Page 63 of Captivated

That word again. It hit Nate square in the chest.

“I want to be,” Nate admitted, so quietly he wasn’t sure if Zeeb heard. “I’mtryingto be.”

Zeeb didn’t reply right away. When he did, his voice was low. “You’re doin’ better than you think.”

Warmth spread through Nate’s chest. “Thank you.”

If Zeeb could see a difference, then Nate was on the right track.

“You thought any more ’bout my invitation?”

It took him a second or two to recall what Zeeb was talking about. Then he remembered. The cookout. Someone’s sister.

I told myself I’d go.

“Tomorrow, isn’t it?”

“Yup. Up at the big house. Lots of food, sodas, beers…”

“How many people will be there?”

“All the hands, so that’s eight or nine bodies. The boss and his partner Toby, and Sol. You met him, right?”

Nate nodded.

“And of course the boss’s sister, Diana, and her husband Newt.”

Nate blinked. “Is that his real name?”

“It’s the one everyone calls him.” A pause. “It’s like I said, you don’t have to stay for the whole thing. You can turn up, say hi, eat enough food to choke a pig, and then you can leave. Hell, not all of us will stay for the whole shindig.”

Nate knew Zeeb was trying to make the prospect as non-threatening as possible.

Say yes. Even if you last ten minutes, that’s more than you thought you’d accomplish before you arrived here.

His heart pounded. His mouth dried up, and he grabbed his bottle of water.

Do it.

Do it.

You said you would.

“I’ll be there,” he croaked, his throat tight.

Zeeb became so still beside him. “You sure?”

Nate managed a chuckle. “You want me to change my mind?” The cool water helped ease the dryness.

“No, no, I’m jus’ makin’ sure I haven’t forced your hand, that’s all.”

“You haven’t,” Nate assured him.

I want to do this.

It was a step in the right direction.

Zeeb made the turn into the driveway that led to Salvation, and Nate’s stomach growled. Zeeb chuckled. “I’d best sort you out with some supper before I take you to the cabin. You might not make it otherwise.”

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