Denise Richards Linked to Richie Sambora

April 27, 2006 — -- Hollywood is buzzing about a scandalous love triangle after Denise Richards was photographed in the arms of Richie Sambora, the estranged husband of her friend and neighbor, Heather Locklear.

"Sources close to Heather say that she is absolutely shocked by the relationship because she didn't find out about it until everybody else found out about it," said Katrina Szish of Us Weekly magazine.

Locklear, 44, filed for divorce from Sambora, 46, in February, citing irreconcilable differences. Since then she and Richards have been seen out on the town together. Their friendship dates back to the sitcom "Spin City." Off screen, the Samboras and the Sheens are neighbors, and they have become close friends.

"Heather was there the moment that Denise's second baby was born," Szish said. "She brought her a gift. She was by her side in the hospital, and even as recently as Denise's breakup from Charlie [Sheen] as well as Heather's breakup from Richie, the pair has been really there for each other."

Richards, 35, filed for divorce in March after three years of marriage. On Friday, a judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring Sheen to stay at least 300 feet away from his estranged wife, his home, and their two young daughters except during supervised visits with the children.

Is all fair in love and war, or did Richards violate the friendship code?

"Ultimately what you're going to have to decide is which relationship is the most important to you? Is it the man you're dating? Or is your friendship with the woman going to be the one that's going to outlive everything else?" said Bethany Marshall, a psychoanalyst and relationship expert.

"Make sure it is a meaningful relationship or it may not be worth taking this person away from your best friend."