Lori couldn't believe she'd come so quickly, leaving her partner behind. Eric's easy manner indicated that he didn't mind. He adjusted their positions so she lay beside him on the bed. "You okay?"

Lori licked her lips, trying to speak. "Never better," she finally managed.

He tossed his glasses onto the night table and reached behind the clock, fumbling for a moment. Then she heard the unmistakable sound of tearing foil. Thank God, he'd remembered protection, Lori thought. She'd ...