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Page 4 of Captivated (Salvation #3)

Chapter Four

Zeeb patted Sorrel’s flank. “You’re a good ole boy,” he murmured. He’d just finished grooming the eighteen-year-old Quarter horse, who’d stood there as peaceful as you please while Zeeb brushed his coat and combed through his mane and tail.

He stroked Sorrel’s nose. “Hope the arthritis ain’t botherin’ you too much.” Sorrel was only for first timers, strictly light riding, and for those who were a little nervous about riding, he was the perfect choice.

“If he tells you he’s doing fine, I’m going to be really worried.”

Zeeb clutched his chest as he spun around to give Robert a mock glare. “Will you not sneak up on me like that, Boss? One of these days you’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

Robert stroked Sorrel’s mane. “Paul was talking about you yesterday.”

“Thought my ears were burning.” Zeeb grinned. “It was all good, right?”

“Of course.” He continued petting Sorrel, who pushed his nose into Robert’s hand.

Zeeb hadn’t spent all those years around Robert without learning a thing or two about him.

Such as when he had something on his mind or needed to get something off his chest.

“What brings you to the stables, Boss? I’m sure it wasn’t to ask Sorrel about his arthritis.”

Robert took off his hat and turned it in his hands. “I came here looking for you.”

He frowned. “Am I in trouble?”

The boss arched his eyebrows. “Not unless you’ve done something I know nothing about—yet.”

Zeeb chuckled. “Well, if I have, I’ve forgotten it. What’s up?”

“You remember Derek Caldwell, don’t you?”

He thought for a moment. “He the one who’s a Deliverance regular?”

“That’s him. He and I got talking during his last visit. He thinks Salvation might be exactly what his son needs. Specifically… equine therapy.”

Zeeb frowned again. “What’s that? Only therapy I know of is that riding is good for what ails ya.”

Robert smiled. “It sounds as though you’re already halfway there.”

He stilled. “Halfway to what? Or where?”

And why me?

Robert leaned against the stable wall. “I don’t know much about Nate—that’s his son, by the way—apart from the fact he’s been in therapy, and it doesn’t appear to be working. Equine therapy came up as a suggestion.”

“Then why are you talking to me? Paul’s the best one when it comes to horses.” Then a thought hit him. “An’ why was Paul talking about me?”

Robert rubbed his jaw. “You think there’s any coffee still going in the bunkhouse?”

Zeeb let out a wry chuckle. “If there isn’t, Matt’ll have some on in a heartbeat.” He gave Sorrel a final pat. “So why don’t we go find out?”

And maybe then I’ll find out what it is you haven’t told me yet.

Because something was coming.

Right at Zeeb.

They strolled toward the bunkhouse. Zeeb loved Salvation at all times of the day, but mid-morning was the best. The guests were out on a trail or with the herd, and Paul was taking care of all the horses. And seeing as it wasn’t a Deliverance week, no noises came from the Leather Barn.

Whatever they do in there, they sure enjoy it.

What little Zeeb had gleaned about the goings-on in the barn had only served to reinforce what he already knew—it wasn’t for him. He’d said as much once to Toby, and rather than argue the point, Toby had smiled.

“It isn’t for everyone. And no one says you have to try it to make sure it really isn’t for you.

” Then he’d grinned. “Don’t worry. No one is going to drag you kicking and screaming into the Leather Barn.

It’s a safe place for those who want to be there, and indoctrination is not their thing, trust me. ”

Salvation was Zeeb’s safe place, and he didn’t see that changing anytime soon.

They reached the bunkhouse, and after discovering the supply of coffee had been exhausted and Matt was nowhere in sight, Zeeb set up another pot.

“How are the latest guests working out?” Robert asked, pulling out a chair and sitting at the large table.

“Okay, I think.” Zeeb sat facing him, leaning back in his chair.

“They’re a mixed bunch. Payton and Taylor have done a lot of riding, and so far they’re loving riding the range.

Michael and Carlos are getting more confident around the horses.

Teague took ’em on a trail for the first time.

” Zeeb chuckled. “Toby started something, y’know. ”

Robert snickered. “Toby is always starting something. What is it this time?”

“You remember back before Deliverance really got going? And Toby had Sol take some pictures for the website?” Robert nodded. “Well, Teague asked a lot of questions that night. And he hasn’t stopped since.”

“Oh really?”

“Now, there could be a couple reasons for that. Either he wants to know all of that because as ranch manager, that’s his job. Or….” Zeeb grinned.

Or was infinitely more intriguing, but it wasn’t his place to speculate.

The coffeepot gurgled, signaling it had finished, and Zeeb got up to pour two cups. He placed them on the table, folded his arms, and leaned back.

“Okay, it’s just us. What’s really on your mind?”

Robert chuckled. “Not a lot gets past you, does it?” He dropped a spoonful of sugar into his cup, then paused. “You didn’t see that, okay? Toby’s trying to wean me off sugar.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Robert stirred his coffee. “Nate is twenty-six, and he’s been in therapy. How long for? No idea. That’s all I know, except for one important detail—he doesn’t cope well with people. So much so, that I suggested he stays in the cabin instead of the bunkhouse.”

Zeeb blinked. “Want me to tell the guys not to bring guests back here?”

Robert waved his hand. “I’ll tell them. And I’ll also tell them I’ll pay for a room at that hotel they’re so fond of. But one night, okay? Derek said he wants Nate to stay for two weeks, initially. Which is where you come in.”

“What’s my job gonna be, herd everyone away from him?”

Robert smiled. “Paul was telling me how good you are with horses. Not that I didn’t already know that. So I want you to be Nate’s point person. You’ll be the only person around here that he deals with. Who knows? If this works, he might get more confident around other people.”

“Me?”

Robert nodded. “I want someone who’ll be gentle with him.

I have no clue why he ended up in therapy—and it isn’t any of our business—but I do know he needs taking care of.

So you’d be with him during his waking hours.

You’d see he gets fed, has whatever he needs…

. He’s an artist, so you’d go with him if he wants to ride off and paint somewhere. ”

“So that’s all I’d do while he’s here? Be there for him?”

“That’s it, yeah.”

Zeeb frowned. “So who does my work while I’m with Nate?”

“If we need to, we can rope in one of the other hands.” Robert shrugged. “We can make it work.”

So now I’m a babysitter? It was a mean thought, and he pushed it from his mind. Sounds as if this Nate needs a little TLC.

Zeeb could provide that. Hell, everyone needed it at some point.

Zeeb bit his lip. “You know how I am with guests. Want me to tone it down a little?”

“At first, maybe?” Robert smiled. “Think of him as a skittish colt. But don’t turn it down too much. Let him see the real Zeeb too.” He cocked his head. “Think you can do that?”

Zeeb chuckled. “It’ll be the most unusual job you’ve ever given me, but hey.”

“And it’s a job that comes with some studying.”

He sighed. “I can see why you left that part to the end. What exactly am I gonna be studyin’?”

Robert took a drink from his cup. “I did a little research after Derek mentioned this therapy. I didn’t find out all that much, and what I did find wasn’t helpful.

You’ll see what I mean when you fall down the rabbit hole too.

But it did give me an idea why Derek might want to pursue this.

” He pulled his phone from his pocket, scrolled, and clicked.

When Zeeb’s phone pinged , Robert pointed to it.

“I’ve sent you some links. Work your way through them, and then we’ll talk some more. ”

Zeeb blinked. “Want me to start now, Boss?” he quipped.

Robert chuckled. “Of course not.” A moment later his eyes twinkled. “After you’ve finished your coffee.”

By the time Zeeb had reached the last page, he’d gone through a lot of coffee, his head was spinning, and he was none the wiser.

I can see what the boss means about all this not really helping.

He typed a short message.

Hey Boss… got a minute?

Robert’s reply was swift. I’m up at the house. Join me. Beer on the porch?

Zeeb stared at the screen. Okay, that was new.

Sure , he typed back hurriedly before the boss could change his mind. See you in a sec. Outside he heard chatter and approaching footsteps.

I guess they’re done for the day. Zeeb glanced at his phone. That time already?

The hours had flown by.

A moment later, the door opened and the four guests trooped in, accompanied by Walt, Teague, and Butch. Zeeb only had to look at their smiles to know it had been a good day.

Butch glanced at him with a smirk. “Well, hello there, mister Gentleman of Leisure. Have you worn yourself out doing nothing all day, while some of us have been working?”

Before Zeeb could fire back a sarcastic retort, Teague shook his head.

“Leave him alone. He’s been doing something for the boss.”

Zeeb stared at him, open-mouthed, and Teague bit back a smile. “Why’d you think I didn’t ask you to come out on the trail today? I knew you had more important shit to deal with.”

Zeeb stood. “Just goin’ up to the big house to see him.” And because he couldn’t resist poking the bear, he added “And have a beer while I’m there.”

Butch gaped at him. “What exactly are you doing for the boss? Robbing a bank for him? Drawing a map to a goldmine?”

Zeeb cackled. “Like I’d tell you.” He swaggered out of the bunkhouse and took the path that climbed the hill to the boss’s house. As he drew closer, he spied Robert on the porch, sitting in one of a couple of chairs, a bucket between them. He smiled as Zeeb stepped onto the porch.

“I think you need that beer now.”

Zeeb snorted. “Hell yeah.” He sat, and Robert reached into the bucket to hand him a cold bottle. Zeeb drank about half of it, then pressed the icy surface to his neck. “Oh God, that hits the spot.”

“Okay, what conclusions did you reach?”

Zeeb took another drink. “The therapist who suggested this… Were they any good? Because from what you sent me, most of the studies done about equine therapy haven’t come up with a lot of evidence to show it actually works.

Not enough data. And while the studies don’t suggest it was harmful, they don’t say it achieved much. ”

“That was my conclusion too.”

“And another thing. They say it requires specially trained horses. We don’t have that. A therapist on site who knows about this kinda therapy. We don’t have that either.”

“Agreed.”

Zeeb frowned. “Then why are you offering it?”

“I’m not.”

He widened his eyes. “Come again? Haven’t you told Derek Nate can come here for this very thing?”

Robert sighed. “You and I both know anyone can benefit from spending time with horses. It reduces stress, boosts your mood, decreases your blood pressure…”

“Okay, I’m with you on all that.”

“And there is some evidence it can help people grappling with PTSD.”

“I think ‘some’ might be stretching it a tad,” Zeeb remarked.

“There’s an idea out there that because horses have long been domesticated and lived alongside humans, they’re especially attuned to humans’ emotions and nonverbal signals, and they respond accordingly.”

“I saw a post about that. Something about how the human comes to recognize the way the horse behaves might be due to their own signals? So if the human is anxious or angry, the horse might pull away. What did they call it? Mirroring?”

Robert nodded. “That’s it. The theory is the human sees the horse’s response and tries to modify their emotions for the better.

Which brings us back to Nate.” He took a drink before continuing.

“Derek knows we don’t have specialized staff or horses here.

I’m pretty sure he’s looked up equine therapy the same way you and I did. ”

Zeeb finished his beer. “Gotta say, Boss, you’re confusing the hell outta me.”

“He’s suggested Nate coming here because it gets him out of his comfort zone, in the open air, in a safe space… and ultimately around people.”

Zeeb expelled a breath. “So you think he wants to bring Nate here, get him to spend time with the horses—and eventually work his way up to people? That’s the plan?”

“That was my feeling.” Robert looked him in the eye.

“And I figured the best person to deal with him on a day-to-day basis was you.” He smiled.

“You’re good with the guests.” Zeeb waved his hand, and Robert shook his head.

“Hey, you don’t get to see the comment cards the guests leave after their stay.

You have no idea how many of them single you out.

You’re approachable. Easy to talk to. They feel comfortable around you. ”

Zeeb gaped. “How come I’m only hearing this now?”

“Because I didn’t want you to get a swelled head.” Robert chuckled. “Because you’d do what you’re doing now and brush it away. If you want to see them, I have them all saved in your file.”

Oh, shit. He was serious. “Naw, but thanks.”

“But that made you my first choice. And Paul agrees with me.”

Zeeb flushed. “Quit making me blush.”

Robert laughed. “See? I was right.” He tilted his head to one side. “So do I tell Derek you’re on board with this?”

He smiled. “Sure. I might need to do a little more research before he gets here. Any idea when that will be?” Robert cleared his throat, and Zeeb narrowed his gaze. “Boss?”

“The thirteenth.”

He blinked. “That’s Saturday. Today is Tuesday. You don’t think a little more notice might’ve been a good idea?”

“Hey, we’re moving fast before Nate thinks too much about it and changes his mind. Right now he likes the idea, and that’s a win.” Robert’s brow furrowed. “I know it’s short notice, but?—”

Zeeb held his hand up. “Relax, Boss. I’ll have the cabin ready for him, and I’ll pick out a couple of horses. First one that comes to mind is Sorrel.”

“I agree.” Robert reached into the bucket filled with melting ice, and handed him another bottle. “I think you’ve earned this.”

Zeeb took it with a grin. “Damn straight. And considering I’m going into this situation not knowing a damn thing about Nate, I think that might call for a third beer.”

Robert cackled. “Sure you don’t want me to buy you a bottle of champagne?”

He smiled. “Save that for when Nate is happy to go out riding with the hands.”

That was Zeeb’s idea of a win.