Page 158 of Captivated

Zeeb traced the line of Nate’s cheekbone, moving to his neck, and finally let his fingers rest above Nate’s collarbone, his fingers warm and steady.

Unlike Nate.

“You’re shaking,” Zeeb murmured.

“I know.” Nate opened his eyes. “Don’t stop.”

Then Zeeb tilted his head slightly and kissed him, his hand resting on Nate’s waist.

It was sweet, tender, and perfect.

Nate pressed his forehead to Zeeb’s. “You’re the first man to ever kiss me.”

Zeeb blinked. “Oh.” Then he chuckled. “You’re only the second man I’ve kissed. And the first was a long time ago.” He bit his lip. “So we’re both kinda on the same page.”

Warmth surged through Nate.

“I like that.” He pulled back and gazed into Zeeb’s eyes. “This way, the next page will be a surprise for both of us.” Andthen Nate kissed him, not hesitantly, but with the confidence of someone who knew what he wanted.

And what he wanted was Zeeb.

“Now, let’s get all your stuff, then I’ll drive us to the cabin.”

Zeeb’s smile reached his eyes.

“Whatever you say—NurseCaldwell.”

Nerves fluttered in Nate’s belly at Zeeb’s expression.

“What’s that look for?”

Zeeb’s lazy smile made something unfurl in his belly. “Just thinking this could work out. You giving me sponge baths sounds mighty fine.”

And for the first time since he’d stopped in Bozeman and had his world spin out of control, Nate could laugh.

Zeeb was back home, where he belonged, safe and sound.

There was something sacred in the stillness.

Zeeb was in Nate’s bed again, but this was different.

Natewas different.

Sure, he was careful to lie on his side of the bed, so as to avoid contact with Zeeb’s bruises. But then Zeeb brushed his thumb across Nate’s shoulder blade, and Nate didn’t flinch. He melted into Zeeb, his breathing even, not guarded.

This was Nate letting himself be seen in the quiet hours, messy-haired, bare-faced, soft with trust. And Zeeb knew better than to rush it.

Not that he was physically able to do such a thing.

Not without strong drugs.And seeing as that would knock him out for at least eight hours, it kinda defeated the purpose.

Zeeb shifted a little, closing the gap between them, close enough to lean over and press a kiss to Nate’s temple, a movement he regretted a second later.

“You said in the hospital you weren’t going anywhere.”

Nate’s breathing hitched. “Then you did hear me.”

“Yeah, I did.” Another kiss, fleeting and gossamer light, while his body complained about the motion. “But I’m not going anywhere neither.”

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