Samantha nodded. "I left a message." She took a deep breath and smiled "I just wanted to tell my Mom I am OK and I am having a great time."

Howie walked over and embraced Samantha, hugging her tightly to him. He knew he couldn't let on that he had listened to her phone call but he hoped in a way, Samantha would get the message. 'God I love her more each time she is close to me. I don't like seeing her unhappy.' He lowered his mouth to meet hers and kissed her passionately. He laughed inwardly as lyrics suddenly sprang into his brain.

Samantha pulled away from Howie and looked at him curiously. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing hun. I just had one of those moments where song lyrics popped into my head."

"Not that one from last weekend I hope!"

Howie laughed recalling the song. "No. Different lyrics this time."

"So are you going to tell me what they are this time?"

"Are you sure you want to know?"

Samantha nodded. "Of course I do. I want to know everything you think about. Well, not everything." she said wide eyed "But you know what I mean. I care about what you are thinking."

"I know exactly what you mean sweetie." He pulled her back into his embrace and held her tight. "You know you can tell me anything don't you Sam? If something is bothering you, or you need to talk, you know I will always be there to listen. I love you. I don't like to see you sad or hurting."

Samantha closed her eyes and sighed. "Howie, I am fine. I know you think something is bothering me but trust me OK?" She pushed out of his embrace and looked into his eyes. "I am fine." She kissed him softly. "Now, what were the lyrics you were thinking about?"

"They are not important." He replied, eager to drop the subject. He took her hands in his. "I want to show you something." He led her to the bathroom and opened the door. The sweet scent of vanilla greeted them. Howie pulled her into the room and quickly closed the door, not wanting any of the warmth to escape.

Samantha marveled at what Howie had done. 'Leave it to Howie to make a bath into a romantic interlude!' she thought. She immediately began to relax, thinking about soaking her cares away in the large tub filled with vanilla scented bubbles.

"What do you think?" Howie asked.

"I think you are amazing!" she answered hugging him. "And I think that bath looks very inviting!" She playfully tugged at his lips with her own. "Looks like there is room for two in there." she added coyly.

Howie smiled. "Maybe later but first I want to help you relax."

"And just how do you propose to do that?"