Excerpt Day: The Wrong Path by Stevie Woods

[reviews_and_ramblings]

The Wrong Path by Stevie Woods
Release Date: 2008
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=640

Blurb: Nobleman Zeke is on his way to meet with his betrothed partner when his carriage breaks down, leaving him stranded. Crispin is leaving his cheating lover when he comes across Zeke on the road. The chemistry is immediate, and Zeke has never been more grateful for a little magic, or for a little fate. Are he and Crispin meant to be?

Excerpt:

"Not a she," Zeke admitted, flashing a quick look at Crispin. "My father finally gave up trying to convince himself that I would take a female, and then made it sound as if it fit in perfectly with his plans when he discovered that Pergrill´s heir is into men." He looked up then, meeting Crispin´s eyes again, obviously gauging his reaction.

"Typical. My mother tried to fix me up with guys all the time once she knew I wasn´t into females," Crispin grinned.

Zeke smiled broadly, "You understand then." Then his smile faded a little. "So, you have a partner. Simeon?"

Crispin shrugged, "I did until twelve hours ago when I walked out on what he called a relationship. It wasn´t my idea of a partnership; he didn´t believe in fifty-fifty, I got thirty if I was lucky and when he could spare the time."

"Oh, I´m sorry. Had you been together long?"

"Three years."

"Oh. It must have been hard for you. To end it I mean."

"It was hard putting up with his crap; I should have done it a damn sight sooner. I kept thinking it would get better, that Simeon would see..." Crispin stopped. What was he doing? Telling Zeke about his relationship problems, gods! He needed to change the subject quickly. "Still wondering why someone tried to stop you getting to Mariton, though it is none of my business. I suppose you´ll need to find another way to get there now, though."

"I don´t think so," Zeke said firmly, surprising him. "I am a firm believer in the will of the gods. I wasn´t meant to get to Mariton; I was meant to meet you."

"What?"

"Don´t tell me you don´t feel it too?" Zeke was wide-eyed.

Crispin stared at Zeke, caught by his direct gaze, blinked and slowly said, "I can´t. I felt something the first time I looked into your eyes."

Zeke sighed and nodded, a slight smile touching his lips.

Crispin continued, his voice low, "And when I sought you out to link with you..."