Page 64 of Captivated

Nate came to another decision. “I can drive myself to the cabin. No need to put yourself out.” Zeeb had been his personal chauffeur long enough.

“I don’t mind,” Zeeb remonstrated.

“I know you don’t.” Nate sighed. “I’m not really doing this to save you the trouble. I’m trying to?—”

“It’s okay,” Zeeb interjected. “I get it. An’ it’s all good, so don’t stress.” He pulled up beside the stable, and Paul came out a moment later. Nate and Zeeb got out of the trailer, and Paul went to the rear to unhitch the horses.

Nate pressed his face to Sorrel’s neck. “Thank you, beautiful. You did well.”

Paul took hold of Sorrel’s halter. “How was your first trail?”

Nate beamed. “So good that I want to do another.”

Paul’s dark eyes shone. “That’s great.”

“Nate rode like he’s been doin’ it all his life,” Zeeb added as he led Bailey out of the trailer, down the ramp, and into the stable.

Nate flushed. “I wasn’t that good.” He sniffed. “Something smells amazing.”

“That would be Matt’s chicken ‘n’ dumplings,” Zeeb said with a grin. “An’ speakin’ of which, I’ll go grab you some.” He turned to go to the bunkhouse.

“Wait!” Nate’s heartbeat quickened.

Zeeb halted. “Something wrong?”

“How would you feel about ending today the way it started? You could eat your supper on the cabin porch with me… if you like. Unless you want to catch up with your friends.”

Zeeb snorted. “I can catch up with them anytime. And I’ll get all day with ’em tomorrow.” He smiled. “Sure, I’ll eat with you.”

Paul came out of the stable as Zeeb disappeared from view. He gave Nate a warm smile. “Zeeb says you’re going to join us tomorrow. That’s wonderful.”

It’ll be wonderful if I can stick it out for more than a heartbeat.

Nate glanced toward the stable. “Sorrel must be tired. Zeeb said he doesn’t usually leave the ranch.”

“He gets light duties, but I wouldn’t have let him go on the trail if I didn’t think he was up to it.” Paul gazed at him. “I think you two have a connection.”

Nate’s first thought was that Paul was referring to him and Zeeb. His cheeks burned. “Sorrel’s a great horse for a newbie.”

Paul didn’t break eye contact, and the more his scrutiny continued, the more convinced Nate became that Paulhadmeant Zeeb. More importantly, that he somehow knew what had passed between him and Nate at the lake.

Don’t be ridiculous. What is he, a mind reader?

Besides, he and Zeeb had done nothing to be ashamed of.

Zeeb came out of the bunkhouse, holding a large bag. “Matt did us proud. We got chicken ‘n’ dumplings, corn bread, two huge pieces of apple pie, and a couple of beers.”

Nate smiled. “You’re going to have to roll me up the stairs into bed after all that.”

Paul chuckled. “I’m pretty sure Zeeb could manage that, if required.” And with that he went back into the stables, humming to himself.

Nate was certain his face was the color of beets.

“I’ll meet you at the cabin,” he told Zeeb before hurrying to his car.

Maybe by the time Zeeb joined him there, Nate’s cheeks would be less noticeable.

“This was a great idea,” Nate murmured.

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