“Just reflecting on the fact that when the Universe punches you in the teeth, it never just lets you fall down. It kicks you in the ribs a couple of times and dumps mud on your head.”

“Kaldar smiled at her. Now there was a work of art. If she were just a girl and he were just a man, and they met at a party, that smile would've guaranteed him a date. The man was hot. There was no doubt. But right now, all it would get him was a solid punch in those even teeth. Audrey laughed. "Aren't you sweet? Tell me, do girls usually throw their panties at you when you do that?"He grinned wider, and she glimpsed the funny evil spark in his eyes. "Do men throw money when you do your little Southern belle?”

“I'm going to kick you in the head when I get home. Repeatedly.”

“Oh, so it was a lifesaving kiss.""Well, if you want to put it that way..."Arrogant jackass. "Do me a favor: next time you think my life needs saving, just let me die. I'd really prefer it."He laughed.She shook her head. "I'm going to the front with the boys. Don't follow me. You and your paramedic kisses need time to cool off.”

“How much are you lifting?""Seven hundred."Alrighty then. I will just stand over here, out of your way, and hope you don't remember to kick my ass.He grinned. "Wanna spot me?""No thanks. How about I just scream verbal encouragements at you?" I took a deep breath and barked, "No pain, no gain! That pain is just weakness leaving your body! Come on! Push! Push! Make that weight your bitch!”

“How are you?""Perfectly fine," he said."Are your ribs broken?""Probably not. Cracked at most. We fought very carefully.""Did this settle anything?""It made me feel better," he said, sitting up. "Did you see me kick him in the kidneys?""I saw.”

“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.”