Chapter 27

Eric used willpower he hadn't known he possessed, to keep himself from pouncing on Lori the moment she walked into his house, or when she kicked off her shoes just inside the front door, revealing that once again, she wasn't wearing stockings or pantyhose. Instead he led her to his back deck and offered her a lawn chair and a drink. When she asked for a diet cola, he pulled an already chilled one from the cooler near his feet. He handed her the can.

"You want a glass?"

"This is fine." Her smile lit up an already sunny day, even if it was still cool enough to warrant her light sweater and his hoodie. He had to tear his gaze away from her face and remind himself to flip the tuna steaks and vegetable kebabs.

"You look good in orange," he blurted. "Not many women I know are brave enough to wear it."

She shrugged. "I may not be a supermodel, but my coloring is neutral enough that I don't worry about colors."