“Jessica felt like a heroine in a tragic, dramatic love story. She lifted her chin and turned away. It was all over.”

“He felt, rather than saw, her chin lift toward him. But instead of pulling her hand from his grip and turning away, she tightened her own fingers and unceremoniously, unexpectedly, threw herself down the incline, dragging him with her.Dragging him with her!”

“No new beginnings.Damn it, it shouldn’t bother her!But it did. She tried to turn away, but his hand flashed out and caught her by the chin.“Let me go,” she snapped.“Nay.” His grip was implacable on her jaw.There was little point in fighting for control of her face; he could have hoisted her into the air with that one big hand on her jaw, if he’d wished.He searched her gaze a long silent moment. “You truly doona ken it, do you? Excepting with you, Jessica. You, lass, are the exception to everything,” he said softly.As if he’d not just knocked the breath out of her with those words and left her feeling weak-kneed, he released her chin, turned away, and began pushing the cart again.”

“People are all over the world telling their one dramatic story and how their life has turned into getting over this one event. Now their lives are more about the past than their future.”

“She set her mouth, lifted her chin. "I'm not leaving you here. No matter what.”

“Why?" Why wouldn't he let her go? Why did he make her stay?She felt the brush of his lips over her hair."Because I need you.""You don't know me.""I know." His finger under her chin lifted her face. "But I've waited centuries for the chance.”