Page 14 of Captivated

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.

Chapter Five

July 13, 2024

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