Page 58 of Captivated (Salvation #3)

Butch laughed. “Hell yeah. But I was luckier than you, I guess. I was with someone who was experienced.” He smiled.

“Look at it this way. You two get to learn at the same time. I will say one thing. What you feel for each other? That’ll add something to it.

Me and Race? That was pure fuckin’, just sex.

You know, scratching an itch, like I said.

But me and Sol? That felt more right than anything else I’d ever done.

Because I let myself feel it. I wasn’t fighting anymore.

And I cared about the guy I was with.” He peered at Zeeb.

“I thought you said you’d work out the logistics later?

” He rolled his eyes. “It isn’t rocket science, dude.

Tab A into slot B. Just remember, lube is your best friend, preparation is key, and don’t be in a rush to get to the finale. ”

They stood together in the quiet, and in the distance Zeeb caught the sound of the wind whispering through the long grass like a breath.

“The best sex I’ve ever had, though?” Butch sighed.

“I’d watched gay porn. A lot of it. And I thought I knew how it would go.

You know, slam bam, that kinda thing. I mean, that’s how it always was with me and Teague.

But Sol…” He shook his head. “He took his time. He was slow. Gentle.” Butch nudged him with a shoulder.

“And that’s how you’ll be with Nate. You know why?

Because that’s the kind of man you are. You’re patient.

Kind. Gentle. Hell, if it helps, you’re already a better man than I was when I figured it out. ”

Zeeb gave him a half-grin. “That’s not a high bar.”

He chuckled. “True. But hey, we’re all learning. Even cowboys like us. What I’m saying is… You got this, Zeeb. Just be you, and it’ll be awesome.”

Zeeb looked toward the stable where he knew Nate would be waiting.

“Thanks,” he said, his voice quiet. “Really.”

Butch shrugged. “What are friends for? Now get going before I start gettin’ all mushy and Sol has to stage an intervention.”

Zeeb turned and walked toward the stable, the sun behind him, his heart a little lighter.

Sometimes all you need is a good friend to say it’s okay to be scared.

Nate wrinkled his nose. “Lord, I smell awful.”

Zeeb cackled. “You’ve just spent hours cleaning out the stable and the barns. What did you expect, to come out smelling o’ roses?” He stepped closer, until Nate could feel the warmth radiating from Zeeb’s body.

That was one thing about sleeping with Zeeb—Nate would never be cold.

Zeeb sniffed. “I think you smell amazing.” His voice grew husky, and the raw quality of it stirred something inside Nate.

The buzz of Zeeb’s phone shattered the moment.

Zeeb glanced at the screen. “It’s the boss.” He tapped it. “Hey. What’s up?” He listened intently for a minute. “When?”

Nate’s heart sank. He’d planned on making supper for them, something simple but filling, then the idea was to spend the rest of the night on the couch, making out.

Or anything else they felt like doing.

Nate had his hopes pinned on anything else.

“Okay, we’ll be there in about…” Zeeb looked Nate up and down. “Twenty minutes.” He hung up.

Nate did his best to hide his disappointment. “Trouble?”

“Not exactly. The boss wants to see us up at the house.”

“Did he say why?”

Zeeb shook his head. “But that just gives you enough time to go to the cabin, grab a shower, and a clean set of clothes.” He grinned. “ I might like how you’re smelling right now, but the boss might think you smell like twenty pounds of shit in a ten-pound bag.”

Nate laughed. “Wow. That’s graphic. Well, come on, then.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if Zeeb wanted to climb in the shower with him and wash his back—and anything else he felt inclined to clean—but he bit back the words.

Two blow jobs, and he was still nervous.

Hungry for more, but nervous.

Zeeb knocked on the patio door. “Boss?” Nate stood beside him, the scent of soap still clinging to him.

Robert appeared a moment later. “Hey. Come in. I’m about to leave for the hospital. My last visit of the day.” He smiled. “My last visit there, as it turns out. They’re moving Toby to Gallatin County tomorrow.”

Zeeb beamed as they stepped into the house. “Aw, that’s fantastic. Any idea when he can come home?”

“Well, he’s up, he’s mobile… The doctor said if he doesn’t require supplementary oxygen he can go home, but with physio follow up.

So it might not be all that far off.” Robert beckoned them to follow him.

“I’m sorry if I’ve spoiled your plans for this evening, but I needed to see you.

” He led them to the dining room, then paused at the door.

“Is anything wrong?” Nate asked.

“No, nothing’s wrong. Your dad called. He said he’d been trying to reach you, but he hadn’t had any luck.”

Nate flushed. “Yeah, there’s a reason for that. My phone might’ve had a little… accident.”

“It had some help,” Zeeb muttered. He’d already been thinking about remedying that situation.

Nate glanced at Zeeb, his flush deepening. Then he addressed Robert. “Could you call him back and let him know I’m okay?”

“Of course.” Robert’s eyes gleamed. “Do I tell him you’re more than okay? I mean, given the present circumstances.” Before Nate could reply, Robert pushed the door open and Zeeb caught the aroma of beef, garlic, herbs…

His mouth watered. “Your supper is making me hungry,” he admitted.

Robert smiled. “Good. Because it’s not my supper—it’s yours.” He stood aside to reveal the dining table.

Oh my.

It was covered with a snow-white tablecloth. Two wine glasses stood, sparkling in the light, an ice bucket next to them, containing a bottle. Red napkins lay folded next to the silverware.

In the center of the table was a vase filled with red roses.

“This… this is for us?”

Robert nodded. “It was all Toby’s idea. He said we should do something special to celebrate.”

“Him coming home?”

Robert’s eyes were warm. “No—you two becoming a couple. I’d say that’s worth celebrating, wouldn’t you?

” He gestured to the table. “Everything’s ready.

The dessert is in the kitchen. Matt’s gone for the night, so it’s just the pair of you.

Leave by the patio door when you’re done.

” He smiled. “Enjoy.” He fished his keys from his pocket.

“And now I really must go.” He didn’t move, however.

“Back to my earlier question. Do I share this with your dad?”

Nate smiled. “No. This is something I want to share with him.”

Robert patted Nate’s arm. “I thought that might be the case.” With that, he left by the front door.

Nate gaped. “This is amazing.”

Zeeb chuckled. “That’s because he’s an amazing man.” He pulled a chair out. “Your seat, Mr. Caldwell.”

Nate grinned. “Why, thank you, Mr. Nolan.” He stared at the beautiful flower arrangement. “Our first date was memorable, especially when we nearly got caught by those riders. I didn’t think we could top that.”

Zeeb kissed his forehead, then stepped back and smirked. “Oh, I think we can top it.”

Inside, butterflies were riding broncin’ bucks, but that was only because what he’d said during the day was true.

Nate was important to him, and he had to make it right.

For both of them.