"Why the silence, Anne?" asked Eland as he wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her into his warm embrace. "Are you... thinking about what just happened?"

"No," Anne replied hesitantly. "You know, I'm actually embarrassed."

Eland laughed. "Who were you so passionate about? I wonder what's going on in your head. Can you answer me honestly?"

Anne buried herself deeper in Eland's arms.

"You don't want to answer?" asked Eland, laughing happily. "That's all right. It doesn't matter. If you're ...