Fourteen years ago, on the banks of Craving’s Creek, Ryde swore to his best friend Alistair he’d never be alone in the world. Though Alistair was destined for the priesthood, there was something beyond holy about the first kiss they shared. But a fun camping trip went horribly wrong when Alistair was involved in a horrific incident. Now, at age thirty-one, Ryde’s life is a mess of alcohol and the painful imprint of his last look into Alistair’s desperate eyes. Since the evil they encountered on that shore, his first love has been lost to him ... until he learns a friend’s wedding is to be officiated by a priest named Father Alistair Genet. Amid the rush of emotions, one thought crystallizes: Ryde’s love for Alistair has never died. It’s stronger than ever. But can it win over the repressed memories slowly tearing Alistair’s mind apart?

Craving's Creek

“You really like it?” He holds the shirt up to me, close to my shoulders, my neck. “Hmm, it could fit you,” he says, frowning. He doesn’t notice I’m blushing so hard I think I might be glowing. “I can make some adjustments.” He assesses the shirt I don’t especially like. “I’ll finish it for you then.” He seems pleased and that’s all I ever want.


“Cool,” I say, leaning back from him. I know our first kiss is coming. It’s going to happen soon, but I won’t rush it. It’ll come. It’ll just come.


Chapter 4