“Merit. Have you finally decided to ditch the zero and get with the hero?” Ethan cleared his throat—loudly—while I bit back a smile. I didn’t see anything wrong with reminding Ethan that I had other options. Even if they were slightly goofy options I’d never actually take advantage of.”

“Well?” he asked, smiling devilishly. “I promise, I won’t hurt you, Nikki. In fact, I imagine you’ll enjoy my company, tremendously.”I let out a ragged sigh and nodded.He stared at my mouth. “I’d like to hear you say it.”I cleared my throat. “Come in, Ethan.”

“Do you like being teased?" I whispered."I enjoy previews," he said, the words confident, but his voice rough with arousal. -Merit and Ethan”

“Can't you just tell me now?""No, I need someone to eat with."A slight smile rose to my lips. "Am I supposedto believe that I'm your only option?""No. But you're my favorite option.”

“I decided that a movie marathon was clearly in order. I tried to narrow down the options. Anything romantic was definitely out, as was anything involving space travel, kings, or handsome princes. Preferably there should be no good-looking men whatsoever, lest they remind me of Aeron. Sadly, that eliminated practically everything.”

“There’s a lot of things wrong with this country, but one of the few things still right with it is that a man can steer clear of the organized bullshit if he really wants to. It’s a goddamned luxury, and if I were you, I’d take advantage of it while you can.”