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

As time passed, the rubbing slowed and the voice quieted, but the smell and the warm furriness stayed. Rory found himself floating, peaceful. He liked it…felt safe, so let himself drift into its welcoming void.


Rory woke knowing he’d had a nightmare and from what little he could remember, it had been one of the worst, which, thankfully, he didn’t experience often. One thing he didn’t remember however, was going to bed the previous night with Zane. They were in Rory’s bed after all.


When Zane awoke, Rory watched as the big man glanced around the to him unfamiliar room. But recognition seemed to come quickly and Zane turned concerned eyes to Rory, who did his best to avoid the big man’s gaze.


“Sorry if I woke you last night. I…” Rory pulled on a loose thread on his blanket.


“That’s okay. Just, uh, heard you and was worried.”


Zane nodded. “Okay, good.” It was obvious he didn’t know what to say either.


Chapter 16