Jim Newsome is the CEO of a food services consulting firm, working primarily for the healthcare industry. He wears a shoe lift due to a childhood accident that shortened his leg. Whenever he acquires a new client -- typically a hospital -- Jim goes undercover to get a firsthand look at the problems before reporting his findings, and possible solutions. His current assignment hasn’t been an easy one, and Jim’s relieved it will all be over at the end of the week. Then Jim meets Lance Lamas, an orthopedic specialist. Lance tries to strike up a conversation, but Jim isn’t playing nice. But Lance’s relentless pursuit pays off, and the two men go out on a double date with friends. The evening ends in the best way possible, and when Jim reveals who he really is, Lance knows he wants to keep him -- shoe lift, dirty mouth, and all.

To Lift My Sole

“I’m fine. Just had a weird experience yesterday with a guy who—”


“Whoa. Stop the presses. A guy? You haven’t mentioned a man in ever.” She stared at me expectantly.


“It’s nothing. He works in Orthopedics and he’s relentless. It’s weird. I keep putting him off but he keeps coming anyway.” I caught her look. “You knowwhat I mean.”


“Well, it would make a nice change of pace for you. Hookups get old, you know? Or at least they wouldif you ever had any.”


“The hookup world hasn’t interested me in years, though it brought you Bevin. We should all be so lucky.”


“Wait and see, my friend.” She logged into her computer and became all business. “Get to work, hon. You have to be on assignment by ten.”


“Ma’am, yes, ma’am!” I mock-saluted her and did as ordered.


Chapter 4