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

The two men had grown closer through the weeks of Sombra’s convalescence. Chaz discovered Sombra could play chess and they’d passed many evenings over the game, often playing to a draw because they were both good tacticians and aggressive players. Chaz even got Sombra to loosen up a bit and talk about his life. There were still many topics the eastern-born cowboy wouldn’t discuss, but Chaz learned his real name and a few other personal details. This made him feel more secure, as if he knew the other man and not just the fa?ade Sombra showed the world.


During this time, Chaz went down on Sombra several times, but they could not do much else while Sombra was encumbered with the cast. Still they were both growing anxious to resume some of their more exotic games in the barn.


Chapter 14