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

Shay’s hazel eyes are red-rimmed and he looks like he didn’t sleep much last night. He nods, crossing his arms over his chest. He’s wearing the jacket I bought him when I was in New York last April. He looks wonderful. Why do lovers always look better to me when they’re leaving?


“Shay, check if everything is there.” Rochelle is poking around the CDs. She looks up at her baby brother. “Shay?”


“I put everything in there,” I say, stepping back to allow him in. I know he doesn’t want to be anywhere near my body right now. “And you know, if anything is missing, I’ll drop it off later.”


“No,” he says, shaking his head. “I’m not doing this again.”


His black hair needs a cut. But I like it wild and free of hair gel like this. I don’t think I’ve ever told him that. I don’t think I’ve ever told him much of anything.


“All right, let’s go.” Rochelle shoves a box at him and grabs the other.


“I’ll help you,” I say, knowing she won’t allow it. “To the car.”


Chapter 32