"Wholeheartedly. I also think that the only person Cynthia has entrusted with the true details of her background is Samantha. We could question Annie, but my guess is she knows as little as we do."
"The other night you mentioned that Samantha defended Cynthia to you—I take it that means she's fond of her?"
"Definitely."
Again Boyd hesitated.
"Why don't you pay Cynthia a visit?" Rem suggested casually. "She was quite taken with you that first evening."
"She was polite, nothing more. I assume she treats everyone that way."
Rem chuckled. "A poor assumption. She lambasted me quite thoroughly tonight, with a razor-sharp tongue. No, I should say that your Cynthia leans toward honesty in her treatment of men."
"Still... I wouldn't want to make her uncomfortable or jeopardize her new position."
"From what I witnessed, Cynthia's position is secure. Moreover, I'm certain she's granted a day off."
Boyd nodded. "True."
"Do it."
"You don't think Samantha would mind?"
Again Rein's dimple flashed. "I think Samantha would find it stirringly romantic."
"All right then." Boyd visibly relaxed. "You know, Rem, if I didn't know better, I'd swear Samantha Barrett was converting you to her way of thinking. You're becoming quite the romantic yourself."
"Rem?" Katrina strolled cautiously over to their table. "I thought it was you back here."
"Hello, Katrina." Rem gifted her with a dazzling smile. "It's good to see you."
"Is it?" She fingered the folds of her gown awkwardly. "I was beginning to wonder. It's been ages."
"I'm hardly a stranger. Why, I've been at Annie's twice this week."
"You know what I mean." Katrina's brilliant blue eyes were veiled with questions. "Are you leaving already?"
"Yes, sweet, I am." Rem's voice was gentle.
"Could I convince you to stay?"
Even as Katrina spoke, gazed at him with explicit promise in her eyes—a promise he once would have savored—it was Samantha's face Rem saw, Samantha's words he heard issuing her enchanting request. Remington . . . until we find the time to be alone... until then ... I don't want you with other women.
On the heels of Rem's memory came the irrefutable realization that the reply he'd given her was the truth. He didn't want another woman. Only Samantha.
"Katrina—" he began.
"There's someone special, isn't there?" It was a statement, not a question.
Rem answered anyway. "Yes, there is."
Katrina managed a smile. "She's a lucky woman." Raising up, she kissed his cheek, murmuring, "I'll miss you, Rem." With an audible swallow, she turned away. "Now, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I have work to do."
"Christ, Boyd," Rem shook his head, staring after Katrina's retreating figure and looking more vulnerable than Boyd had seen him in years. "What's happening to me?"
"You know what's happening to you, Rem. But if you need me to say the words, I'll say them for you. You're falling in love with Samantha Barrett."
Sammy was thinking much the same thing. She'd seen the look in Rem's eyes when he'd held her, felt the tremor in his hands on her skin. He was starting to fathom the significance of what was destined to be. And she could hardly wait.