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

“This is nice,” Rory said, coming to a halt and looking up at the night sky. “Can’t see many stars but then there’s a lot of clouds, and too much light from streetlamps. Not like on the ranch.”


“Yeah,” Zane said next to him. “And the ranch is where I’m taking you. The others left already.”


Rory was led, unresisting, over to Zane’s truck. Zane performed his usual magic and got the passenger side door open. He helped Rory up and made sure the seat belt was fastened.


After securing the door, Zane walked around the front of the truck, Rory admiring his bulk through the windshield. “My hero,” he whispered, although it sounded loud in the otherwise silent cab.


Zane opened his door and hopped up into the cab. Turning to Rory, he asked, “You okay?”


Rory nodded and smiled goofily. He was very okay.


Chapter 26