Page 10 of Captivated
Walls of fear.
Dad took his hand. “You’d have sole use of a cute little cabin by a creek. I’ve seen it. You’d probably work with Paul Stormcloud. He’s in charge of the horses. Plus, you could take all your art gear with you.” He released Nate’s hand, and pulled his phone from his pocket. “I took these yesterday, to give you an idea.” He scrolled, then handed it over.
Nate gazed at photos of mountains, hills, plains, meadows…
“It’s a beautiful spot,” he admitted. Just looking at those mountains had his fingers itching for a pencil, not to mention his watercolors.
“At least think about it?” Dad sighed. “The way I see it, you’ve gotten as far as you can with conventional therapy. Maybe it’s time to consider trying an unconventional one.”
What if he’s right? What if this actually helps?
It had been a while since a seed of hope had planted itself in Nate’s mind. Usually such seeds never had a chance to establish themselves. They withered and died.
Then I need to nurture this one.
Nate handed the phone back to him. “What do they know about me?” His pulse quickened.Am I really considering this?
“Nothing, except that you’re in therapy.” Dad’s gaze grew intense. “And you don’t have to tell them a damn thing, all right?”
Nate smiled. “The day you walked into that home was the luckiest day of my life. Meeting Owen and Simon is a close second.” The only people—apart from the home therapist and Dr Lacey—who’d gotten a glimpse of what lay behind Nate’s walls.
Memories that still scarred him.
“So… do you want to think about it? Or do I call Robert and put the wheels in motion?”
His solitary nature railed at the thought of being in an unknown environment, filled with strangers. He knew Dad wouldn’t suggest this if he didn’t trust the people there.
Except he doesn’t have the same trust issues I have.
Nate wasn’t completely sold on the idea, but there was something about it that was so different, so out there, he wanted to know more.
“If I say yes, and I get there and I hate it?—”
“Then you come home,” Dad said with a shrug. “But I don’t think you will hate it.”
“You go there because it’s you and God knows how many other gay men who like kink. But adude ranch? Cowboys? Not the most enlightened people on the planet. I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable in a place like that.” Dad laughed out loud, and Nate stared at him. “What did I say?”
“Robert shared a little tidbit of information with me. He didn’t name names, but he told me half the regular ranch hands are gay, and the other half are bi. Oh, and there’s one guy he isn’t so sure about, so perhaps he’s just a late developer.” He grinned. “Doesthatsound like a place you might feel comfortable in?”
Nate smiled. “Okay, you sold me.” His heartbeat raced. “Make the call.”
Now, before I change my mind.
Dad’s fingers were already on the screen.
Nate stood and went into the kitchen, his pulse quickening.
What am I signing myself up for?
One way or another, he was about to find out.
Chapter Four
July 9, 2024
Zeeb patted Sorrel’s flank.“You’re a good ole boy,” he murmured. He’d just finished grooming the eighteen-year-old Quarter horse, who’d stood there as peaceful as you please while Zeeb brushed his coat and combed through his mane and tail.
He stroked Sorrel’s nose. “Hope the arthritis ain’t botherin’ you too much.” Sorrel was only for first timers, strictly light riding, and for those who were a little nervous about riding, he was the perfect choice.
