“You like salsa, though?” she asked, looking incredulously at him. “Sure I do. I get to grope and show off a beautiful woman while I choose the steps and direct the dance. What more would a controlling bastard like me want?”

“I figured she wanted to get into it with me, some he's-my-man-so-step-off song and dance. If so, she would have to dance solo.I don't do drama.”

“The style sounded like I look. What good would it do if I sounded like Sinatra? People would look at me and look at him and choose him.”

“Zoe gave him a look that was difficult to interpret. Eventually she asked, "What makes you sure I couldn't handle you?"She didn't know what she was asking for, from a man who couldn't remember what it was like to be innocent. Lightly gripping her hair, Alex forced her face close to his. The blond curls danced around his fingers and tickled the backs of his hands. " I 'm a bastard in bed, Zoe," he said quietly. " I 'm selfish and mean as the devil. I have to have all the control. And I 'm...not nice”

“No?” She looked at him incredulously. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t chop him into worthless-bastard-themed confetti.”

“Now give me a kiss, say you love me and off you go.""Sure, Aunt Lu," I said, and I gave her the kiss she wanted. Then I ran out and caught my bus. I didn't say I loved her. I guess I did. But asking someone to say they love you--and she always asked--is like buying yourself a birthday present. It's more than likely exactly what you want. But it must make you feel awfully sad to get it.”