Page 108 of Captivated
Nate’s stomach growled, and Zeeb cackled. “Guess I don’t have to ask if you’re ready to eat. ’CauseI’mso hungry I could eat my truck.”
He laughed. “Only with a lot of ketchup.”
“You go on in.” Paul gestured toward Butterscotch. “I’ll see to our new arrival.”
Nate and Zeeb headed for the bunkhouse, walking slowly despite their hunger, and Nate had the impression Zeeb also wanted to drink in the sight of Salvation at sunset.
And he gets to see this every day.
Nate paused at the door. “Where are you sleeping tonight?” he asked in a low voice.
Zeeb didn’t chuckle or make light of Nate’s question, but regarded him for a moment. “Where do youwantme to sleep?”
Nate’s heartbeat quickened. “Do you have to ask?”
Zeeb smiled, his face glowing in the warm light. “That’s settled, then.” He let out a wry chuckle. “It’s a helluva lot quieter in your cabin.”
And is that the only reason why you’re sleeping there?
Nate’s stomach clenched. The thought forced him to face a truth he’d avoided the past two nights.
HewantedZeeb there, and not just because the warmth of Zeeb’s body curled around him, his hand pressed to Nate’s chest, and the sound of his breathing had ushered him into a deep, nightmare-less sleep. Even the occasional snore was a gentle reminder that Nate was safe.
No, it was way more than that.
Zeeb’s consistent presence, his calm nature, his unwavering support… All those things had come together to create an environment where Nate felt safe and secure.
Secure enough to confront emotions he’d never experienced before.
To make him want to step into unknown territory.
Zeeb let out a contented sigh. “Matt makes the best fried chicken.” He eyed the last piece sitting on the plate.
There was always room for a little more.
He reached for it, and his hand collided with Nate’s. Zeeb narrowed his gaze. “I’ll arm wrestle you for it.”
Nate withdrew, laughing. “You’d win.”
“Aw, give him the damn chicken,” Butch groused. “He’s earned it today.”
He had a point.
Zeeb picked the plate up and tipped the chicken onto Nate’s. “It’s all yours.”
Nate’s smile was the perfect thank you.
“You’ve been busy, Nate,” Walt commented. “Mucking out the stables, helping mend fences… Maybe we should give you a job.” His eyes gleamed. “I’m sure Zeeb wouldn’t mind having you around a bit longer.”
It could’ve been an innocent remark, but Zeeb doubted that. He knew how his fellow hands’ minds worked. He fired Walt a hard stare.
Walt ignored it.
Nate smiled. “I wasn’t so useful with the fence. Zeeb could’ve coped just fine without me.” He rubbed his shoulder. “I might not have done all that much today but I sure ache all over.”
“Get Zeeb to give you a rubdown.” Walt grinned. “He’s got great hands.”
And there was that gleam again.
