“That’s when she’d learned that male egos and fruit had a lot in common: Both bruised easily.”

“The guy behind the counter had been seriously adorable. Model-level cute. She had mentioned that, and Allan, her then boyfriend, hadn't taken it well.That's when she'd learned that male egos and fruit had a lot in common: Both bruised easily.”

“Paul sold his soul for you, didn’t he?’ Riley turned towards him, astonished, ‘How did you know?’ Beck adjusted the blanket again. ‘I just figured it out. That’s what a man should do for his daughter. Or his woman.’ He looked her straight in the eyes. ‘I’d do it for you if it kept ya safe,’ he said tenderly. He’d go to Hell for me. In that instant, Riley knew she’d do the same for him.”

“What about Beck?""Backwoods Boy? Are you crazy? It'd be a threesome - me, him and his overbearing ego. Definitely doomed to failure.”

“It’s up to you to fill it. Find things that mean something to you, that represent times where you’ve overcome an obstacle, learned something important. Put those items in the bag and they’ll help you find your strength.’ ‘I’m not sure if that’s going to help much.’ Unless I put a brick in it and nail Brandy between the eyes.”

“I'll be there for ya, girl. No matter what.Beck took a deep breath and released it slowly. He had to stay strong for her, make the tough decisions. It was best that Paul's daughter never know how he felt about her. There'd be less hurt that way, for both of them.Just keep her safe, God. I can settle for that.”

“Girl? He pressed.The name is Riley, she shot back. Learn it. Use it!”