Page 210 of Captivated

Nate strolled over to the fence, and the hairs on Zeeb’s arms stood up when Butterscotch followed.

“You’re doin’ it,” he whispered urgently.

Nate stood, his back straight, his breathing shallow. Then Butterscotch lowered his head and bumped Nate’s hand with his nose.

Zeeb beamed. “Attaboy, Nate. Don’t cave now.”

Nate ignored the pony’s attempt, moving along the fence toward the gate.

Butterscotch followed.

He kept on strolling.

Butterscotch kept following.

When he pushed his nose into Nate’s hand a second time, Nate held out the apple he’d been carrying.

“You want this?”

The pony took it, and Nate didn’t move until it was all gone. Zeeb held his breath.

Go on, Nate. You gotta try.

Nate brought his hand up slowly, so slowly, and while Butterscotch stood still, he didn’t flinch or react. When Nate finally stroked the pony’s nose, Zeeb heard the catch in everyone’s breath.

It was a start.

Nate smiled. “Hello there, Butterscotch,” he said in a low, even voice. “Hey, boy.”

Paul’s face was one huge smile. “You did good, Nate.”

“Yes, he did, but the show’s over,” Teague said quietly. “We’ve said goodbye to one set of guests, and the new ones arrive in a couple of hours, so get moving, guys. And that means stripping the bunks in the bunkhouse, setting up the bedrooms in the Leather Barn, checking towels, soap, you know the drill.”

The hands didn’t grumble, but trudged in the direction of the bunkhouse.

Teague smiled at Nate. “Looks like you’ve got a new friend.”

Nate’s face glowed in the reflected light. “Yeah.”

“I’d say one day you’ll get to ride him, but he’s a little on the small side for that,” Paul said as he led Butterscotch toward the stable. “What matters is helping him live without fear, knowing he’s loved. We’re not there yet, but we will be.” Teague followed him.

Nate stepped through the gate and Zeeb gave him a hug.

“That was awesome.” He pressed his cheek to Nate’s. “Love you,” he whispered.

“You know I’m never going to get tired of hearing that, don’t you?”

Zeeb smiled. “Good, cuz I’ll never get tired of sayin’ it.” He released Nate from his one-armed hug. “What time does your dad get in?”

“I don’t know.” Nate grinned. “Let me consult my brand-new phone that someone bought for me.” He removed it from his jeans pocket, tapped the screen, and scrolled.

“Well, you couldn’t get by without one, could you?” Nate’s cry of delight when he’d opened the box had warmed Zeeb’s heart. Then he found contacts had already been added, and Zeeb was rewarded with a kiss.

Which had quickly morphed into something a lot hotter.

Love makes sex so much better. And Zeeb had a feeling they’d only gotten started.

Nate smiled. “He left the house at seven, so he could be here any time after three.” He inclined his head toward the bunkhouse. “We should go help the guys.”

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