SYNOPSIS

Avery Rivers is a country music sensation, selling records by the millions and playing to sold-out crowds. But behind that persona is Robert, a burned-out musician cracking under the pressure. He’s unable to write any new songs, and he wants out of the business—at least for a while. He changes his appearance and finds honest, hard work in Jackson, Wyoming. Maybe getting to be a regular guy for a while will get him past his block.

Hy Whitely was a championship bull rider until he watched his best friend thrown in the arena and decided the rodeo circuit was no longer the place for him. He wants to be plain old Zeke for a while, and when he returns to his family ranch, he bumps right into Robert—a one-night stand from his last rodeo appearance who is now working there as a ranch hand.

The heat between the men could sear the grass off the range, but each one is hiding a secret. Robert and Zeke, the men behind the public images, fall in love, but can they hold on when Avery and Hy are pulled back into the spotlight?

Robert smiled. “I’m up for quite a bit. I like to dance, but it’s been a long day.”

“Were you able to find a place to stay? With the rodeo in town, it can be difficult. Most of the hotels are full and have been for some time,” Zeke said.

“I think I got lucky. I’m at the Plains. They had a few rooms available, and I was able to get one of the last ones. Maybe they had a last-minute cancellation or something.” Robert wasn’t going to admit he’d gotten one of the most expensive rooms in the hotel.

“Fancy,” Zeke said softly. “I’m staying with some friends.” He lowered his gaze and then slowly raised it. Robert felt it like a heated touch. “Would you like another drink?”

Robert turned to the bar, which was at least four people deep, and Zeke did the same. “There’s a bar near the hotel that seems quieter,” Robert offered nervously. It had been a long time since he’d played this particular game, and Robert knew he probably wasn’t very good at it.

“I think that would be a good idea.” Zeke’s gaze traveled across the dance floor, and Robert saw a group of ladies talking together and glancing over at them.

Robert turned to leave the ever-more-crowded bar and was relieved to be outside. He inhaled the fresh, dry air deeply and waited for Zeke. He didn’t want to seem like he was desperate, standing there, but only a minute later, Zeke stepped out into the night. They walked toward his hotel quietly until Zeke cleared his throat.

“Have you been to Cheyenne before?” Zeke asked.

“Yes, once, some time ago.” Robert smiled as they crossed the street, the marquee for one of the smaller venues he’d played years ago just down the block. Sometimes that seemed like another lifetime. “I like it here. This is a very nice, small city.” He glanced at Zeke as they walked past the bar he’d intended to stop at, heading to the hotel. Robert’s nerves built until they were inside and in the elevator. His doubts drifted away when they reached his floor, and as Robert unlocked the door, he wondered if this was actually going to happen.

They stepped inside, and Robert closed the door. As soon as it latched, Zeke cupped Robert’s cheeks in his work-roughened hands, kissing him with all the intensity of a hurricane, and still Robert wanted more.

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