〃French toast。〃
〃French toast； it is。〃 Following her example； he tasted the syrup； then
ran his finger over the spoon and held it to her mouth。 The syrup was as
rich and sweet as the moment itself。 Anne thought she could go no
higher。
Suddenly； a faraway gleam entered his eyes。 His voice was filled with
gentleness。 〃Rachel enjoyed this taste…testing stage the most last year；
too。〃
Anne froze。 Rachel？ His 〃obligation〃？ She frowned； then stood
straighter； then backed away from the arm on her shoulders。 Rachel？
With that faraway gleam； and such gentleness？ Oh； yes； he loved Rachel。
Anne didn't doubt it for a minute。
He was frowning。 〃What is it？〃
〃How could you？〃
〃How could I what？〃 His innocence riled her。
〃How could you do that to me？ How could you mention her name at a time
like this？〃 She felt eviscerated； as though he had bee part of her
and was being cut free。
〃Her name？〃 Then he realized what he had done； and his frown gentled。 〃I
mentioned Rachel； didn't I？〃
The softness in his voice at the mention of her name ravaged Anne。 〃How
could you？〃 she repeated。 Tears welled。 When he reached out； she
flinched and took a step back。
〃Annie； listen…〃
She took another step； then another。 〃I don't want to hear about your
love life。〃
〃You're wrong…〃
〃Yes； I'm wrong。 I'm wrong to want to stay up her