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

I head for the porch but Luke has other


plans. He meets me in the kitchen doorway and, taking my hand,


leads me back down the hall. Through Kent’s closed door I can hear


his rumbling snores, like thunder in the night. Then we’re in my


own room, and Luke shuts the door behind us, throws the lock, the


Gently he guides me to the bed, clicks on the


lamp by his flower, which is open like a heart in bloom—diffused


light pushes back the shadows, rims the petals with golden dust. I


sit on the edge of the bed and stare at that flower, those petals,


red as blood. “I have to tell him,” I whisper. I feel Luke’s hand


on my face and I lean into his touch, so warm, so alive. Squeezing


my eyes shut, I press my lips into his palm. “God, I’m sorry,” I


“I know,” he assures me, and his gentle


hand tells me that yes, he doesknow. I love you,I


want to say, but I’m afraid it’s too soon, I’m technically still


Chapter 53