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

In my bedroom, I dress quickly in jeans and a


faded t-shirt. Luke sits on the bed in his boxers, watching me,


listening. “I’ll talk to Kent,” I say, more to myself than to him,


trying to boost my courage. I can do this. “I’ll say look, this is


how things are, and he’ll listen.” He hasn’t been drinking much


yet, he’ll hear me out. It’ll be alright, I tell myself. He has to


I lead Luke out into the hallway, the house


around us quiet. Far off I hear the sound of running water—Kent


already hosing down his plants, he must’ve left the kitchen door


open if I can hear him from here. Dread rises in me, I don’t want


to do this, I don’t want to say a word…I reach out behind me and


Luke catches my wrist, entwines his fingers with mine. “You sure


you want to tell him right this minute?” he asks.


I nod. I have to tell him now, before the


customers arrive. While he’s still sober.I don’t have to


Chapter 57