Page 174 of Captivated

“So, you got this?” Butch asked, his tone more serious now.

Zeeb met his gaze, and for the first time in a long while, the weight on his shoulders didn’t feel so heavy. “Yeah. I think I do.”

Butch gave him an approving glance. “Good. Don’t screw it up.”

Zeeb took a deep breath. “Don’t you worry. I won’t.” Nate was the best thing to happen to him, and Zeeb wouldn’t do a thing to jeopardize that.

Behind him, the door opened again, and Zeeb caught Nate’s bright laughter. Just hearing it brought light into the room.

“I’m starved,” Nate declared.

Butch cleared his throat, and Zeeb fired him a warning glance.

His pout was almost comical.

“Good timing.” Matt pointed to the dishes. “Help yourselves, there’s more on the way.” Then he disappeared back into the kitchen.

Nate took the empty seat next to Zeeb. He helped himself to eggs and some bacon. Paul and the three guests joined them. The door opened once more, and Sol entered. He greeted everyone warmly, then sat next to Butch.

Zeeb gave him a hard stare. “I hear you’re the one I have to thank for yesterday’s… performance.”

Sol grinned. “You’re welcome. Sorry I’m a little late. Robert called from the hospital.”

“He’s there already?”

Sol nodded. “He went first thing. He just called to say Toby’s had a good night, and they’re getting him to move around a little.”

“Thank God for that,” Walt muttered, his face tight.

“How’s Butterscotch?” Zeeb asked Nate.

He let out a sigh. “Still as nervy as ever. I asked Paul if I could maybe work with him a while. That is, if you don’t mind sitting around while I do that.”

Zeeb chuckled. “It’s not as if I have a lot on my schedule, now is it? At least, not until everything heals an’ stops hurtin’.”

Conversation dried up a little while the hands and guests attacked the food. Zeeb was conscious of Nate next to him the whole time.

It feels different. Agooddifferent.

Then he realized he didn’t know a damn thing about the guests.

I might not be able to work with them, but I can sure make an effort to be friendly.

“So who are you, and where do you all come from?”

The youngest guy smiled. “I’m Tim. I’ve come all the way from Boston.”

Zeeb arched his eyebrows. “Wow. Our reputation is really getting out there.”

Tim laughed. “I took one look at your website, and I had to visit.”

Sol beamed, and Butch nudged him with his elbow. “Take a bow, Mr. Website Designer.” The others chuckled.

The second guy helped himself to more coffee. “I’m Leroy, and I’m from San Diego. I have to say, this is an amazing place. So many horses. And I can’t wait to ride out to see the cattle.”

Paul chuckled. “Let’s see how you’re doing after your first ride.”

Zeeb cackled. “You’re gonna feel it, that’s for sure.” He glanced at the final guest, the oldest of the three. “And what about you?”

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