Samantha (Barrett 2)

To Boyd's amazement, Sammy bypassed his proffered hands, instead seizing his forearms and standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

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nbsp; "Thank you," she whispered. "You helped make this the most wondrous night of my life." Undaunted by his embarrassment, Sammy added, "I hope your evening was fruitful, as well." She gazed up at him like a hopeful puppy.

Boyd glanced at Rem, then back at Sammy.

"You did visit Cynthia, did you not?" she persisted.

One corner of Boyd's mouth lifted. "Yes, I did."

"And, judging from your jubilant humor, I assume things went well. Cynthia likes you, you know. I can see it every time your name comes up. So don't be put off by her aloof manner. She's been badly hurt. Therefore, you must woo her slowly and gently ... but persistently. She needs a man who will not only care for her, but stand by her, regardless of how long it takes. A man like you. Once she believes—truly believes—that your feelings are genuine, unfaltering, she'll thaw. And I promise you, it will be worth it. Now," Sammy paused only to breathe, "tell me, were you really successful in keeping her from discovering my absence?"

Boyd looked totally dazed. "What? Oh ... yes."

"But our luck won't last indefinitely," Rem interjected. "Imp, we're leaving. Now. Neither dawn, nor your loving servants, will wait any longer."

"Very well." Sammy gave Boyd a grateful smile. "Again, thank you."

"It was my pleasure."

"Stay here," Rem instructed Boyd. "I'll be back shortly." Then he steered Sammy out the door.

The carriage ride was silent, fraught with emotional tension. "Boyd is a fine man," Sammy said at last. "You're lucky to have him as a friend."

"Yes. I am."

Sammy gazed candidly across at Rem, her heart in her eyes. "And you are even more wondrous a hero than I prayed you would be."

A hard knot of reality formed in Rem's stomach. "I'm just a man, Samantha. Oftentimes not a very nice one. I am no hero."

"You can say that after tonight?"

"Tonight was beautiful ... a magical, extraordinary fantasy. But today is what's real."

"I won't believe that."

"You have to." Rem ached for the bewildered hurt he saw in her eyes. "Sweetheart, there are things about me you don't know."

"Then share them with me."

"It's not that easy. My life, my history—" He broke off. "You're precious and sheltered. Let it go."

"I can't. I want to know all of you." She leaned forward, lay her hand on Rem's jaw. "I love you."

Rem squeezed his eyes shut. He'd thought himself prepared for what lay ahead, for the hurt he would now have to cause her. He wasn't.

"I'll speak to your brother today," he said with quiet resolve, wanting to envelop her and free her all at once. "After that, I'll make arrangements for a special license. We can be married immediately."

Samantha's joy was extinguished by the resignation in Rem's tone. "You sound like a man condemned. Is the thought of wedding me so unpleasant?"

A rueful smile touched Rem's lips. "No, imp, never unpleasant. You're a rare and priceless treasure. I'll do everything in my power to make you happy."

"And you? Will you be happy?"

Until I see the sparkle fade from your eyes,

he wanted to blurt out. "Yes, I'll be happy." Sammy searched his face. "Why are you proposing? Is it because you took me to bed?"