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

“Don’t you fucking start as well!” Rory said, looking up at the horse.


After some more harsh words and gesticulating, first Rex then Shadow got the message and left him.


Rory did his best to stretch out flat on the ground in an effort to ease the pain in his leg.


He was cold, shivering, wet. And alone. He thought maybe he should call for help but a quick search of his pockets didn’t turn up his cell. Then he remembered, he’d left it charging in his and Zane’s room. He sighed and closed his eyes in defeat.


All the stupid talk of getting Rory pregnant, and then seeing Zane holding Anna. Was it leading up to Zane becoming a father and paring up with Tonya? Was it a sign? Hadn’t he been waiting for the other shoe or cowboy boot to drop? Well, it sure as shit had dropped now.


Time seemed to slow. Rory opened his mouth, at least the rain allowed him to drink, soothe his dry throat. And the cold dulled the pain.


The rain was good. He liked rain. Wet. Cold.


Chapter 92