Page 68 of Captivated

Zeeb was doing a fair impression of a social butterfly, circulating, joining in the conversations, and rejoining Nate every ten minutes or so to make sure he was still doing okay before moving once more.

Nate was grateful for the chance to be left alone. He was on the receiving end of cheerful nods from Paul and the others, and he did his best to remember their names.

What he loved was watching Robert and his partner Toby, and Sol with his partner Butch.

They seem so comfortable in their own skins.

Nate didn’t miss the small displays of affection: the way Toby stroked Robert’s nape, an almost constant connection; the way Butch leaned in to Sol every now and then, as if he didn’t give a damn who saw him; and the way both couples gazed at each other, as if no one else existed in that moment.

Nate had only ever known one LGBTQ couple. They’d worn that same expression, their eyes had shone with the same light Nate now witnessed.

So that’s what love looks like.

The three guests sat together, talking among themselves, occasionally interacting with some of the hands. Then Nate recalled Zeeb telling him they’d arrived the previous day, so maybe they didn’t feel at ease yet. Judging by the glances they gave Robert and Toby, none of them had a problem with seeing guys in love.

I don’t think they’d last long around here if they did.

Two of the guests appeared to be embroiled in a deep conversation. Both wore frowns, their voices rising now and then. Whatever they were discussing was obviously not good.

Nate’s natural curiosity was aroused, and he tried to catch words here and there.

The older of the guests grimaced. “Look, I’m not gay, but that doesn’t mean I agree with it. I think it’s cruel and unnecessary. Hell, I’ll go further than that. It’s nothing short of torture.”

Nate stilled.What on earth?

The guest in the red shirt sighed. “I’m with you on this, but that doesn’t change the fact that it still goes on.”

The older guest snorted. “Not inmystate, it doesn’t. It was banned nine years ago, thank God. Well, for minors, at least.”

“Then the LGBTQ population of Oregon can count themselves lucky. It’s still happening in mine.”

Nate froze, every ounce of his attention locked onto their discussion.

“Where are you from again?”

“Nebraska.”

“What are you two talking about?” That was Teague, the ranch foreman. “Because it sounds way too heavy a subject for a party.”

The older guest gave Teague an apologetic glance. “I’m sorry. You’re right, by the way. It isn’t a topic for such a beautiful day. But I read something this morning that got me all riled up, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”

“What did you read, Dave?” That was Walt, who seemed an easygoing kind of guy.

Dave’s face clouded over. “I was looking at the news from my hometown. A guy in his twenties committed suicide.” By now, the hands had drifted over to where Dave and the other two guests sat.

“That’s awful,” Robert commented. “Did you know him?”

Dave nodded. “And that’s the problem. I know more about the circumstances than the media is reporting. Not that they’re reporting much beyond the bare details.” His face contorted. “Mark was a great kid. I’ve known him since he was maybe six or seven. He was such a happy little boy. And I liked the Omerods, but they ought to be ashamed of themselves. What they did to that sweet boy…” He swallowed, then apologized to Diana. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to ruin a great birthday celebration, but this really got to me.”

Nate had heard enough. Despite the sun’s warmth, his skin felt like ice. He stood and went over to Zeeb.

“If it’s okay with you, I’m going to go back to the cabin.”

Zeeb studied him. “You’re not okay, are you? Was this a bad idea?”

“I… I just need to get out of here.” Nate stumbled across the yard, heading for the path. He couldn’t be around anyone, not until he had the chance to go online.

Please, don’t let it be Mark.

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