Page 85 of Captivated

“Ride, draw… breathe.”

And maybe talk.

Except there was no maybe about it. Now he’d gotten the ball rolling, Nate didn’t want to lose momentum. Because once he’d said it all, there’d be no need to say it again.

His stomach growled, and Nate realized how empty it was.

Not surprising. I hardly touched my supper.

Come to think of it, neither had Zeeb.

“I heard that.” Dad chuckled. “I think the first order of business is for you to find some breakfast. I’ll call you again in a day or so.”

“You don’t need to do that,” Nate told him. “Besides, I’ll be home on Saturday.”

A prospect that tore at him. Home to his sanctuary, but far from Salvation, a place that was starting to feel comfortable.

Safe.

“You obviously feel you’re getting something out of the experience. Otherwise you wouldn’t have driven all the way to Montana.”

Nate couldn’t point to one thing that had drawn him back to the ranch: it was a number of factors. “You were right. This place is good for me.” Another protestation from his grumbling belly brought the conversation to an end. “See you on Saturday.”

“Nate?”

“Yes?”

There was a pause. “I love you, son.”

His throat seized. He could hear that love in his dad’s voice. “Love you too.” He hung up, then gazed at the creek and the meadow beyond.

It’s a new day.

And it was time for the new Nate to take another step out of his comfort zone.

The front door opened, and Zeeb came out carrying two cups. “Here you go.”

Nate took his, sniffing the aroma. “I feel bad about the cookout, disappearing like that.”

“Hey, no one said a word,” Zeeb remonstrated.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.” Nate took a sip. “So…” His heart raced. “Do you think there’s room at the bunkhouse table for another body this morning?”

Zeeb blinked. “You wanna have breakfast with the rest of us? Because you don’t have to. I can go grab you something.”

His pulse quickened. “I think I should try, even if it’s only the once.”

Zeeb’s eyes gleamed. “No one can say you don’t have guts. Sure. Drink your coffee, and I’ll call Matt and tell him we’re gonna have another guest.” His warm smile settled on Nate, gentle as the morning light.

I can do this.

It was fast becoming Nate’s mantra.

“And after breakfast, can we go for a ride? Not to the lake this time, but somewhere closer to home.” His heart hammered. “Because there are still things I need to tell you.”

“You don’t have to.” Zeeb’s voice was soft.

Nate straightened. “Yes, I do.” He took another sip. “By the way, you make great coffee.”