“I don't know if you heard, but I kind of run this place.”

“I almost had her."Curran nodded. "I heard. And you could've taken her, too."My voice came out flat. "Rub it in, why don't you."He grinned. "No time for that now, maybe later."I closed my eyes. There wouldn't be any later."Are you imagining me rubbing it in?" he asked.”

“Oh, I don't know. I might grow on you."She furrowed her pretty eyebrows. "Like a cancer?""Like a favorite vice.”

“It depends. If I don't let you in, will you huff and puff and blow my house down?" She had no idea. "I'm more of a kick the door open and cut everyone inside to ribbons kind of wolf.”

“I know you'll tell me to fuck off, but I think Curran loves you. Truly loves you. And I think you love him, Kate. That's rare. Think about it--if he really stood you up, why would he be so pissed off about the whole thing? You both can be assholes of the first order, so don't let the two of you throw it away. If you're going to walk away from it, at least walk away knowing the whole picture.""You're right. Fuck off. I don't need him," I told her.”

“It was the kind of place you went when your earthly troubles became too much for you and you were looking for a creative way to commit suicide.”

“Juke glanced into her cup before tipping it down to her mouth. "Screw you!""Now come on, sugar, you know I don't swing that way.""Whatever!”