Page 207 of Captivated
What shocked him was that he could replay those intimate moments with no shame, and his only regret was not discovering sooner how much fun sex could be.
Except it wasn’t just about bodies, but something infinitely more subtle, something deeper… What lingered most in Nate’s mind was their connection, a quiet, solid bond that had been forged in vulnerability and trust.
It’s about letting someone see you completely and still wanting to be there.
About becoming more than ourselves.
He sat up carefully, doing his best not to disturb Zeeb, and eased out from beneath the sheets. He grabbed his jeans and shirt, then crept down the stairs, praying for them not to creak. The keys to Zeeb’s truck lay on the coffee table, and he picked them up.
I know where I want to be.
Nate loved the early morning light that penetrated the high stable windows, bathing the space in a warm glow. Sorrel let out a soft whinny as Nate approached him.
Nate stroked Sorrel’s nose. “Sorry, boy,” he whispered. “No apples this morning. I’ll bring you one later when everyone’s awake, I promise.” He pressed his face into Sorrel’s mane. “Can I talk to you about Zeeb for a minute? You know Zeeb, right?” He smiled. “You can’t miss him. He’s beautiful.”
Except that seemed an odd choice of word.
“Okay, so maybe he’s what you’d call ruggedly handsome. I could stare at him for hours and still never do him justice in a painting.” Nate stroked Sorrel’s mane. “Why is it when I’m watching him sleep, or sipping coffee on the porch, or just looking up at the stars at night with him beside me, my heart beats faster, it’s harder to breathe, and I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be?”
“I’ve never experienced it myself, but I think people call that ‘love.’”
Nate spun around, almost falling on his ass. Teague grabbed him by the wrist, steadying him.
“Whoa there, cowboy.” He bit his lip. “Guess I should’ve made some kinda noise so you knew I was here, huh? I didn’tmean to startle you. I was going to let Sorrel have right of reply before butting in.” He cocked his head. “You okay?”
Nate let out a sigh. “Yeah. No. Maybe. I don’t know.”
Teague smirked. “Well, that’s good. We’ve covered all the bases. Where’s Zeeb?”
“I left him asleep. I wanted to come down here and?—”
“And talk to the horse, yeah, I got that part.” Teague grabbed a blanket, spread it over a hay bale, and sat. He narrowed his gaze. “Donottell anyone you saw me do this.Realcowboys ain’t afraid of getting a little hay where the sun don’t shine, apparently.”
Nate smiled. “Your secret is safe with me.” Sorrel pushed his nose into Nate’s hand, and he chuckled. “I’m sorry. Am I ignoring you?”
Teague leaned back, his weight on his hands. “Okay, to return to your one-sided conversation with Sorrel…Zeeb is an amazing guy.”
“That part I already know.”
Teague nodded. “He needs someone like you.”
Nate stilled. “And what amIlike?”
“The kind of guy that’ll show him love and affection, but also accept it from him.” Teague gave a rueful smile. “I gotta admit, I never thought he’d meet anyone who he’d mesh with, but you? You’re perfect for him.” He tilted his head to one side. “So…Doyou love him?”
That was a good question. “I gotta be honest, I don’t know what love is.” At least not the kind Teague was talking about.
Teague straightened. “Okay, lemme rephrase that. Do you think youcouldlove him?”
What came to mind was Zeeb in the lake, floating beside him, staring up at the sky. Zeeb reducing Nate to a puddle of melted jelly with nothing more than a smile. Zeeb riding alongside him,quiet and thoughtful. Zeeb holding him in the middle of a storm. Zeeb’s touch, patient and gentle.
Nate smiled. “Yeah, I think I could.”
Teague’s eyes shone. “Then grab that bull by his horn and don’t let him go.”
“Horn?” Nate grinned. “Is that a euphemism for?—”
“It’s whatever you want it to be,” Teague blurted. He returned Nate’s grin. “Wherever your dirty little mind takes you.” He plucked a strand of hay from his jeans and examined it. “Can I tell you something?”
