“You can't honestly be thinking about going back there," said Alex."Apparently my brother isn't only lacking in people skills," said Kenzie. "He's also lacking in common sense. Stupidity, however, he appears to have in abundance.”

“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.”

“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.”

“They sailed through the intersection...and only barely missed getting creamed by the cross-traffic.Nate was smiling. "Did you see that?""Yes, Nathaniel." Kenzie had a white-knuckle grip on the door. "You have a bright future ahead of you as a wheelman for the mob. We're all so proud. Now focus on the road, please.”

“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.”

“You can't tell me you're not cold in those shorts.""Freezing," she admitted, handing Alex her messenger bag as she got to her feet. "But dammit, I look cute and we both know that's what counts.""Naturally.”