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Forty-five minutes later, dinner was cleared and the band was taking stage.
    Sharon pushed her chair back and smiled down at him. “If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I’m going to powder my nose.”
    “Take your time. I’ll be here when you get back.”
    While he waited, he fed Rizzo treats from his pocket and took a few minutes to appreciate the decor of the room. Rose knocked it out of the park. Fresh floral centerpieces in cut crystal vases graced every table, adding a lovely perfume to the ballroom. Mark brushed his hand over the white Egyptian linen tablecloth. All the tables were dressed in the rich Egyptian linen that matched the napkin he’d used during dinner.
    Every chair was meticulously covered in matching Egyptian chair slips and finished with fancy black satin bows. He glanced at the ceiling. Rose had enhanced the elaborate chandeliers with gauzy, transparent fabric that draped in waves across the ceiling and ended in cascades, like waterfalls, down the walls. He smiled when he noticed the soft white lights twinkling at him from the topiary edging the space. Finally, throughout the room, black marble pedestals held glistening ice sculptures. The total effect was stunning, and very romantic.
    Bringing his focus back to the people circulating, Mark watched Simon as he crossed the room, greeting guests as he drew near.
    With a look of relief, he made it to Mark’s table and took the open chair next to him.
    “Hey, buddy. How’s your date going?”
    The rest of his dinner companions had gone to walk the garden or mingle. That left him alone to speak openly with his friend without extra ears.
    He smiled at Simon. “Sharon is one amazing woman.” Then he leaned closer and whispered. “The most incredible thing happened the instant I laid eyes on her at the auction. She worked some kind of magic on me and my sex drive is back.” He shook his head. “I’d given up hope.”
    “You were the only one who did. I always had faith.” Simon winked, as he dug in his pocket. He glanced around and slipped a strip of foil packets into Mark’s hand under the table. “I had a feeling, you would find a use for these tonight. I purchased an economy box for you if that isn’t enough.”
    Mark’s face paled as he accepted them. “I don’t think she’s that kind of woman. Besides, I’m not sure I’m ready for her to see what’s left of my leg.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure. I’ve known her a long time. Sharon is a lady, through and through, and as far from a one-night stand as you can get, but from what I’ve seen, she’s definitely into you. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had more than a dinner date in mind for you, my friend.”
    Mark wasn’t convinced.
    “Do yourself a favor, let her set the pace. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
    Mark considered that. “Okay, that’s good advice. I’ll do that.”
    Simon stood and slapped Mark on the back. “No need for details but let me know how it goes. Enjoy your date, and if I don’t get the chance to talk with you again tonight, I will see you in the office.”
    “Thanks, man. I needed the pep talk.”
    “Anytime, Mark.”
    The band began to play and a few people twirled and circled the dance floor. Mark was more interested in watching the people on the patio. He used to love to dance, but since his injury, he hadn’t set foot on a dance floor. He wasn’t sure he could manage to dance with the prosthesis, and he hadn’t had a reason to try. With his attention elsewhere, he didn’t see Sharon reenter the ballroom.
    She was skirting the dance area when a heavy hand gripped her upper arm. “Hey, beautiful. How about a dance?”
    “Thank you for the offer, but I’m here with someone.” When she tried to pull away, he tightened his hold.
    “It’s only one dance. Besides, that gimp you’re with probably can’t do more than hop around on one foot. You need a real man to take you for a turn on the floor. I may be your only chance at