He shook his head as he turned to face her. “There’s no one here, but both rooms are a mess.”
Shockingly, a swoop of relief arrived, making her head spin harder. An audible quiver rocked the words as she asked, “Who could have done this?”
He was back at her side, pulling her against him. “I don’t know, but I’ll take care of you. I promise.”
Which was a good thing, because as much as she liked to credit herself with being able to roll with the punches, knowing someone had been in her place and torn it apart—
She curled against him, body shaking. Adrenaline hit hard. It was nice to have his arms cradling her close, the heat of him knocking against the icy sensation encircling her.
But as good as it felt to have him there, she had to concentrate. “We need to call the police.”
“On it. You want Fern too?”
Why…? Her brain offered up the reason far too slowly. As support. It was a good idea, she supposed, but denial came easily. “No, she’s helping her parents clean up the hall.”
Dustin had his phone out but paused to tilt his head and offer her a look. “Tee. You really think the Fields will expect her to stay if you need her?”
No, but another person in her invaded, messed-up space, even her best friend, wasn’t what she needed. “Will you stay?”
“Of course.” He looked shocked that she would ask. He lifted a finger. “RCMP? I need to report a break-in.”
