Page 45 of Captivated

Another silence fell, broken only by the noise of water trickling over stones, a calming sound that had started to work its way into Nate’s bones the past few mornings.

“So how was the riding?” Sol asked, his voice easy.

“I didn’t do much,” Nate confessed. “Zeeb led me around the paddock.”

“Did you stay on the horse?”

He smiled. “Yeah, I managed that.”

“Then that sounds like a successful first ride. Which horse were you riding?”

“Sorrel.”

Sol beamed. “I remember driving across state to pick him up. Beautiful horse. It was a memorable trip too.” His eyes gleamed. “Like something out of a romance novel.‘There was only onebed.’That kinda thing.” Another sip of coffee. “He’s a good one to start with. Doesn’t spook easy.”

“Neither do I.” The words came out sharper than Nate meant, a reflex. He hated that. His fingers tightened on the mug before he caught himself.

Sol didn’t react except to nod. “I believe that. Doesn’t mean it’s not good to ease in.”

Nate’s shoulders sank a fraction.Maybe Sol does get it.Or was good at pretending to. Either way, he appreciated the lack of reaction.

They sat in silence, drinking coffee, the sound of the creek a welcome soundtrack. Nate liked that Sol didn’t want to fill the silence with inane chatter.

In fact, he was starting to like Sol more as the minutes ticked by.

“You’re not like the others,” Nate said finally, his eyes fixed on the creek.

“How’s that? And who arethe others?”

He stiffened. “Just people. They talk too much. Or ask stuff they don’t actually want the answers to.”

Sol’s chair creaked. Nate glanced around to find Sol studying him again. “Does that happen a lot?”

Nate didn’t answer. Couldn’t answer.

“Well,” Sol said after a moment, “I don’t plan to ask anything you don’t want to tell me. But if youdowant to talk—about anything, doesn’t even have to be why you’re here—I’m around.”

“Yeah.” Nate nodded once, avoiding Sol’s gaze. “Okay.”

“I like this spot.” Sol set his cup down on the porch, stood, and brushed off his jeans. “Mind if I come by again sometime? No pressure to chat.”

“Sure. If I’m not with the horses, or out on a trail, this is where I’ll be.”

“Hell, I’d stop by just for the coffee. Paul drinks stuff that tastes like hay.”

Nate couldn’t rein in his laughter, and the quick burst shocked him.

I’ve laughed more in the last three days than…

That was it. He couldn’t remember. But he liked it.

Judging by Sol’s pleased expression, he liked Nate’s laughter too.

“All right then.” Sol regarded him with a warm glance. “See you around, Nate.” He stepped off the porch, made his way with care across the creek, then over to the horse with the glowing chestnut coat who’d stood patiently the whole time. Sol untied him before using the mounting block to sit astride him. He gave Nate one final wave, then trotted out of sight.

Nate sat there long after the sound of hooves had faded, watching the creek. The mug warmed his palms.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad, talking to Sol.