“As Isabella turned to reach for it, Richard shrugged off his fencing jacket and plastron. Under it, he was wearing only a sleeveless vest that hugged his muscles tightly. Vain devil, thought Cassie, amused. He knew very well he looked darn good in defeat.”

“He will not go behind his father's saying, And he likes having thought of it so well He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors.”

“He was just a boy wearing pajamas, one slipper, and an old blue dressing gown under a stranger's jacket, and he did not belong anywhere but in his own bedroom.”

“Richard knew he was fighting for his life, and he was terribly happy.”

“Before he finally hops on his borad, he hugs me good-bye and we hold on to each other so tightly under the sad, starless sky that for a moment I feel as if our heartbreak were one instead of two.”

“I think he has a girlfriend? Not sure though, he just seems to be off limits to all women here—well you know the other single women teachers. Maybe he’s gay?”“I seriously doubt that one.” I responded struggling not to laugh.“That would be a serious punishment to women kind. I wonder what he looks like without that vest and tie teacher getup…I bet he looks amazing naked.”“Holy crap Jaz!” I yelped, but I knew I was blushing. I knew what he looked like with his shirt off and it was damned good.”