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

“And after you’ve done that, I’d like you to carry on mending and cleaning the tack.”


“And finally Zane, I want you to—”


“I thought I could help Ror muck stalls,” Zane interrupted.


Rory felt a mixture of surprise, pleasure but also disappointment. He’d kinda hoped to have some time to himself. It was getting harder and harder to work alongside the big man without wanting to jump him, strip all his clothes off and…


“If you finish working on that truck engine then, yes, you can help Rory, if that’s okay with Rory?”


Rory felt put on the spot, a situation he hated. “Well, uh, if Zane doesn’t mind, but I can do it myself if—”


“Great.” Zane rested a hand on Rory’s shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.


Chapter 18