Page 39 of Captivated

Except it went beyond intrigue. Nate fascinated him, and Zeeb had no clue why that should be. Maybe it was a combination of factors.

Maybe it was what Natedidn’tsay, the hint that there was so much below the surface.

Zeeb couldn’t deny he wanted to know more about him.

When he walked back into the bunkhouse, all the hands and the guests were sitting around the table, drinking coffee and talking in low voices. Teague had joined them, and he and two guests were locked into a discussion. Zeeb couldn’t hear them, but it seemed kinda serious, judging by their expressions.

Matt had the bag waiting for him. He handed it to Zeeb. “You gonna grab yours after you’ve taken this to Nate?”

He nodded. “As long as you fuckers don’t hog it all.”

The door opened and Butch sauntered in, smiling and relaxed. “Mornin’, boys. And how is everyone this fine morning?”

Zeeb snorted. “Look who woke up on the right side of the bed.” He grinned. “Or did someone get lucky this morning?”

Butch’s eyes sparkled. “Twosomeones, if you wanna know.”

“I didn’t, if you must know,” Zeeb quipped.

Walt cackled. “I thought you were walking funny.”

Zeeb shook his head. “An’ this is where I leave y’all to it. I don’t wanna hear about Butch’s love life.”

Butch grinned. “You’re just jealous ’cause your dick’s about to drop off from lack of use.”

For once, Zeeb was lost for a reply.

He waved a hand. “I’ll be back. Save me a place—and some breakfast.” Then he walked out.

As he headed for the truck, he pondered Butch’s jibe. It hadn’t hurt him none, but it did bring home the difference in their situations. Butch and Sol worked well as a couple. Zeeb had never seen Butch so content. And if hewasgetting some, Zeeb was happy for him.

Butch is right. Iamjealous.But it wasn’t the lack of sex that fueled Zeeb’s envy—it was the knowledge that Butch had just come to them from the bed he shared with Sol, that he’d spent the night in Sol’s arms.

Zeeb envied him that.

He climbed behind the wheel and drove toward the cabin. The day was shaping up to be a scorcher, and if Nate was going to try his hand at riding for the first time, the morning would provide the best opportunity.

That’s if he feels up to it.

Zeeb was in no hurry. And from what he’d seen thus far, neither was Nate.

Maybe he’s got some healing to do before he gets to that point.

Because there was no doubt in his mind Nate was in need of healing.

Zeeb parked behind the cabin, and even before he rounded the corner, he could hear the creek.

I wonder what it would be like to hear that sound goin’ on all night.

Zeeb had a feeling it would lull him into a deep, restful sleep.

He was surprised to find Nate sitting on one of the Adirondack chairs, nursing a cup of coffee. One glance at Nate’s eyes told him plenty.

Looks like we both didn’t get enough sleep.

Zeeb approached the porch, keeping his steps slow and loose.

“Mornin’,” he said gently, stopping a few feet away. “You sleep okay?”

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