Ben smiled at her admission that she was going to pursue a more physical relationship with Eric. Ben was such a good friend, and so easy to talk to. Lori wondered again why she couldn't have felt an attraction for her devastatingly handsome neighbor.

"So you've made your decision?" he asked.

Lori nodded. "I'm still determined not to get into anything too serious," she declared doggedly. "Not until after my tenure review. After all, it would hardly be fair to start ...