Samantha (Barrett 2)

two stemmed glasses and a tray of fresh fruit.

"Oh, Rem . . ." There were no other words to say. This overpoweringly seductive man who'd had more women than she could count, to whom passion was a seasoned game played with casual ardor and cultivated finesse, this same man had just made love to her as if she were the only woman on earth, and was now offering her not only the miracle of her first time, but all the romantic wonder her heart could hold.

Words were inadequate, tears interminable.

"Don't cry, sweetheart," Rem murmured, smoothing his thumbs over the damp tracks on her cheeks.

"It's all so beautiful."

"Not nearly as beautiful as you." He framed her face between his palms. "Just tell me this .,. does it make you happy?"

"I'll remember tonight for the rest of my life."

Tenderness, more vast than passion, constricted Rem's chest. "As will I," he replied soberly. Shifting slightly, he reached for the champagne, "And, given that tonight is what memories are made of, let's not waste a single moment of it."

Sammy stayed him with her hand, her eyes filled with heated promise. "No," she whispered. "Let's not."

16

"It's almost dawn, love." Gently, Rem stroked tangled strands of hair from Sammy's face.

"Let's ignore it," she murmured, blissfully lying in his arms.

He chuckled. "It would take very little convincing for me to do just that. However, I don't think Smithers would share my enthusiasm."

"After an evening of parties, Smitty won't expect to see me until noon. I won't be missed." Sammy traced the corded muscles of Rein's abdomen, dreamily wondering how many times they'd made love ... how many more times lay ahead.

""You won't be missed; not even by Cynthia?"

"Cynthia ... oh, Lord." Sammy's hand froze. "She'll have waited up for me. By now she's probably—"

"Just retiring for the night," Rem finished. "And totally unaware of your absence. But even the memories of Boyd's late-night visit will not be powerful enough to distract her by the first light of day. So I don't think she should find you missing from your bed."

That intrigued Sammy enough to stir. "Boyd called on Cynthia tonight?"

"Urn-hum."

"After midnight? And she agreed to see him?"

"He's a tavern keeper, imp. His business doesn't shut down until then. Besides, his visit was a surprise."

"I can imagine." Sammy chewed her lip dubiously. "Are you certain she didn't turn him away?"

"Quite certain."

"How do you know?"

"Because if Boyd hadn't succeeded in diverting your diligent lady's maid, she would have paced the floors awaiting your arrival, and when you showed no signs of doing so, she would have long since broken down my door to find you."

Sammy's eyes twinkled. "True. Rem, do you honestly believe Boyd can win her over?"

"I do."

"She's endured a great deal."

"And, if I'm correct, Boyd intends to make sure she never again has to."

"I hope you're right. They're both wonderful people. I'd like nothing better than to see them happy ... together."