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

Rory could tell the man was about to say it was the truck but somehow he knew that wasn’t the root cause of whatever it was. “It’s okay, you can tell me.”


There was more chewing as Zane seemed to consider his options. Rory briefly rested his right hand over Zane’s left and gave it a quick squeeze.


Zane laid down his fork and stared at his plate. Sighing, and still not meeting Rory’s gaze, he said, “It’s dumb.”


Treading carefully, Rory said, “Don’t really know him. It was very kind of him to try and fix your truck, then tow us here, then—”


Zane shook his head. “Does he, uh, like you?”


Rory laughed, then immediately wished he hadn’t. So much for treading carefully.


“Zane, listen to me.” Rory laced their fingers together, and if anyone saw and objected then they could just go fuck themselves. “If you mean likeas in attracted to then that’s a no. He actually likes you more.”


Chapter 49