Christine Bell

“Maybe the way he tried to corral me my entire junior year of high school like I was some wayward cow and he was the ranch’s most enthusiastic farmhand?”

“I’m sure that hasn’t changed and he’s still about as exciting as a kiddie roller coaster.” And seeing as how Cat typically selected vacation destinations based on the proximity of the best amusement park, this was the highest of insults.”

“I like my freedom, and I sure as shit won’t ask your permission to cross stuff off my bucket list. I’m cranky in the morning until I’ve had my coffee, and I’m not sure I ever want kids... I’m not used to compromising or having someone to answer to or clear my schedule with. And to be honest? It scares the ever-loving shit out of me. But I want to try. If you do. Because being with you is an adventure.”

“Hell, who was she kidding? The only thing that could clear her head today would be a lobotomy.”

“Bring it."Maybe not a declaration of love, but pure fucking Cat Thomas.”

“She may have mentally relegated him to the friend zone, but the rest of her hadn’t gotten the memo”

“But he didn’t know the half of it. That it wasn’t just his refusal that had haunted her. It was him. Everything about him.”

“An image of that sexy, soul-searching stare sent a bolt of heat through her. Sexy? It wasn’t sexy. It was…invasive. And annoying.And sexy.”

“He wore a threadbare white T-shirt that should’ve been as noteworthy as a bowl of oatmeal. Instead, it clung to his chest like it had aspirations of taking over for his skin. Hell, she’d have the same life goal.”

“When he was preparing for a big fight, his trainer would take him mountain climbing to build up his hand strength and endurance. Max’s favorite piece of advice? Don’t look down until you reach the summit. Galen had asked why, thinking Max would give him some inspirational shit about the satisfaction of seeing how far he’d come at the end or something. Instead, Max had snorted, “Because it’s fucking scary.”

“Oh my God. I kneed him in the wiener. And oh my frigging God, it was like stone.”

“Dear Satan. I don't know why you're testing me, but I don't like it. No love, Galen.”

“Please tell me you’re not chastising me over my lack ofmanners right now. Because if I thought that were true, I just might getone of those stupid shrimp forks your mother insisted we have and jam itinto your eye.”

“What it looks like is that you’re having sex with one of my oldest friends in the linen closet of our reception hall. Unless, of course, she’s lost something in her vagina and you were gallant enough to try and fish it out for her. With your penis. If that’s the case, I suggest using a larger lure.”

“I had to wonder - how many time can you hurt somebody before they stop caring?”

“Apparently, fate was intent on making this a teaching moment. The lessons? You never become immune to new pain, you don't get credit for old pain and it ain't up to you to decide when you've had your share of it.”