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

After Zane had locked his truck, Rory resisting pointing out that no one else would be able to gain entry to the vehicle, at least on his side. The two walked the short distance to the bar. Rory could already hear the loud country-western music coming from the jukebox. Not his favorite, but he reminded himself it was his birthday and he was going to enjoy himself.


“What do you want?” Zane asked when they made it to the bar.


“A Beck’s Light, I think.” Rory had given serious thought to what his first legal drink should be. But if everyone followed through on their promises to buy him a drink, he decided it was better to pace himself.


“Hi, Zane,” the perky brunet barmaid said, smiling sweetly at Zane when it was their turn to be served. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”


“Uh, hi, Tonya. Been busy and, you know, the ice storm and everything.”


Chapter 21