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 wrapped his arms around Shadow’s neck and breathed in the animal’s scent. “If you haven’t, then you’re missing out. And if you have, then you know how complicated it is.” Rory sniffed and tried to collect himself.


Shadow snorted a couple of times, although Rory took it to mean understanding rather than derision.


It wasn’t Zane’s fault the guys had come back early. It was just…Rory didn’t know. He just hated constantly being embarrassed around his fellow hands, whereas Zane seemed to take it all in stride. Maybe he should try and be more like Zane and let it all wash over him. He made a silent vow to try.


Zane had been a jock in high school, so would be used to being naked around other guys. Rory on the other hand had hated sports and did his best to never be nude around others in the locker room.


Rory asked himself if he was embarrassed by the noises he made when they had sex. At that moment, yes, but at the time…no. Yep, love sure was complicated.


Chapter 84