Barry Logan’s day starts out shitty and continues to go down the crapper. His car breaks down in the Middle of Nowhere, Colorado. The only mechanic for miles is out of town, forcing Barry to hole up and await his return. Bored and hungry, Barry goes to the town’s only bar in search of food and entertainment. The former is almost inedible, but his interest in the latter is piqued when two specimens of cowboy perfection walk in. Barry has always had a thing for cowboys, and he’s been on a mission to get up close and personal with as many as possible before flying home to England. Having two cowboys at the same time would be a new experience, and one Barry is eager to try. So when the two men leave the bar, Barry follows in hot pursuit. He overhears them arguing about whose turn it is to bottom that night. Without thinking, Barry offers his services. Jimmy Pierce and Jake Wilson drive Barry back to the Double J ranch for a night of wild passion he won’t forget. The next morning, Barry wakes in an empty bed to a beeping smoke alarm. It seems the ranch cook quit the night before, leaving Jimmy, Jake, and their three ranch hands to fend for themselves. Barry immediately takes charge. His cooking meets with everyone’s approval, and he agrees to stay on both in the kitchen and in Jimmy’s and Jake’s bed. The two cowboys are physically demonstrative, both with each other as well as with Barry, who finds himself falling fast for both of them. It’s like a dream come true -- Barry has two men and a job he loves. But petty jealousies, rivalries, and miscommunications threaten to shatter the dream, and when Barry’s scheming ex shows up, things get even worse. Sandwiched between two cowboy lovers, has Barry bitten off more than he can chew?

Cowboy Sandwich

“Rory?” Barry asked. “Maybe you’ve got a hot date in town.”


The men laughed and Rory’s cheeks went a bright red. Barry instantly wanted to kick himself for teasing the man.


On his way back to the kitchen, Barry trailed a hand along Jimmy’s wide shoulders. “Chili okay with you, big guy?”


Jimmy smiled up at him. “Yeah. But I’m looking forward to dessert even more.” He waggled his eyebrows.


On his journey through the States, Barry had picked up a number of recipe ideas from the chefs and home cooks he’d met. When visiting New York—which sadly was devoid of cowboys—he was advised to add a bottle or two of beer to his chili. The same chef had also suggested he add pieces of bacon and chopped green poblano chiles to a pan of cornbread. It not only added color but also a rich and complex flavor. 


Chapter 19