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

In addition to all of that, Rory was also concerned at leaving the ranch while the others worked on his and Zane’s house. Barry soon set his mind at rest on that score, telling him to go and enjoy himself.


“It’ll be your first real date, won’t it?” Barry asked.


Rory was embarrassed to realize it was. Yes, they’d gone out before, but only as part of a group. The few meals they’d eaten out when Zane had driven to be with him in Kansas didn’t really count.


The tests at the clinic had been a non-event. Both he and Zane were clear of all STD’s. The visit to the gay bar had started out okay. Evidently mid-week afternoons didn’t attract many customers. And there was no loud music. In fact, no music at all. This was perfectly all right with Rory, who quickly settled into a booth with his mug of surprisingly good beer that Zane had said was the bar’s own special brew. Zane sat next to him with a Bud Lite. He didn’t want anything stronger because he was driving.


Chapter 87