Page 52 of Captivated

“Ask yourself the same question. Did you feel more confident?”

Nate bit his lip. “I guess so.”

Zeeb beamed. “See? Next question. Did you enjoy it?”

This time Nate’s reply came a little faster. “Yes.”

“Okay. Final question. Do you feel up to goin’ for a ride outside the ranch? A trail?”

“You’d go with me?”

He nodded. “You bet. And we’d start off easy, maybe a ride to the meadow.” Zeeb couldn’t escape the feeling that with Nate, it was one step forward, three steps back. One minute he’d seem more confident, and the next, he’d retreat behind those damn walls again.

The answers that would explain it all lay hidden from sight.

“Zeeb…” Nate paused. “Thank you.”

He blinked. “For what?”

Nate flushed. “You’ve been really patient with me. I know I’ve been here five days, but I don’t seem to have made a lot of progress.”

Zeeb smiled. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.” Teague’s suggestion came to mind, and his heartbeat raced. “I’ve got an idea. You don’t have to say yes, but at least think about it.”

Nate arched his eyebrows. “What’s the idea?”

“The boss’s sister, Diana, is coming here on Sunday. It’s her birthday, and we’re havin’ a cookout up at the big house. That means steaks, chicken, hot dogs, burgers, more potato salad than you’ve ever seen in your entire life…”

That brought him an unexpected chuckle.

“You’re welcome to join us.” Zeeb held his hand up. “I know you say you don’t do people, and you don’t have to stay. But youcouldgrab some food, say hi to the boss, and then split.” He peered at Nate. “If that feels like too much of a challenge, then ignore me. But everyone on this ranch? They’re also my family, the kind of family I never imagined having. They’re open, acceptin’, an’ while yes, some of ’emarea little rough around the edges, they’re all good people. Kind. Generous.” Zeeb took a breath. “Like I said, you don’t have to say yes. I’m just puttin’ it out there.”

Nate studied him for a moment, then smiled. “Thank you for the invitation.”

Zeeb figured that was as much as he was going to get. “Well, all right then.” He pointed to Sorrel. “How about we give him a good brushing?”

Nate nodded and began to unfasten the saddle. As he lifted it off, Zeeb grabbed the blanket, and their hands brushed.

What shocked him was that Nate didn’t flinch.

“So what do you wanna do with the rest of your day?”

Nate didn’t hesitate. “Can we go back to the lake? I want to do some more on the drawing.”

Zeeb beamed. “Sure.” Then he stilled. “Does that mean I’m drawing too?”

To his delight, Nate smiled. “Why yes, it does.”

Lord, what I wouldn’t do to keep that smile there.

Chapter Sixteen

July 20, 2024

Morning light touchesthe world gently here.

It slid in slow across the tops of the trees, painted the meadow in vibrant colors, poured like honey over the creek, and caught the mist rising off the water in quiet, golden ribbons. Nate stood barefoot on the porch of the cabin, his cup of coffee warming his hands, and breathed. Not cautiously, not shallow and braced like he used to.

Just… breathed.