"I had a run in with an eighteen wheeler. Made me see things a little differently."
Lori could see the change in him. He was thinner and walked with a slight limp, and his arrogance was gone. Still, there was one thing left unexplained. “I never would have taken you for an art lover."
Rick shrugged. “I'm trying new things. I'm here with a friend.” He turned and motioned a handsome African American man forward. When their fingers intertwined, Lori's jaw nearly dropped. “I'd like you to meet, Paul."
By rote, Lori held out her hand, surprised when Paul smiled and took it. “I've heard wonderful things about you, Lori."
"Uh, it's nice to meet you too."
Rick smiled up at Paul then winked at Lori. “Paul was my nurse in the hospital after the accident. We've been together since."
"I see,” she said, even though she really didn't. After all, what was a woman supposed to say when she finds out her ex has turned to the other side?
As they walked away, she heard Gideon snicker. She glared up at him. “Don't even say it."
"Sorry, love, it's just sort of funny."
"What is?"
"The effect you have on men."
It took all her willpower not to laugh. “I'm actually happy for him. And a lot of things make more sense now."
Gideon stroked a hand over her lower back, immediately easing the aches and pains. “What things?"
"He was never happy with me. As I think back, I'm convinced he was denying his true feelings."
They both watched as Paul leaned down and whispered something into Rick's ear. Rick smiled. “Well, he's not anymore."
"No, he's not. Seems everyone got what they wanted out of the deal."
"Yeah, it does,” Gideon murmured.
When their gazes locked, Lori's heart soared. She owed Margaret big time for insisting she go to that party. Tomorrow she'd send her a box of chocolates. Tonight, she had other plans.
Lori opened her mind and brought up an image of washing Gideon very thoroughly from head to toe.
Gideon's eyes narrowed as he leaned close to whisper, “You're playing with fire."
She licked her lips and said, “Too much caution is boring."
"Mmm, I couldn't agree more, baby."
They lasted two hours before managing to slip out a backdoor.