“You're spunky. I like it." He took a sip of his beer."You're creepy. I don't like it.”

“I know what party you’re talking about. I might have to swing through. Especially if you’re going to be there in a costume.” He winked and leaned back in his seat.“I’m going as a homeless person.”“Sexy.”

“Marshall perched hesitantly beside me."They asked me to protect you."My eyes widened. "What? Who did? The Sisterhood?""No, the Teletubbies did. Of course, the Sisterhood." Marshall rolled his eyes at me, and it took all of my will power not to shove him off the bench.”

“Hey,” he said. “Hi.” Oh, damn. It was awkward.“What’re you doing?”“Shearing a sheep. It’s cold outside, and I need a new hat.”He paused. “You’re joking, right?”“Yes, Marshall.” I gnawed on my fingers some more and sunk back in my chair.”

“Okay, I'm sorry for not turning up yesterday." His feet pounded against the pavement as he ran to catch up with me. "Don't be mad. Even though you're sexy as hell when you are." He grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop."Don't touch me," I shouted. "Just leave me alone. Wherever I go, there you are being creepy and pervy. I'm sick of this, Marshall. And, you know what? I don't give a shit about your secrets. Keep them. I hope they make you feel all warm and snugly at night.”

“There's nothing wrong with Sam," I said again. "He's...nice."Mercy groaned. "You mean he was too nice, don't you?""I'm not used to people being so nice to me. It was kinda creepy.""I'm gonna offer you some advice," Mercy said, leaning in closer to me. "When a boy is a gentleman to you and is actually nice, Amerie, you don't shoot him down. You don't call them creepy and chase them away! God, I don't know what to do with you.""Stop trying?" I offered hopefully.""Not a chance.”

“You're impossible," he murmured. "But you're worth it.”