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

“You sure about this?” Zane asked. An erect ZJ was pointing directly at a still clothed Rory, who was sitting on the side of the bed.


“Wanted our first time to be…special.”


“Anywhere, any time with you and ZJ is special.”


They’d talked about renting a hotel room, maybe one with a hot tub. Rory had briefly entertained the fantasy of booking the honeymoon suite in a fancy hotel, but that wasn’t them. He just wanted his cowboy in their own bed. It was where Rory felt most comfortable. And also, they didn’t have money to waste on hotel rooms. Plus, all the fancy hotels were in the city, and what with the bad weather, Rory didn’t want to travel long distances. No, he wanted his first time with Zane right here, right now.


“Okay, if you’re sure.” Zane sighed. “Though you gotta tell me if it starts hurting, ’cause I just can’t…” He screwed his eyes closed and shook his head.


Chapter 80