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

Zane kissed Rory. “Not gonna hurt Ror.”


Liam turned and walked down the hallway, muttering to himself about young love. Rory wondered what had happened to put the foreman in such a disagreeable mood. He hoped he and Zane weren’t the cause.


“Forgot to say I was real sorry about your dad,” Liam said, surprising Rory with his reappearance.


“Thanks. Think now I was glad I saw him.”


“Yeah.” The man hesitated then came fully into the room. “Look, I don’t mind admitting I have misgivings, but what the heck, I’m still stoked you two are making a go of it.” Liam clapped both of them on their backs then left again, this time more silently.


“That was nice,” Rory said quietly.


“Rory, these your things in the washer?” Liam said loudly, no doubt from the kitchen.


“Sorry, yes. Be there in a minute!” Rory told Zane about the half load and asked if he had anything he needed washing.


Chapter 64