Marcus was just passing through Texas when he met Kent. In his cowboy hat, low-riding jeans, and black boots, Kent looks like the type of guy Marcus desperately wants to love.<br><br>But two years later, he's discovered Kent is cold and distant, the quintessential American cowboy, and spends more time drunk than sober. Marcus can never predict his mood and blames himself for the flailing relationship.<br><br>Then, one day when Kent rides into town, Marcus finds a young runaway hiding in their barn. Luke is warm, loving, and quick to please ... everything Kent is not. Though the answer seems obvious, Marcus finds himself torn between the boy who demands his love and the man whose love he craves.

Cowboy

Outside, a car horn toots, spoiling the


moment. Kent.I rise from the table a little too fast and


almost knock my chair out from under me. He’s back,I think,


even as I hurry around the table to the door, and I know that’s not


right, he won’t be back for hours. But what am I doing here?


Flirting with this boy I hardly know like I’m single again and this


isn’t my lover’s kitchen. “Marcus?” Luke asks, concerned. “Is


“No.” It’s a customer, an older man


helping his wife from the car, a couple of kids climbing out of the


back seat. I push open the screen door and wave. “Be right there!”


I holler, my voice carrying across the flat land easily. The man


nods and I let the screen door slam shut behind me. “Just some


customers,” I tell Luke as I gather the dishes up from the table.


“I’ve got to get to work but you’re welcome to stay if you


“Why?” he asks. I reach for his plate


but he stops me with a hand on my wrist. I look at him and he’s


Chapter 12