ON his long, lonely walks through leafy streets beyond his means, Michael often imagined committing an act of heroism for which he would reluctantly accept a huge reward. Then, one gloomy afternoon, he saw a man in a blazer about to step in front of a hurtling bus. Michael leapt into action and hauled the man back to safety. Grateful for his life, the man, Ian, offered Michael a reward: one-half of a dinner for two. He was so handsome and sweet Michael accepted, learning in the process that it was not money he was looking for all along.