“Right then I should have also thought about the curve balls coming my way, but sometimes it’s really hard to see things until theyhit you upside the head. Then it’s too late.”

“There is a measure of safety in blindness, but you can't find happiness in safety, no matter how much you want to.”

“...I'll stumble through all the words, knowing I couldn't begin to tell her what I'm feeling. There're no words for that.”

“It’s hard to say no to Nate, even when he’s wearing a shirt. I should have made him cover his face too.”

“Sometimes you have to wander around until you find where you really belong. And sometimes it's right where you started.”

“My stomach flip-flopped, and I let his words play over in my head. “So, no costume?”Tod shrugged. “Nah. Don’t get me wrong—it’s hot. But it’s hot in an obvious kind of way. It’s not really you.”I frowned. “Because I’m not obviously sexy?”“Because you are obviously sexy. Some girls may need costumes to make guys want them, but I couldn’t possibly want you morethan I do right now, no matter what you were wearing. Or not wearing.”I stared up at him. “How is it possible that every time you open your mouth, I—” fall more in love with you “—melt a little more?”

“I put my hands on my hips. “What’s wrong with the way I look?”“Come on, Vi,” he says, keeping his voice low. “You just need to add your boots and you’re like the forest version of Lara Croft.”“Excuse me? Lara who?”“I mean, it’s really sexy and everything.” He pulls me closer and slips his arms around my waist. “But it’s not exactly the way I’d want you to meet my mom.”