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

“Sorry.” Zane kissed Rory’s ear. “Just wanted to tell you I like how you read, how you make it sound…real.”


Rory smiled, pleased he was able to share the joy of reading with his man. Many times in his life his only escape had been through books.


He continued, “Pretty soon Jim says: ‘Say, who is you? Whar is you? Dog my cats ef I didn’ hear sumf’n. Well, I know what I’s gwyne to do: I’s gwyne to set down here and listen tell I hears it agin.’ So he set down on the ground betwixt me and Tom.”


Rory stopped reading and turned his head to regard Zane. “You okay?”


Rory could tell something was bothering him. “I can read something else if you want. This one is a bit…old-fashioned in the words it uses.”


“It’s not what I thought it was,” Zane admitted, lowering his head and pressing his face to Rory’s shoulder.


“Want me to read something else?” he asked again. Please say yes,he added silently.


“You mind?” came the muffled response.


Chapter 59