Page 142 of Captivated

Nate prayed he’d get the chance to say those words.

Dad kissed his forehead. “And now you need to leave before I cry.”

He gave Dad one last hug, then got behind the wheel. He rolled the window down. “See you soon.” His chest was still tight.

Dad waved as Nate pulled onto the street and turned right.

He had a long drive ahead of him, but all those miles were taking him where he wanted to be, to start a very different life.

Taking him to Zeeb.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

August 12, 2024

Zeeb stretched.Another piece of fence repaired.

What is it about a fence that makes a bull wanna bust it wide open?Of course, it could be someone’s idea of a prank. There had been a few incidents in the last three or four months involving some rough bastards in a 4x4, ramming fences and causing damage.

Those rednecks got nothing better to do?He scowled.People suck.

Except the absence of tire tracks told him this was definitely the work of a bull.

His phone buzzed, and he peered at the screen. He clicked on Answer.

“Hey, Toby. What can I do for ya?”

“Have you done fixing the fence? Because I could use your help.”

Zeeb cackled. “Great timing. I just finished. Whass up?”

“The post office called to say they’ve got some packages for us. Deliverance supplies. I need you to come with me when I pick them up. They’re going to be heavy.”

Oh Lord.

“What have you gone ‘n’ bought now?”

Toby chuckled. “You don’t need to know that. But you’re the only one available.”

He laughed. “And here was me thinking you wanted me because of my muscles. I’ll be there in about five minutes.”

“No longer than that. I want to get there before they close.”

Zeeb rolled his eyes. “Then stop talking to me so I can get to you faster.” He hung up, then loaded the wire and tools into the back of the truck.

I wonder what Nate’s doing right now?

It was a recurrent thought lately. Most of the time Zeeb pictured him standing in front of his easel, a paintbrush between his lips, staring at the canvas in that concentrated way of his.

When he got in the zone, nothing could break through.

He drove toward the ranch, his mind flitting back to Butterscotch. That pony was still nervous as hell, but Paul said he’d seen signs that maybe Butterscotch was thawing a little.

That one is gonna take a while.

Since his talk with the boss, Zeeb had done his best to focus, butfuck, it was difficult. At least the others had quit asking if he was okay. Zeeb didn’t mind if they left him alone for a while. He preferred the company of his own thoughts. He knew Teague would be watching him, and that didn’t help.

Yeah, something’s up with Teague.