In 1910, Charles Smythe inherits a ranch from his late uncle. With some misgivings about leaving his life in England, he finally arrives in Arizona Territory only to meet one of his employees, an experienced hired hand named Sombra. In Sombra, Charles finds not only the perfect man to teach him all he needs to know about ranching, but also the masterful lover he has always craved. Can he build a real relationship this time, especially with a man so different?<br><br>As a youth, Sombra fled his New England home in disgrace when his first homosexual affair become public knowledge. Upon arriving in Arizona, he found employment with Dabney Darwin, Charles's uncle, and the kindly English expatriate fashioned him into the son he never had. But when Dab's nephew arrives to assume ownership of the property, Sombra is not sure how to take young Charles.<br><br>Yet he soon discovers that "taking Charles" is exactly what they both need ... and desperately desire.

The Chap in Chaps

Now, as he washed up and prepared to go have dinner with his new employer, he began to wonder at the invitation. Perhaps it was just what Smythe had said—a need to understand his uncle’s somewhat cryptic form of bookkeeping. Still, there was something about the Englishman that hinted he, too, was not a skirt-chaser.


Well, time will tell. Sombra gave his reflection a tight smile as he wiped the last bit of suds off his chin after shaving. I don’t plan to make the first move, but if he does, all bets are off.


Dashing a bit of bay rum on his face, Sombra buttoned his clean shirt and then picked up his trademark black hat before he stepped out the door.


Chapter 5