RIDING PARTNER - Mary Winter
Ellora's Cave - www.ellorascave.com 
ISBN: 1-4199-0769-7
November 2006
Gay Erotic Contemporary Romance - Short
Rated: E-rotic

A Horse Farm Community - Present Day

A lifetime of dealing with his mother's abandonment and his father's subsequent gambling and womanizing has left Derek Whitten with deep rooted insecurities.  These feelings play havoc in Derek's relationship with fellow equestrian, Charles DeMorinson.  Although Charles claims to love him and views him as an equal, Derek can't help but feel inferior to his more successful lover.  When an injured Charles asks Derek to ride his horse in the Athens Olympics, Derek is determined to win a gold medal to prove himself to Charles.  Unfortunately, one dropped rail in the showjumping competition ends his dreams of Olympic glory, and in a moment fueled by guilt, frustration and low self-esteem, Derek walks away from Charles.

Two years later, Derek's life hits an all time low.  His father's recent death has uncovered huge gambling debts that now puts Derek's farm at risk.  With debt collectors hounding him, Derek knows he must sell his beloved horse, Dionysus.  He turns to the one man he trusts above all others to care for Dio -- his former lover, Charles.

Charles DeMorinson has always loved Derek but never could make the other man believe it.  His biggest mistake was letting Derek walk away from him in Athens.  When Derek comes to see him, it's not long before the two are in each other's arms again.  Although a stubborn Derek continuously refuses his offer of financial help, Charles has no intention of letting the man he loves go this time.  But will he be able to stop Derek from self-destructing when tragedy strikes?

RIDING PARTNERS is one of those stories that focuses on the intricacies and complications of a relationship.  Derek's chaotic internal turmoil is perfectly complemented by Charles's unfaltering steadfastness and strength.  Their romance is a tender, sparkling tale set in the fascinating world of equestrian competition.  If you like your men complicated and your love scenes hot and steamy, be sure to saddle up with this erotic short story guaranteed to be a ride you won't forget.

Isabelle Spencer