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

“You’re gonna be hung over in the morning, Liam told him.


Rory shook his head. Why was the room spinning? He put a hand on the table to steady himself. “Don’t get hangovers.”


“That’s because you don’t drink much.”


Rory found that incredibly funny. But he couldn’t fault Liam’s logic.


“When you get back to the ranch, drink some water and take a couple Tylenol, okay?”


“Yes, boss!” Rory saluted Liam but ended up smacking his nose. He found that extremely comical, too.


“Can’t go. No Wayne.” Rory giggled.


“Do you need the bathroom before we go?” Liam asked.


Rory tried to think. He didn’t know the answer, then realized he’d forgotten the question. “What did you say?”


Liam smiled. “I’ll take you just in case.”


“No, I’ll take him.” That was Zane. Sexy, wonderful, dependable Zane.


Chapter 25