“I'm just saying it's not time for that either. We need to focus and having Maya moon over Rafe is making everyone uncomfortable."Rafe grinned. "Doesn't bother me.”

“His gaze travelled down me, then zipped back to my face. "Sorry.""Focus, Rafe.""I am. Just on the wrong thing.”

“Rafe grinned. "So we are dating?""No. You have to pass the parental exam first. It'll take you awhile to compile the data. They'd like it in triplicate."I turned to my parents. "We have Kenji. We have my cell phone. Since we aren't officially dating, I'm sure you'll agree that's all the protection we need."Dad chocked on his coffee.”

“You don't want to sit by me?" Rafe called to her with a grin."No, I don't," Layla said. "I wouldn't sit by you if every other seat in the room was on fire.""Ouch." Rafe winced, then rebounded with a sleazy smile. "That would hurt me if I believed it. You know you're curious to go for a ride.""About as curious as I am to get syphilis," Layla snapped.”

“Another night then,' Mom said. 'Maybe on the weekend we can have a barbecue and invite your sister.' 'Or,' I said turning to Rafe, 'if you want to skip the whole awkward meet-the-family social event you could just submit your life story including your view on politics religion and every social issue imaginable along with anything else you think they might need to conduct a thorough background check.' Mom sighed. 'I really don't know why we even bother trying to be subtle around you.' 'Neither do I. It's not like he isn't going to realize he's being vetted as daughter-dating material.' Rafe grinned. 'So we are dating.' 'No. You have to pass the parental exam first. It'll take you awhile to compile the data. They'd like it in triplicate.' I turned to my parents. 'We have Kenjii. We have my cell phone. Since we aren't yet officially dating I'm sure you'll agree that's all the protection we need.' Dad choked on his coffee.”

“Lindsey: Why would you choose me?Rafe: Because you're the one I want.”