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 and the big guy been together long?” Bobby Lee asked casually, eyes remaining on the road.


Rory wasn’t expecting the question so was momentarily at a loss for a suitable answer. He felt he could trust Bobby Lee so answered honestly. “I’ve known Zane for over a year but we’ve only just become an item.” Were they an item? If he were on Facebook he guessed he’d have to list his relationship status as “It’s complicated.”


Bobby Lee smiled. “Didn’t think you’d been together long. Your guy’s still in the protective phase, not wanting to let you out of his sight.”


“Can feel his stare on the back of my neck.”


Rory turned around. Sure enough, Zane’s gaze seemed determined…focused. It looked sexy as hell, but in Rory’s opinion, pretty much every expression Zane wore looked sexy. Rory considered waving or blowing Zane a kiss, but that might rile him up. Instead he settled for a smile, which he was gratified to see Zane return.


Bobby Lee sighed. “You’re lucky.”


Chapter 47