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

“Why so quiet, Jim?” Her expression was coy.


“I have no words for…whatever’s going on here.”


“Tell me something,” Lance asked after ordering a beer. “Is he always so…difficult to get to know? It’s like pulling teeth. Though I have fun trying.”


I tried glaring at Paula, willing her by visual osmosis not to say anything. To no avail.


“Oh, he’s a sweetheart, usually. But this assignment has been particularly strenuous, and he hasn’t had sex in years so—”


I gasped in outrage. “Paula!” This amused Lance, and Bevin just shook his head and offered me silent sympathy.


“Looks like I turned up at the right time, then.”


This needed to end. Now.“Okay, people. Can we change the topic or pick on someone else? Please?”


“Only for a little while. Bevin, dance with me, would you?”


“My pleasure, sweetheart.” He led her out to the crowded dance floor and they let themselves go.


Chapter 7