“he lets me take the orders, standing at my side likemy own personal Mexican food encyclopedia”

“Other than the fact that I’m entirely sick of Mexican food, Abe might be in there. And he might accidentally-on-purpose drop a plate of enchiladas into Harlin’s lap if we’re together.”

“Is it wrong that I’m wishing for congestive heart failure now?” he asks through the food.”

“Harlin smiles softly and steps up, wrapping his arms around me as he brings his lips to my ear. I close my eyes. "I hate every second I'm away from you," he says. "Don't ever doubt that." And then he kisses me.”

“I’ll go to church if you cut my hair tomorrow. But then you have to let me paint your portrait sometime.”“You paint?” I’m honestly surprised.“I haven’t in a long time,” he says. “But I find you inspiring.”“I’d be interested to see your work,” I say. “Wait, you don’t mean nude or anything, right?”He laughs. “No. You’ll be fully clothed.”

“You're my girl, Tessa Crimson. You'll always be my girl." He brought me close to him and wrapped me up in his arms, staring down into my face. "And even if we aren't together, that won't change.”

“Jeremy takes the money and heads toward the back bedroom to get dressed.“Chinese? I’ll come with,” Henry calls, but then pauses to look at us, one eyebrow raised.Harlin laughs and puts his arm around me. “Don’t even say it,” he warns. “You’ll embarrass her.” But he always says it.“Charlotte,” Henry begins in a mock parental tone, “when two people love each other, they may have certain urges. Protection is an important—”“Oh my God!” I cover my ears and laugh. I wait until his lips have stopped moving before I drop my arms.”