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

Who is in there? Who am I to him in this moment?


I find him in my bedroom, sitting on the edge of my bed. Without looking at me, he offers his smooth white hand.


I want him so much, I don’t even know if I can take him without coming apart.


He lies over the blanket and begins to unfasten his belt. His skin is a white canvas I want to dirty.


I move to the bed. My hands shake. “I didn’t think you’d want me.” I can’t control the need in my voice. “So fast. So soon.”


He pulls down his jeans and underwear and turns to his stomach. With trembling hands, I touch him. “Alistair…talk to me. Say something.”


He pounces off the bed and jerks his pants up.


“It’s okay,” I say, softly, meekly. “Please, let’s talk.”


Before I can react, he’s run out of the room, and seconds later, I hear the front door slam shut. I run out of my apartment. The street is empty.


“Sugar, milk?” Sheryl is anxious, moving fast around her messy kitchen. “I can’t remember how you like it.”


Chapter 45