Not that I'm complaining, Stephen thought, but I wouldn't want you to get in trouble for it. He didn't quite have the courage to say so aloud, though.

Come on, Stephen, pull yourself together. This isn't the first half-naked man you've seen. Stop going weak-kneed over every gladiator they bring in.

"Clearly not," he said. "But I can't blame you. It's too hot for this kind of party. If I had a body like yours, I'd have my shirt off, too."