“What?" He was frowning now. "No bathing suit? Are you sure you're not a nun?""Some nuns swim.”

“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.”

“And then I heard Nico's voice. It was a song I've never heard before. I struggled to make out the lyrics. "You were my hands," I heard him sing. "You were my eyes. There's nothing left to reach for now, nothing left to see.”

“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.”

“is there anyhope for me?""For a comeback, you mean?"He shook his head. "is there any chance I'll turn from plastic back to flesh?”

“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'. ”

“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.”