GENRE: Gay Paranormal Romance
LENGTH: 10,509 words
RATING:

Stephen’s lover Emmett accuses him of being boring and way too predictable. To prove him wrong, Stephen plans a surprise romantic getaway to a cabin on the river. But Emmett has plans of his own for romance -- ones that don’t include Stephen anymore.

Depressed at yet another break-up, Stephen wonders if it isn’t time to give up hope. But finding that elusive man he longs for -- the one willing to risk everything to be with him -- would take a miracle.

So Stephen travels alone to the cabin in search of a new perspective. Resolving to be more adventurous, he tries kayaking for the first time in his life. It’s great until he dozes off and wakes in the middle of a raging flood.

Terrified, he fights for his life, nearly losing his battle with the river. On the edge of surrender, he’s rescued by an unusual stranger who might not really exist.

Nothing makes any sense after that. Mystical explanations seem no less likely than rational ones. But does it matter? Because if Stephen wants an adventure, taking one last chance on love might turn out to be the best one of all.

EXCERPT:

Stephen gradually came awake to the gentle sounds of birdsong and the rich fragrance of brewing coffee. Keeping his eyes closed, he snuggled under the thick comforter and thrilled to the joy of just being alive.

But soon he felt too warm and flung off the covers and the sheet and stretched. Reveling in the crisp morning air and the tingle of goose bumps, he hummed in contentment as he idly stroked his morning erection. Finally he opened his eyes.

A striking dark-haired man, one ankle crossed over the other, was leaning nonchalantly against the door jamb, watching Stephen. A smile sparkled in his intense green eyes as he finally spoke. "They say fairy tales don't come true, but look who's sleeping in my bed."

The tall, lean man unfolded himself from the doorway and crossed over to stand next to the bed.

Stephen gaped at the man hovering over him. Those clear jade green eyes--incredible. A narrow nose, full lips, and a strong jaw covered in a bristle of dark stubble. All topped by a cloud of gleaming black hair, iridescent highlights sparking in the sunshine, just begging to be touched. Stephen felt his hand begin to reach out, seemingly all on its own. He snatched it back and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

Fighting to cover his shock and stop staring like an idiot, he fumbled for words to make a good first impression on the delectable stranger.

And blurted out, "Huh?"

Brilliant.

Cringing, he followed up with, “I mean, is this your bed?" Oh, yeah. Very smooth.

"Yes, it is." The man crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe you should tell me who you are and how you got in here. Not that I'm complaining about coming home after a double shift to find a gorgeous, naked man in my bed."

Gorgeous? Really? Stephen savored that comment for a moment. Until he remembered the rest. Naked. Shit. Stephen jerked the sheet back over himself. He could feel the blush rising from his chest to his cheeks.

The green-eyed man grinned.