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

By the time he dressed and emerged from the bedroom, the most subtle, delicious aroma filled the house. Edwin couldn’t pinpoint everything, but he definitely smelled caramelized onions, baking bread, and the tender steaks. He followed his nose to the kitchen, smiling when he found Carson bent over the oven, wearing oversize mitts and an apron that didn’t belong to Edwin.


“Perfect timing,” Carson announced. “I’m almost ready to serve all this.”


He pulled plates and silverware from the dishwasher, then got two wineglasses down from the cupboard. It was easy to move around the kitchen with Carson there. Natural. Like the two of them had been cooking around each other for years. Carson certainly seemed comfortable in the room. But then, maybe he was the type of guy who could easily make any space his own.


“Do you feel better?” Carson asked.


“Do you feel better than pretty good?”


Chapter 29