Nora Roberts

“The way he saw it, poker and life had a lot in common. You played the cards you were dealt, figured the odds, took the gamble or not. And when your cards were shit, you bluffed if the pot was worth it, and if you had balls.”

“Because when you hate something, you stop doing it.”

“You want safe? Find a nice puppy you can train to come heel. Love's supposed to be scary. Because if there's no fear, there's no thrill.”

“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.”

“Love, nobody inside it knows how the hell to handle it.”

“I think those who have impact and influence over us are often unaware.”

“We're not blank slates. What we've done, what we've survived all go into us.”

“Well,the hell with you." She natched up her purse. "The hell with both of you.""We love you, Margo."That stopped her.She whirled back to glare at Kate. "That's a lousy thing to say.Bitch." When Kate grinned,she tried to grin back.Instead she dropped her purse back behind the counter and burst into tears."Oh,shit." Shocked,Kate leaped forward to gather her close. "Oh,hell.Oh, shit.Lock the door,Laura.I'm sorry, Margo.I'm sorry.Bad plan.I thought you'd just get mad and go tearing off to fix his butt.What did the bastard do to you,honey?I'll fix his butt for you.""He dumped me." Thoroughly ashamed, she sobbed wretchedly on Kate's shoulder. "He hates me.I wish he were dead.I wish I had slept with Claudio.""Wait.Whoa." Firmly, Kate drew he back,while Laura brought over a cup of tea. "Who's Claudio and when didn't you sleep with him?""He's a friend,just a friend.And I never slept with him." The tears were so hot it felt as though her eyes were on fire. "Especially not when Josh found us in the bedroom.""Uh-oh."Kate rolled her eyes at Laura. "Is it a French farce or a Greek tragedy?You be the judge.""Shut up,Kate.Come on Margo.Let's sit down.This time you tell us everything.”

“It might be fun.""Love's supposed to be." Laura smiled. "When it's not hell.”

“Oh,right.Like he's been in a monestary copying scripture for the last ten years." Kate squared her shoulders, her feminist flag waving high. "It's none of his damn business if you've taken on the Fifth,Six,and Seventh fleets.”

“If I wasn't a man,I'd punch that jealous cat in the nose." His eyes lit up. "I'll get Susie to do it.”

“He braced his elbows on the desk,his brow on his fists. "She came shrieking across the court.I'd just hit a line drive,barely missed beaning her. Cameras rolling, and there I am trying to look my sixth-generational-hotelier best, the athletic yet intelligent, the world-traveled yet dedicated, the dashing yet concerned heir to the Templeton name.""You'd be good at that," Margo murmured, hoping to placate him. He didn't even look at her."Suddenly I've got my arms full of this half-naked, spitting, swearing, clawing mass who's screaming that my sister, her lesbian companion, and my whore attacked her." He pinched the bridge of his nose, hoping to relieve some pressure. "I figured out right away who my sister was. Though I didn't appreciate the term,I deduced you must be my whore.The lesbian companion might have stumped me,but for process of elimination." He lifted his head. "I was tempted to belt her,but I was too busy trying to keep her from ripping off my face.""It's such a nice face too." Hoping to soothe, she walked around the desk and sat on his lap. "I'm sorry she took it out on you.""She sratched me." He turned his head to show her the trio of angry welts on the side of his throat. Dutifully, Margo kissed them. "What am I going to do with you?" he asked wearily and rested his cheek on her head. Then he chuckled. "How the hell did you stuff her into one of those skinny lockers?" "It wasn't easy but it was fun."He narrowed his eyes. "You're not going to do it again,no matter what the provocation-unless you sedate her first.""Deal." Since the crisis seemed to have passed, she slipped a hand under his shirt, stroked it over his chest, watched his brow lift. "I've been waxed and polished.If you're interested.""Well,just so the day isn't a complete loss." He picked her up and carried her to the bed.”

“She's claiming assault,verbal and physical abuse,and now that I know Kate's a lesbian, that explains the sexual abuse she tossed it.""I am not a lesbian," Kate fumed. "Though the way she said it was an insult to any rational person who supports freedom of sexual preference." From his expression she realized it wasn't the time to get up on any liberal or feminist soapbox. Instead,she shifted,sulked. "And I never touched her in any sexual way.This is completely out of proportion,Josh and you know it.She gave us grief,and we gave her some back.That's all.""That's not all.The Templeton Resort isn't second-period gym class.”

“Imagine my surprise, my ditress, when one of our regular patrons raced screaming into camera range,her Templeton Spa robe flapping open, her eyes wild as she sputtered accusations about being attacked-bodily attacked-by Laura Templeton Ridgeway and her cohorts.""Oh,Josh,I'm so sorry." Laura turned her head away, hoping he'd take it for shame.It would never,never do to laugh. He showed his teeth. "One snicker,Laura. Just one.""I'm not snickering." Composed,she turned back."I'm terribly sorry.It must have been very embarrassing for you.""And don't it just be a laugh riot when they run that little scene?Of course, they'll beep out most of the dialogue to conform to Standards and Practices, but I think the viewing audience, the millions of people who tune into Informed each week will get the gist.""She started it," Kate said,then winced when he turned flinty eyes on her. "Well,she did.""I'm sure Mom and Dad will understand that completely." Even the stalwart Kate could be cowed."It was Margo's idea."Margo hissed through her teeth. "Traitor.She called Kate a lesbian."Shaking his head,Josh covered his face with his hands and rubbed hard."Oh, well,then, get the rope.""I suppose you'd have let her get away with it.She's been trying to damage the shop.She said nasty things to Laura," Margo went on,heating up. "And just the other day she came into the shop and called me a slut. A second-class slut.""And your answer was to gang up on her, three to one,smack her around, strip her naked,and shove her into a locker?""We never smacked her.Not once." Not, Margo thought,that she wouldn't have liked to. "As for the locker business, it was a matter of tradition.We did nothing more than embarrass her, which is no more than she deserved after the way she insulted us.And anyway, a real man would applaud our actions.”

“You've never been a whiner, Margo.""I could give lessons.It's time for me to grow up, take responsibility,be sensible.""Talk to life insurance salesman," Josh said dryly. "Apply for a library card.Clip coupons."She looked down her nose. "Spoken like a man born with not only a silver spoon but the whole place setting stuck in his arrogant little mouth.""I happen to have several library cards," he muttered. "Somewhere.""Do you mind?”

“Let's clear the air here,Joshua." She leaned forward,the confidence in her eyes sultry. "I like sex.i think it's an excellent form of entertainment. But I don't have to be entertained every time someone suggests a party.I select the time,the place, and my playmates."Satisfied,she sat back and lazily chose a tiny cake from the basket. That, she was sure,should settle that."You might be able to get away with that.If you hadn't been trembling and moaning under me half an hour ago.""I was not moaning."He smiled. "Oh,yes.You were." Yes,indeed,he was feeling much,much better. "And on the verge of writhing.""I never writhe.""You will.”

“I'll be sure to pass your comments along to the manager-after I fire him for letting you in.""Don't be cranky,Josh." She slanted her most persuasive smile his way, only slightly annoyed when she saw it didn't make a dent. "I'm sorry I woke you up.I wasn't thinking about the time.""Not thinking is one of your most highly honed skills.""I'm not going to fight with you, and I'm not going to apologize for not sleeping with you just because your ego's bruised."His smile was thin and sharp as a scalpel. "Duchess, if I'd gotten your clothes off,you not only wouldn't have to apologize,you'd be thanking me.""Oh,I see I'm mistaken.Your ego's not bruised, it's just painfully swollen.”

“And you just had to rush right over here to rub my face in it.""Nope. I rushed right over here to slap your face in it.""A rude but effective wake-up call," Laura commented and earned a shocked stare."I expected better from you.""You shouldn't have." Hands brisk and competent, she affixed a shiny silver bow to the box. "If you don't want to tell us what happened between you and Josh,fine.But you can't expect us to sit around quietly while you mope.""I have not been moping.""We've been cleaning up the blood spilling out of your heart for weeks." Kate passed Laura her credit card. "Face it,pal, you're just no fun anymore.""And that's all this friendship is about?Fun? I thought I might get a little support,a little sympathy, a little compassion.""Sorry," Laura imprinted the card with a steady sweep. "Fresh out.”

“Just so we know where we stand, darling.""I'll tell you just where we stand, darling.I don't need your insulting offer.I'm running my life my way.""And that's been such a rousing success so far.""I know what I'm doing.Take that ridiculous smirk off your face.""I can't.It sticks there every time you say you know what you're doing." But he tucked all the papers back in his briefcase, closed it. "I'll say this,I don't think it's an entirely moronic idea-this place.""Well,I'll sleep easy now, knowing I have your approval.""Approval's a little strong.It's more like hopeful resignation." He gave the banister a last wiggle. "But I believe in you,Margo."Temper died into confusion. "Damn you, Josh.I can't keep up with you.""Good." He strolled over, flicked a finger down her cheek. "I think you're going to make something out of this shop that'll surprise everyone. Especially you." He leaned down,and when he kissed her this time it was light and friendly. "Got cab fare?""Excuse me?"Grinning, he pulled keys out of his pocket. "Fortunately, I had a spare set to the Jag. Don't work too late, duchess."She didn't smile until he was well out of sight.”

“A budget?"He'd expected an explosion.Even, perversely,hoped for one.Margo's tantrums were always so..stimulating.It didn't appear that he was going to be disappointed."A budget?" she repeated,storming to him. "Of all the unbelievable,bloody nerve.You arrogant son of a bitch. Do you think I'm going to stand here and let you treat me like some sort of brainless bimbo who needs to be told how much she can spend on face powder?""Face powder." Deliberately, he scanned the papers,took a pen out of his pocket,and made a quick note. "That would come under 'Miscellaneous Luxuries.' I think I've been very generous there. Now,as to your clothing allowance-""Allowance!" She used both hands to shove him back a step. "Just let me tell you what you can do with your fucking allowance.""Careful,duchess." He brushed the front of his shirt. "Turnbill and Asser."The strangled sound in her throat was the best she could do.If there had been anything at all to throw,she'd have heaved it at his head. "I'd rather be picked apart,alive, by vultures than let you handle the money.""You don't have any money," he began, but she barreled on as she whirled around the room. Watching her, he all but salivated."I'd rather be gang-raped by midgets, staked naked to a wasp nest,be force-fed garden slugs.""Go three weeks without a manicure?" he put in and watched her hands curl into claws. "You go after my face with those, I'll have to hurt you.""Oh,I hate you.""No,you don't.”

“In all the illusions, you're the only truth that I need”

“...She'd gone past interest, swung into attraction, burst through lust, tripped over affection, and was now skidding out of control into love.”

“Laura had warned him not to expect much. It was a good thing. "Have you and Kate been smoking grass in here?""That's all she ever does on her lunch hour.We really have to get her into a program." Thrilled with herself, Margo spread her arms. "So,what do you think?""Uh-huh.It's a building, all right.""Josh.""Give me a minute." He walked past her into the adjoining room, came back, looked into the bath, gazed up the pretty, and potentially lethal, staircase. He wiggled the banister, winced. "Want a lawyer?”

“How are you holding up?""I'm good.And still untouched," she added. "Are you alone in that bed?""Except for the six members of the all-girl Swedish volleyball team.Helga's got a hell of a spike.Aren't you going to ask what I'm wearing?""Black Speedos,sweat,and a big smile.""How'd you guess?So,what are you wearing?"Slowly,she ran a tongue around her teeth. "Oh,just this little..very little..white lace teddy.""And stiletto heels.""Naturally.With a pair of sheer hose.They have little pink roses around the tops. It matches the one I'm tucking between my breasts right now. I should add I've just gotten out of the tub.I'm still a little..wet.""Jesus.You're too good at this.I'm hanging up."Her response was a long, throaty laugh."I'm going to love driving the Jag.let me know when to expect the shipment."When the phone clicked in her ear,she laughed again,turned, and found herself nearly face to face wth Kate. "how long have you been standing there?""Long enough to be confused.Were you just having [hone sex with Josh? Our Josh?"Carelessly,Margo brushed her hair behind her ear. "It was more foreplay really.”

“Come on,let's go stuff her in a locker. For old time's sake.”

“Now if you tell me there were six other naked women and three attendants hanging around who saw you shove her into the locker,i'll have to kill you.""There was nobody else there.We're not idiots."she grimaced. "I know you think we are, but we're not stupid enough to have done it in front of witnesses. Actually, we timed it that way so she'd be stuck in there longer." she smiled weakly. "it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“Kate studied the clipboard and the pocket calculator on the floor."Did you figure out how to work that thing?""You don't have to be a CPA to use a calculator.""I meant the clipboard.""Ha ha.”

“Now if we're finished jousting over sex-""Darling,I haven't even picked up my lance.""That's a very weak double entendre."She had him there. "It's early.why don't you tell me why i'm having breakfast with you.""I was up all night."The comment that occurred to him was not only weak,but crude.He let it pass.”

“I'll just go rub some salt in her wounds,then i think I'll run out and kick some puppies on my way to foreclosing on my quota of widows and orphans.”

“Pleasure at simply being there had him swinging fast across the road, shooting up the snaking lane carved into the rock, then, in shock, slamming on the brakes to avoid crashing into a high iron gate.He scowled at it for a moment before the intercom beside his car buzzed on. "Templeton House.May i help you?""What the hell is this? Who put this damn thing up?""I-Mr. Joshua?"Recognizing the voice, he struggled to bank down on his irritation. "Annie, open this ridiculous gate,will you? And unless we're under attack, leave the damn thing open.”

“Oh, i'm going to kick his ass, and when i'm done, i'm going to squeeze his balls blue.”

“ Flori, lumânări, lungi plimbări sub clar de lună printr-o grădină tainică...Ofta numai gândindu-se la toate acestea. Să danseze în lumina lunii, într-o grădină retrasă, acesta era idealul ei când venea vorba despre romantism. Îşi putea imagina totul - mirosul trandafirilor de vară, muzica răzbătând prin geamurile deschise ale unei săli de bal, felul în care lumina arunca reflexii argintii peste peisajul din jur, ca în filme. Îşi dorea să danseze în lumina lunii, într-o grădină tainică.”

“ - Ştiu. Da, aşa este. Ea este lumina. Înainte, poţi să umbli prin întuneric sau să te descurci în lumina slabă. Nici măcar nu ştii că-i slabă, pentru că aşa a fost mereu. Dar apoi, ea e lumina. Totul se schimbă. - Dacă lumina se stinge sau, mai rău, dacă eşti destul de prost încât să o stingi singur, este cu mult mai întuneric decât era înainte.”

“Dragostea te poate da peste cap, înainte să-ţi dai seama cum să trăieşti cu ea. Şi odată ce ai făcut-o? Te întrebi cum naiba ai putut trăi fără.”

“ - Parcă mai ieri alergai pe gazon cu prietenii tăi, încercând din greu să câştigi premii la aruncarea inelelor sau să spargi pinata. La fel ca mama ta, aduceai culoare şi viaţă. - Papa! - Cel care va primi acea culoare şi viaţă va fi un om norocos, spuse Philip, privindu-l în ochi pe Jack. Iar cel care le va aprecia va fi un înţelept. - Papa, repetă ea, pe un ton de avertisment. - Un om nu are parte de prea multe comori, spuse el bătând-o cu degetul pe nas.”

“- Şi-mi pare rău pentru faza aceea. De fapt nu chiar, pentru că a căzut din senin. Bine, nu în întregime, din moment ce am simţit ceva pentru el când mă aflam sub capotă.- Capotă? Poftim...Aaa, maşina. Doamne numai cineva care te cunoaşte de-o viaţă ar putea înţelege jumătate din ceea ce spui.”

“-Vai nu există veste mai fericită decât cea legată de un copil. Philip, o să mai avem un bebe. -Ai grijă ce spui. Ultima dată când ai zis asta, a apărut Emmaline după nouă luni.Râzând, Lucia se aşeză lângă el şi-l îmbrăţişă, apăsându-şi obrazul de al lui.”

“În opinia lui Emmaline, dragostea făcea din ea o femeie specială. Dragostea făcea orice femeie să fie frumoasă şi transforma bărbatul într-un prinţ. O femeie care avea parte de dragoste în viaţă era la fel de bogată ca o regină, pentru că inima ei era preţuită.”

“Oh, God. God, isn't that perfect? He's Dad. He's Dad with a layer of nerd. Solid, steady, chipping away so patiently, you don't even know you've had your shields hacked down until you're defenseless. It's the type." "You're not in love with a type, you're in love with a man," Penny corrected. "Or you're not.”

“They never see what you are." Shocked, Jude glanced around to see who'd spoken, then realized she had."Don't they?" Brenna wanted to know, lifting her brow as she topped off Jude's glass yet again."They see a reflection of their own perception. Whore or angel, mother or child. Depending on their view, they're compelled to protect or conquer or exploit. Or you're a convenience," she murmured."Easily discarded.”

“We’re stuck now because you wheedledme into falling in love with you. So we get through whatever there is to get through.” He kissed her. “Withor without porn.”

“She was the only woman he was afraid he would beg for.”

“The wounded recognized the wounded.”

“When somebody walks out, it leaves a hole in you. Some people fill it up, the good and the bad, and get on that way. Some people leave it open, maybe long enough to heal, maybe too long, picking at it now and then so it doesn't heal all the way.”

“De pe raft, feţele lor din poză zâmbeau către ea. Momentele veneau şi plecau, se gândi ea. Iubirea era cea care le lega între ele, pentru a crea viaţa.”

“-Au fost două persoane excepţionale. -Şi tu eşti la fel. Nu îmi pierd timpul cu prieteni care nu sunt excepţionali, spuse Parker.”

“Pentru asta existau fotografii. Totul se schimbă, aşa că trebuie să imortalizezi ceea ce a fost. Înainte ca zua de mâine să ia totul.”

“-E vorba despre călătoria pe care o parcurge şi despre acceptarea ei. E viaţa şi lumina din tine. Şi iubirea. Ochii Rosei se umeziră, iar ea îşi trecu mâinile peste burtică.”

“-Sunt enormă. -Într-un fel superb. Pun pariu că abia aştepţi. Hai să ne aşezăm puţin. Aţi ales deja numele?”

“-Ăsta e numărul meu privat, nu cel de serviciu. Îmi dai un telefon? -Sigur. Probabil că peste o oră ar fi prea curând,nu? Ea râse şi îi puse carneţelul şi stiloul în mână.”