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

In spite of his misgivings, life in Arizona was proving to be far from dull. Different from anything he had known before or even imagined, but definitely not dull. And Sombra was the chief reason. The man was a complete enigma, a puzzle Chaz was determined to solve. 3


When he arose the next morning, Chaz found he ached in every muscle. The idea of another day in the saddle was hardly enticing, but he was still determined to get up and go. He could not solve the mystery of Sombra by hiding away in the ranch house. After a couple of cups of strong tea and a local favorite called biscuits and gravy, Chaz felt he might be able to face the world. He realized his breeches and shining knee-high boots were not normal ranch attire, but they were all he had to wear that would withstand the rigors of another day on horseback.


Chapter 8