Page 136 of Captivated

“What’s stopping you from going inside?”

Zeeb almost jumped out of his skin. He turned to find Robert hitching Rusty alongside Bailey.

“Boss, you gotta stop doin’ that. You wanna give me a heart attack?”

Robert crossed the creek to join him at the steps that led up to the door. “You haven’t answered my question.”

Zeeb’s pulse sped up. “I don’t need to. I know what’s in there.”

Robert went onto the porch and stood in front of the door. “Probably the same thing I know is waiting for me. Memories.” Instead of going inside, he sat on one of the chairs. Robert gestured to the other. “Sit.”

“I should be getting back now, Boss.”

Robert’s eyes gleamed. “I saidsit.” His voice had an edge to it.

Zeeb heaved a sigh and sat, waiting for the words he knew were coming, knew that from balls to bones. When Robert said nothing, Zeeb rolled his eyes. “Christ on a cracker, just come out with it. I ain’t getting any younger sittin’ here.”

“Come out with what?”

“The same thing everyone on this ranch has been sayin’ to me for the past two weeks. Why should you be any different?”

“Teague came to see me last week. About you. Said he had concerns.”

Shit.

“Oh?” Zeeb kept his tone light, but cold spread its chill fingers through his body.

Things had just gotten too real for comfort. Because if the ranch foreman had concerns he felt he should pass on to the boss…

“He said you’re distracted most of the time. Forgetful. Quiet. Actually, it was that last one that really worried him.” A pause. “Teague said it was like working with a stranger. So when he came to see me yesterday to report things had not onlynotimproved, but worsened, I figured it was time for a chat.”

Zeeb’s heart sank. “This a verbal warning, Boss?”

Robert’s breathing caught, and Zeeb glanced at him.

The compassion in those eyes floored him.

“Do I have to tell you to pack a bag and drive to Boise? Because it seems to me you have some unfinished business there.”

Zeeb widened his eyes. “I can’t do that.”

Fuck. He knows.

“Why not?”

“Because…” He swallowed. “I’m a complication he doesn’t need. He’s got enough on his plate.”

Robert studied him for a moment, and Zeeb squirmed on his chair.

“Boss, he’s got a lot of shit to figure out. And he doesn’t need me around.”

Robert didn’t break eye contact. “What if you’re wrong? What if you’re exactly what Nate needs?” He sighed. “He really got under your skin, didn’t he?” His gaze softened. “We don’t have secrets, you and I. At least, I didn’t think we did.”

Zeeb huffed. “Under my skin, into my veins, and he’s inching his way into my heart.”

“Oh.” Robert blinked. “Wow.”

Zeeb chuckled. “Not what you were expecting to hear, right? I mean, me havin’ the hots for a guy isn’t what you’d call news, not on this ranch. Butfallin’for one?”