Rory Brown grew up in care but found a home, friendship, and a much-needed sense of security working on the Double J ranch. As far as Rory is concerned, fellow cowboy, Zane Fox, is perfect. Zane is strong but gentle, kind, big, ruggedly handsome ... and straight. Rory works alongside Zane, eats alongside Zane, and when an ice storm causes a power outage, he sleeps alongside Zane ... for warmth. Inhibitions lowered after getting drunk on his twenty-first birthday, Rory Kisses Zane and confesses his feelings for the man. The next day, when Rory learns his father is dying, although estranged from the man, Rory feels obligated to see him one last time. Zane follows Rory to Kansas and confesses he has feelings for Rory, too. After learning his father has died, Rory and Zane set off for home in Zane's old truck. However, bad weather and a mechanical breakdown mean they have to hole up in a guesthouse. Rory doesn't mind, it gives him a chance to explore things with his hunky new boyfriend. And there's a lot of Zane to explore. Life on the ranch is little short of idyllic, Zane is everything and more Rory could want in a lover, protector, and friend. A tiny part of Rory knows he should brace himself for if/when the other shoe -- or cowboy boot -- drops. Rory is thrown when evidence of Zane's heterosexual past reveals itself, leaving him totally devastated. Are Zane's feet made of clay, or can he redeem himself and once again become Rory's rock?

Rory's Rock

“Rory. Wake up.” His shoulder was shaken.


He opened his eyes. Liam’s face, illuminated by flickering candlelight, was leaning over him.


Rory tried to punch his pillow, but it felt hard and un-pillow-like. He lifted his head and looked down at a wide shoulder. He blinked and shifted his gaze upward. “Zane?” Then the events of the previous evening all came back to him.


Liam’s expression softened. “Be careful. He’s straight.”


Rory yawned then rubbed his face. He felt rested. He’d had one of the best night’s sleep he could ever remember.


Liam touched the wick of his candle to the one on the nightstand nearest Rory. “Remember, breakfast in fifteen minutes,” he said before leaving the bedroom and closing the door softly behind him.


Chapter 8