Edwin Masters has spent his entire life lusting after one car -- a 1962 Alfa Romeo Spider 2600. When he finally buys one, it changes the entire shape and meaning of his world. The car comes with a guest, and the restless spirit is awakened by Edwin.<br><br>Cooper James, the young man who died behind the wheel forty-seven years earlier, haunts the Spider and he wants a life. He wants Edwin. So he reaches out, sucking Edwin into a deepening abyss by exploiting demons from a past Edwin can't break from.<br><br>Edwin resists, struggling against the phantom in favor of an attractive, exciting young man who wants to be with him, Carson Heston. Carson holds the key to Edwin's salvation, but every time he gets close, Cooper terrorizes him. Edwin knows he'll be lost forever if he submits to Cooper's dark promise of release and relief, but that might be the only way to save Carson's life.

On a Bruised Road

“I’ll be back before you have the chance to miss me,” Edwin promised.


Carson winked at him over his shoulder, which only emphasized the sparkle in his eye. “I’m going to miss you as soon as you leave.”


Edwin was utterly charmed. It usually took more than just a wink. And the night was still young. “Do you usually lay it on this thick?”


“Yeah, well, if I hadn’t been such an idiot, I wouldn’t have to lay it on so thick.” Now the sparkle was out of his eye. Edwin would do anything to see it return.


“What if I told you I barely remember anything from the other night?”


Carson looked up, his blue eyes hopeful yet smiling. It struck him that Carson was just as nervous as he was. They were both afraid of making a wrong move, of saying something they couldn’t take back. Of committing the heinous sin of being themselves. The thought was more than a small comfort to Edwin.


“So, in reality, this’ll be like our first date?”


Chapter 28