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 withdrew his arm from Zane’s neck. The big guy rose and turned to rummage in the nightstand drawer. No matter how many times he saw it, Rory never stopped marveling at the sheer size and power of Zane’s body. He was much too thick set to be considered a bodybuilder, plus his muscles had been gained through physical labor, not achieved by attending a gym. There was some padding around Zane’s middle, no doubt because of all the food he put away. Rory loved his man’s slight softness. That, combined with Zane’s thick pelt of fur, made for a perfect combination as far as Rory was concerned.


Zane turned back, bottle of lube and wrapped condom in hand.


Butterflies had taken flight in Rory’s stomach. Sure, he couldn’t think of anyone other than Zane to pop his cherry, but it was still a momentous decision. If the big guy knew how nervous Rory was, he’d refuse to go ahead.


Chapter 81