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

“What are you in the mood for? My treat,” Zane said.


“You paid for breakfast,” Rory told him.


“I eat more than you. So, what do you want?”


Rory took a look at the specials board but didn’t relish the idea of chicken fried steak or spaghetti—not again—so he looked back at the menu, flipped it over, and said he’d have the chicken Caesar salad. “What will you have? And it’s my treat.”


Zane frowned and studied the menu. “A regular burger.”


Rory was stopped from commenting by the appearance of the waitress, who looked so painfully thin it was obvious she didn’t eat the food she served. Without asking, she began to pour coffee for them both.


The waitress then got out her order pad and silently looked between the two of them.


Rory wondered if she were mute or just rude. “I’ll have the chicken Caesar salad, please.”


“Ranch, blue cheese, or Thousand Islands?”


So she can speak,Rory thought. “No Caesar dressing?”


“We’re out.” The pencil hovered impatiently over the pad.


Chapter 43