Page 55 of Captivated

Nate stood. “Then I’ll share it between two plates and we can eat out here.” He grabbed the bag and went indoors.

Zeeb took his hat off and scraped his fingers through his hair. Okay, Nate hadn’t done a one-eighty, but it was certainly a step in the right direction.

Now don’t fuck it up.

Nate emerged from the cabin, awkwardly carrying two plates and two forks. Zeeb took his, and they sat on the chairs. Zeeb pointed toward the creek. “I love to come riding past here first thing in the morning.”

Nate frowned. “Then why haven’t I seen you this week?”

He chuckled. “I was givin’ you some space, that’s why.”

“You don’t need to do that. Not from now on, at any rate.” Nate forked eggs into his mouth, and Zeeb’s belly grumbled at the delicious aroma of bacon and home fries. He tucked into his breakfast with zeal, and something about eating in the open air made it even better than normal.

Except he knew it had nothing to do with the air or the view.

It was pure Nate.

It didn’t take long until both of them had demolished every scrap of food, and Nate went indoors to pour two cups of coffee. When he returned, he handed Zeeb a cup, then stood by the railing, staring out.

You’re doin’ fine,Zeeb wanted to tell him, but whatever was going on in Nate’s mind was more important than Zeeb’s clumsy attempts at praise. He caught sight of Nate’s sketchbook, and he had to smile.

“That’s what you did yesterday?”

Nate turned his head. “Yeah. I’m happy with it. I don’t see myself taking up animal portraits full time, but it was good to try my hand at something different.”

And there was Zeeb’s opening.

He cleared his throat. “You know, if you’re feeling brave, there’s a trail we could check out. It’d mean taking a horse box and driving to the Spanish Creek Trailhead.”

“What’s there?”

“The start of the trail to Mirror Lake. It isn’t that long, but it climbs a lot, especially in the last few miles. And you might wanna take your artist gear with you.”

Nate stilled. “Is it as beautiful as the lake I’ve already seen?”

Zeeb grinned. “No—it’s even more awesome.” He paused, watching Nate’s expression. “Well? Wanna give it a go?”

Say yes. Go on, say yes.

Nate didn’t answer right away, his gaze focused on the view. At last he turned, and there was that goddamn beautiful smile again. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Zeeb thought his heart would burst with pride.Go Nate.

“We’ll take it easy. Pack water, lunch, maybe some apples for Sorrel. I’m assumin’ you’re gonna ride him.”

Nate nodded. “You think I can cope with the trail? I’ve only been riding for a few days.”

Zeeb chuckled. “Yeah, you’ll do just fine.” He stood. “I’d best go to the ranch and sort out the horses. You pack up your equipment, and I’ll be back before you know it.”

Nate handed him the empty bag. And there it was again, the brush of fingers as Zeeb took it from him.

“Thanks, Zeeb.”

He arched his eyebrows. “For what?”

Nate bit his lip. “For not giving up on me. For knowing when to push and when to just… sit quiet.”

Zeeb smiled. “You’re the one followin’ this path, Nate. I’m just here to make sure you don’t get lost.”

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