Roarke cares very much for Beth and for me, and a few select others. But loves? I'm not sure he'd let himself risk quite that unstable an emotion.

Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard or too sad when you've got a Christmas tree in the living room. All those presents under it, all that anticipation. Just a way of saying there's always light and hope in the world.

Roarke's brow cocked as he noted Casto take in the black satin that slithered over Eve's body. In the manner of men or unfriendly male dogs, Roarke showed his teeth.

Change was as much about loss as gain, about giving something up even as you reached for something new or different. The world was opening up, not closing in.

There are no dead ends, just detours.

Grab it while you can because tomorrow could suck you dry.

What time is it in New York?" He shook his head. "An hour later than it is here. The earth simply has to revolve, Eve, however annoying it is for you." "It can revolve all it wants. I just don't see why people can't settle on the same time.