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

“My superhero and my good luck charm.” Rory kissed Zane briefly on the lips before moving back to his side of the cab.


“Yeah, right.” Zane shook his head and opened his door, letting more cold and snow in. “Stay here until I know if this guy will help us.”


Rory sighed mock-dramatically. “My protector as well as my superhero and my—”


“Knock it off.” Zane stepped out of his truck and closed the door, dislodging a fair bit of snow from the window.


Rory chuckled. He didn’t need half as much protecting as Zane thought he did, but it was a huge turn on when the big guy went all papa bear on him. Or was that momma bear? No, Zane was all man. He’d settle for alpha bear.


The potential rescuer wound his window down when Zane approached and the two exchanged a few words. Zane then moved back, the man stepped out of his cab, and the two approached Zane’s truck.


Chapter 46