I tapped the wide silver band he wore on his left ring finger. "Hmm. I've heard of that. Some weird word that starts with an 'R.'"
"Relationship?"
I snapped my fingers. "That's the one! Can't say as I have any first-hand experience with it."
Rick sighed. "I actually liked it, although I thought it would have a longer shelf-life."
I sipped the lemony drink I'd had such a craving for. That craving, and another stronger one, was about to land me in trouble, I just knew it.
"I'll tell you something, Rick. I don't like men who cheat on their partners."
His level gaze met mine. "I don't have a partner. I have an ex-partner."
"Why not take off the ring?"
"Truth? I'm not quite ready to have guys hitting on me. Maybe you can help me get over the hump."
Years of cruising men, of reading their body language and looking into lots of pretty eyes gave me a good read on him. He wasn't being honest with me about something, but it had nothing to do with the ring, the ex-partner, or the fact he liked to have control of the situation. The little voice inside, the one that never steered me wrong when it was time to cut and run, was silent, and I wanted to learn more about him.
The bottom line was we both wanted to get laid, no strings attached. I could do that for him. Call me Dr. Love or whatever. He wanted over the hump, and I was more than happy to help him out with that.
"So, Rick, why don't we finish our drinks, then blow this joint and go find a more private place?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
)
