Page 213 of Captivated
Zeeb narrowed his gaze. “That depends what kinda discharge we’re talkin’ about. Because there are a few. Pee, cum, STDs. So yeah, not all are good.”
Nate pulled a face. “Ew. Why would you go there?”
Zeeb smirked. “Because we’re dudes living on a ranch. We work hard, we play hard, and we deal with gross things.”
Nate’s eyes sparkled. “One of them doesn’t sound gross at all.”
“And that’s my cue to get the fuck outta here.” Butch stood. “Think I’ll go find Sol. See if I can lend him a hand with something.” He walked out of the bunkhouse, his gait a little stiff.
“You gonna talk like that in front of your dad?” Zeeb wanted to know.
“I’m sure he’s heard worse, especially when he visits the ranch.” Nate cocked his head. “Besides, I need to introduce him to the all-new-and-improved Nate Caldwell.” He smiled. “A guy he’s only caught glimpses of.”
“That sounds very positive.”
They turned as Sol approached.
Zeeb cackled. “Your other half is lookin’ for you.”
Sol grinned. “He found me.” He gazed at Nate, his eyes warm. “I came to say I amsoproud of you.”
“Why?”
“You’ve come a long way since those first two weeks you spent here. And you worked damn hard to get to this point.”
Nate flushed. “Thank you. And thanks for all your advice.”
“You’re welcome.” He paused. “But I’d like to add a note of caution, if I may. This isn’t the end of the journey, you know that, don’t you? There’s always going to be a chance something could trigger a memory and you’ll have a bad day.” Sol smiled. “But now you’re stronger. Dealing with those days will be easier.” He patted Nate’s arm. “And we’ll be right there with you.”
Nate drew in a deep breath. “What you’re saying is, I’m doing better but I’m not cured.” He smiled. “I know that, because there isn’t a cure. All I can do is deal with it day by day.” He glanced at Zeeb. “And lean on you, just like I hope you know you can lean on me.”
“You got that right.” Zeeb could be Nate’s rock whenever he needed one.
“Nate? Want to give me a hand with the mucking out?” Paul called from the stable.
Nate laughed. “I get all the best jobs.” He peered at Zeeb. “You coming?”
“I’ll be right there.”
He gave Sol a nod, then hurried toward the stable.
Sol let out a sigh. “Sure, he’ll lean on you some days, but others he might push you away. You need to stay strong.”
“I can do that.”
Zeeb intended doing everything in his power to be there for Nate, to support him, celebrate his successes…
Love him.
Nate had to smile. “Dad, you’re staring again.” They were sitting on Robert’s porch, drinking beer. Teague and Zeeb were upstairs with Toby and Robert, Toby’s first visitors. Robert was limiting visits for the time being, but Nate was happy to wait his turn.
Right then he was grateful for a little quiet time with his dad.
Butch had been correct: the sky was darkening, heavy clouds rolling in, the smell of rain in the air.
Dad chuckled. “I’m sorry. It’s just that…I can’t get over the change in you. I mean, I only saw you two weeks ago, andlookat you.” He laughed. “If I’d known what an effect asking you to move out would have on you, I’d have done it sooner.” He let out a sigh. “Except that wouldn’t have worked. This was the right time.” He tilted his head. “And Zeeb is the right man for you.”
Nate glowed. “I’m glad you like him.”
