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

“Damn it,” I say, going for him. “Wait, Shay.”


But Scarborough stops me, putting his hands on my shoulders. “No, you can’t do that.” He gives me a hard look. “Respect his boundaries, Ryde.”


I stare at the empty doorway over Scarborough’s shoulder, knowing he’s right again. I step back and wait for him to deliver his speech.


“I came here in person to let you know that I’m no longer going to be counseling you, Ryde.”


What? I certainly didn’t expect this.


“Okay,” I say, trying to dissimulate my shock. Scarborough has been on my case for two years now. Persistently annoying, he’s been the only psychiatrist who’s managed to get me mildly interested in my mental well-being.


So he too is giving up on me. No surprise.


Chapter 34