"Nothing's gonna happen."

"Nothing's gonna happen between us," I assured Claire, though the words didn't sound particularly confident.

A huge sigh of relief poured out of Claire, and she finally let herself enjoy the massage. The soft moans of pleasure she kept making as I rubbed her body did nothing to slow my racing pulse.

"I'm sorry to get all serious on you like that, Michael. Please don't be offended, I just can't stand the thought of seeing her hurt anymore."

I decided to change the subject:

"So Tami's newly single, but how about you? What's your relationship status?"

Claire frowned, considering for a moment how best to phrase her answer. "Unrequited," she sighed at last.

"What, is he married or something?"

"No, there's nobody else in the picture right now."

"You mean, you've got feelings for some guy, but he's not interested in you? I have trouble believing that, Claire. You're about the most beautiful woman I've met in my entire life. Not to mention, you're smart, a good friend, and a good Samaritan to stupid people who lock themselves out of their apartments."

"Ha! Thank you, Michael. You're sweet. But sadly it is the way it is."

I looked at her in the candlelight, our eyes meeting for an instant.

"If it was me," I whispered, "and I was single, there's no way I would ever be able to turn you down."