He wasn't sure if he entirely got the nuance of her response, or if there was anything getting lost between the lines. Even so, it certainly made him think: back in Paradisa, he would have leapt at the chance, without even considering putting tension on their friendship. He would have been pleased to be intimate with his best friend and that was it.

But as an older man, he didn't want it to blow up in his face. He trusted Stephanie more than any other woman that had ever been in his life, and he'd never been able to open up to anyone like he opened up to her.

"I have slept with you in my arms more than any other woman."