“Let to your own devices, you'd show up for the wedding in overalls," he said."But they'd be white ones.”

“I think you'd be much better of marrying ME.""Miss Moore, are you proposing to me?" He affected a shocked tone."Yes Mr. Rathburn, and you'd better answer fast or I will rescind my offer.""Don't do that." His grip on my hand tightened. "Yes, Jane. My answer is yes.”

“Come inside with me," he whispered, "and let me make love to you"-he undid another button-"all night along, and then all day tomorrow, and then the day after that...""You have a show to put on tomorrow night'" I reminded him.Mr. Rathburn -Nico- sighed deeply. He brushed my hair back again, tucking it behind my ears. "That's the spirit. You'll keep me honest, won't you?""I'll try.”

“That's three times you've hurt my feelings in one conversation," he said a bit gruffly."Three times?" I really hadn't mean to be rude.He counted on his fingers. "You don't like my music. I'm a soccer dad. And I'm good-looking... 'for a rock star'. ”

“This can't be real," he said into my hair. "This has to be an acid flashback." I laughed, delighted to be in his arms. "I swear I'm not an acid flashback.”

“I'd inquired him about being safe, he had reached into the drawer of the beside table and drawn out a satin-lined box of condoms. "Standard rock-star equipment," he'd said with a sly smile.”

“And then he reached toward me again, this time with both arms, as though he might wrap them around me to give me some comfort. But then he stopped, bit his lip, folded his arms, and strode away.”