“Just keep her away from bookstores, if you can."Bookstores.Thanks, Grayson. That helps.Apparently whoever said, "no harm ever came from reading a book," hadn't met this girl.”

“He wants to get back together," she finished."And you said...?" he tried to keep his tone disinterested. "I haven't said anything," she said. "You interrupted me before I could answer him."He congratulated himself on his excellent timing.”

“You coming?"She hesitated, weighing her options. Risk running back down the flaming aisles to find another exit? Or trust the guy who'd been stalking her all afternoon?The fire spread to the nearby shelves. The heat was growing unbearable."You cut me deep," he said. "You'd actually choose a fiery death over the prospect of my company. I have to admit, that stings a bit.”

“He reached out, put his hands on her shoulders and pressed downwards. She fell into a seated position against a fallen tree."Sit," he said. "Stay.""That's cute," she said. "Tell me to 'heel' and see what happens.”

“She's fine," said Declan, defensive. "You're fine, right?"She gave him a look. "Peachy.""See? Both Alex and her astounding wit have made it here intact. Her sense of humour seems to be M.I.A, but I'm pretty sure that was a pre-existing condition.”

“I trust you not to kill, main, or drown me without just provocation.”

“Just say, 'no', Alex, dear.""You make him sound like a drug.”