“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.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“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.”

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

“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.”