“I'm having an argument with myself. And I'm losing. So not good.”

“Coward, says the nagging voice inside my head. You should talk to him. Find out what he has to say.What if he says we belong together?Well, then you'll have to deal with that. But at least you won't be running away.I think it's more of a brisk walk.Whatever.I'm having an argument with myself. And I'm losing. So not a good sign.”

“Tucker," I say. "I'm so glad you're still here."I throw myself into his arms. He hugs me tightly."I couldn't leave," he says."I know.""I mean, literally. I don't have a ride.”

“Are you any good at it?""Pulling idiots out of the snow? I'm the best.”

“I don't know if it's the terrible pain from my shouler or the weight of his emotional baggage, but I feel like I'm losing all sense of reality.”

“It' like he has the ability to take on some of my pain. I feel so much better around him. Stronger. And he is willing to take my pain. He wants to bear it with me. I can see it shining in his eyes. I'm more than a duty to him. I'm more than his literal dream girl. I'm so much more.”

“I'm in love with Tucker Avery.”