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

Just as he started off with his new gear, Sombra called him back. “Hey, boss man, how about meeting me at the barn after supper? I’ll see if I can find a couple of pairs of chaps you can try for size.”


Somewhat surprised, Chaz agreed. Perhaps chaps were the only thing on the other man’s mind, but then again, perhaps they weren’t. At any rate, he’d be there around dusk.


Sombra managed to keep his expression impassive, although he wanted to laugh at the emotions that flashed across the Englishman’s face. Well, I know of one chap who’s in for a surprise. He whistled a merry tune as he headed for the tack shed. Time for the second step in the training of Charles Darwin-Smythe, and Sombra knew he was just the man to do it.


Chapter 9