“I would say it was nice to meet you, but I was naked so… it wasn’t.”

“Getting up from the table, shaking a little at her unraveling, Ari cuffed Charlie across the head. “Be nice.”“Tell him to be nice!”“I can’t,” she snorted, looking back over her shoulder at them. “If I did that he’d actually have to be nice… it would be like re-writing his entire personality.”Jai grunted. “Funny.”

“Would everyone stop saying arse!".... "I know, its called an ass, people. Ass”

“Els, I don't even know where to start. I'm so sorry. God, I'm so sorry.""Adam - ""I can't lose you, Els. I can't believe I fucked up like this but you have to forgive me. I can't lose you.”

“When I didn't say anything, he came closer, dropping slowly to his haunches so we were at eye level. My eyes searched his gorgeous face and for once, I wished I could break my own damn rules. I had a feeling Braden would be able to make me forget everything for a while.We gazed at one another for what seemed like forever, not saying a word. I was expecting a lot of questions since it must have been clear to everyone, or at least the adults at the table, that I had had a panic attack. Surely, they were all wondering why, and I really didn't want to go back out there."Better?" Braden finally asked softly.Wait. Was that it? No probing questions?"Yeah." No, not really.He must have read my reaction to his question in my face because he cocked his head to the side, his gaze thoughtful. "You don't need to tell me."I cracked a humorless smile. "I'll just let you think I'm bat-shit crazy."Braden smiled back at me. "I already know that.”

“You're like a brother to me. I would never do anything to hurt you. And I know I haven't been what a brother would consider good material for his wee sister, but I love Ellie, Braden. I have for a long time now, and I can't not be with her. I've wasted too much time as it is.”

“Have you ever cheated on someone?" Whoa. Where did that come from? "Well?" Was this an interview to date her brother?Staring her straight in the eye so she would know I was being deadly serious, I replied more honestly than ever, trusting Ellie not to push me too much on the subject, "I never get close enough to anyone for that to be an issue.”