Page 100 of Captivated

The room went quiet for a beat, and the only sounds were the creak of chairs and the whir of the ceiling fan.

Zeeb looked around at them, roughneck sons of bitches the lot of them, all sharp mouths and calloused hands, and for a second he saw what Butch meant. In their own twisted, noise-making way, they were giving him the space to be real.

He sighed. “Yeah. I’m okay. It’s nothin’ y’all gotta worry about. Nate’s a good guy. And I ain’t tryin’ to screw him up.”

Walt sat up, all trace of humor fled. “You’re not. You wouldn’t. We know that.” He cocked his head. “But weareright, aren’t we? You’ve got a seat on both sides of the church, haven’t you?” His eyes glittered. “Along with me an’ Butch.”

Zeeb chuckled. “Well if you must pry…” He took his hat off and hung it on a hook. “Fine. I’m bi. Are ya happy now? We got that outta the way so we can get on with the important shit?” He glanced at Dave and Wes, the two guests. “Sorry, fellas, for disturbing your breakfast with an exposé of my sexual preferences, but this bunch has got fuck all else to yak about.”

Dave waved a hand. “Don’t mind us. We’re just enjoying the show. And it’s no skin off my nose who you choose to sleep with.”

“Anyone gives you shit, they’re gonna have to deal with all of us.” Teague set his jaw.

“Even me,” Butch added. “And I’ve been lookin’ for an excuse to punch somebody in town.”

More laughter followed, but this time it was warm, not barbed.

Zeeb swallowed, aware of a lump in his throat. “Thanks, boys. Really.”

Walt grinned. “Just don’t make it weird by buying yourself a guitar and taking up playin’ love songs on it.”

Zeeb cackled. “Too late. Got a whole setlist. Gonna start with “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and work my way to “Careless Whisper”.”

“Jesus,” Teague groaned. “I’ve changed my mind. Go back in the closet.”

Zeeb laughed, and a moment later the rest of them joined in.

Matt came from the kitchen, his arm full. “Who’s hungry?” A second later, the door opened and Nate entered, sniffing.

“I’m not too late, am I?”

Zeeb snickered. “Another minute, and the only thing left would have been coffee dregs.” The laughter might have passed, but what lingered was something better. Acceptance, sure, but also brotherhood, the kind that ran deep and wordless.

The kind a guy could trust.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I thinkI’ve missed something.

Breakfast had been rowdier than usual, with more laughter than Nate was used to hearing before 9 a.m. And if he wasn’t mistaken, the hands had tossed a lot of side-eyes toward Zeeb. If Zeeb noticed, he’d taken it all in his stride.

Nate hadn’t said much during breakfast. He’d eaten well, stirred his coffee, and listened.

Something had shifted. He could feel it, and he had an inkling it had nothing to do with him.

Teague plucked his hat from its hook. “I don’t know what you two have got planned for today, but I could use some help. Walt spotted some fences down near the south pasture last night. Think you could go fix ’em? There’s a coil of wire in the barn.”

Zeeb finished his coffee. “Sure, I can do that.” He glanced at Nate. “You okay if I desert you? I’m sure you must have some illustrations to do.”

Nate came to a rapid decision.

“If it’s okay with you, can I tag along? I might even be able to help.”

Zeeb’s eyes sparkled. “Works for me. Just remember to bring your hat.” His gaze dipped to Nate’s bare arms. “And maybe some sunscreen.” His lips twitched. “Don’t want you going back to Idaho burnt to a crisp.”

Paul came back into the bunkhouse. “I just had a call from Robert. We’re to expect a new arrival this afternoon.”

Teague arched his eyebrows. “Seeing that he called you and not me, I’m going to assume the arrival has four legs and hooves.”

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