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

Barry smiled. “Safely sandwiched between my cowboys.” He touched first Jake’s hand then Jimmy’s in a brief but still meaningful show of affection.


Rory listened as Wayne teased Jimmy and Jake about their journey to the bar. As Rory expected, Jimmy and Jake had argued over who should drive. It seemed Barry had listened to the banter for a couple of minutes before quietly going back into the house and coming back with the spare set of keys. He’d then got behind the wheel, started the engine, and told his men to either get in the passenger side or he was leaving them behind.


“And then Jimmy said, ‘You wouldn’t.’”


“But I would and did,” Barry added.


“He did,” Wayne confirmed. “He drove about twenty yards down the drive, those two morons running after the truck.” He pointed to Jimmy and Jake, who at least had the good graces to look sheepish.


“It made sense as I’ll be driving us back anyway,” Barry said, picking up the glass of Coke.


Chapter 22