“When she didn't continue, he shrugged. "Just let me bring you coffee. I want to wait on you. Makes me happy”

“Text me when you want to see me again, he signed. I'm giving you your space, but know this: I will wait forever for you.”

“Butch, let me help you."He cursed. "What if-""What ifs don't cut it." She took a deep breath. "I won't lie. I'm scared. But I don't want to turn my back on you and you're a fool to try and make me."He shook his head, respect in his eyes. "You always been this courageous?""No. But it appears that for you, I guess I am. So are you going to let me in?""I want to. I feel like I need to.”

“And it was funny. The silence of him had a bizarre effect on her. Normally, she was the quiet one in situations, preferring to keep her own council and not share her thoughts on anything. But with John's mute presence, she felt curiously compelled to talk."I'm stuffed," she said, lying back against the pillows. As he cocked a brow and lifted the last Danish, she shook her head."God...no. I couldn't manage another thing."And it was only then that he began to eat."You waited for me ?" she said, frowning. When he ducked her gaze and shrugged, she cursed softly." You didn't have to."Another shrug. As she watched him, she murmured, "You have beautiful table manners." His blush was the color of Valentine's Day and she had to tell her heart to calm the fuck down as it started to beat fast.”

“You know,” he said, “this is why I love you so much.”Her tone was heartbreakingly warm. “What do you mean?”You don’t ask me to go inside because it’s cold. You just want to make it easier for me to be where I want to stand.”

“The rejection didn't faze him. "Fine. If I can't have you, then you do the taking. Have all of me, part of me, a small piece, whatever you want. Just please, have something.”

“That's where you come in. I want into that guy's mind, and you need to tell me how to do it."Ad shrugged. "Personally, I'd just use a hacksaw, but—""There are potential consequences and side effects," Eddie said carefully."Like what?""Well, worst case... he could end up like Adrian.”