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 shuffled back into the passenger’s seat and engaged the seat belt. “Come on then, what are we waiting for?”


Zane didn’t look like his parents. Mr. Fox was reed thin, standing at about five feet eleven inches. Rory estimated he was in his mid-fifties, although his grey hair and male pattern baldness made it harder to determine the man’s actual age. Mrs. Fox was short and plump with blonde hair turning white, which was tied in a bun. Both older people welcomed Rory effusively, doing their best to put him at ease. Although the many questions they peppered him with over dinner had the opposite effect.


Zane finally shook his head, wiped his mouth, and set down his fork. “Mom, Dad, leave Ror be. He don’t like talking that much, you’ve about wore him out with ya jabbering.” He smiled at Rory, who returned the smile.


“Sorry, son,” Mr. Fox said. “It’s just Zane has never brought anyone home to meet us before and we’re curious.”


Chapter 66