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 blushed. “All I had that was clean. If we stay here another night I’ll have to find a Laundromat.”


“Could always wear some of my clothes.”


Rory grinned. “Hot though that’d be, as you saw earlier, I drown in your clothes as you’re a lot bigger than me, you big stud.” Before Zane could come back with I’m not a stud, Rory said, “Oh, yes, you are.” He punctuated the statement by stretching up and tenderly kissing Zane’s lips. The position was awkward and it must have shown on his face because Zane moved off him to stand by the bed. Rory lay back down and gazed up at Zane, who seemed to be studying Rory’s naked chest.


Rory squirmed under Zane’s intense scrutiny. “Sorry, like I said, I’m not big and strong like you.”


“You’re perfect,” Zane said quietly. He bent over the bed and ran his callused fingers over Rory’s arms. “And you’re plenty strong.”


Chapter 51