Cindi Madsen

“I haven't done anything you're supposed to do. Like get so drunk you puke and don't remember the rest of the night.""Overrated, I swear."She looked at me, that deadly look on her face, and I held up my hands. "Fine. You wanna get drunk and puke, I'm not gonna stop you.""But I want to do, like more than just drinking." Her brow furrowed and I could practically see the wheels in her brain spinning. "I should make a list and outline a plan."I was going to point out that list-making wasn't the best way to let loose, but I decided to let it go.”

“Well, I go wherever the ring takes me. Not because I’m a gold digger or anything; it’s more of a Lord of the Rings thing. This ring gives me powers. Though I’m totally going to lose it when my hair falls out and I start calling it ‘my precious.”

“I couldn't imagine choosing shopping when sex was an option.”

“The toddler started making this whine/moan noise while pawing at Tabitha. I know as a woman I'm supposed to have this innate love of babies, but the truth is, they kind of remind me of zombies. They stumble around, arms out, moaning. And if they get a hold of you, they suck the energy out of you.”

“A pair of great heels was much more satisfying than a man. They lasted longer, and better yet, they didn’t leave me for someone prettier.”

“Excuse me? Do you mind if I sit next to you? This spot has the best view of..." I glanced out the window. "The... gravel roof.”

“You went to a party, did a keg stand, and got so drunk you forgot half the night. Congrats on this amazing milestone in your life." He squeezed my leg. "What are you gonna do next?""Uh, Disneyland?”

“I think it’s cool that you care about your heritage, but yet you don’t conform. Promise me that no matter what happens, you’ll never lose that feisty, impulsive side of you.”

“When I look at you, you know what I see?"I met her gaze, finding it suddenly hard to breathe."I see the guy who saw me when no one else did," she said. "That's what matters to me. That's who you are.”

“You don't have any baking stuff, do you? I like to bake when I'm hyper. My mom and I were supposed to make all the Christmas cookies tomorrow, but it looks like I won't be there for that. We always make chocolate chip ones shaped like trees and stars and such because sugar cookies are good and all, but there's no chocolate and when chocolate's an option, why wouldn't you have it?”

“Cinderella was the first fairy tale I remember - the one I was most obsessed with because of the gowns and magic and pretty shoes. Yes, her home life was less than ideal - and considering the talking mice and birds, she probably needed serious therapy.”

“Mom laughed. "Well that's why, when it's real, you do whatever you have to do to work it out. Screw stability. Forget common sense. Make a move.”

“Kelsey flopped next to him, propping her elbow on the back of the couch so she was facing him. "Do you have something against happiness?""Yes. Don't tell anyone, but I moonlight as the Grinch.”

“Look, I know you’re a guy—” “Damn straight.” “And there’s some man rule that you’ve got to be all macho—” “Rule number three, actually.” Both of her eyebrows shot up. “Would you just let me finish before I make you cry and break rule number three.”

“He put his hand on my thigh. "No worries, I got you now babe.”

“Troy smiled down at her, and her heart jumped into her throat. The lights turned his skin colors. Red, green, blue. Glimpses of every shade of Troy, and they all looked good. The song ended, and the world seemed to stop, just her and Troy, standing in the middle of the floor.”

“In all fairness, darlin’, I should probably warn you that this ain’t my first rodeo.”

“Nate wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Let's get you back and I'll build you a fire."She liked the way he said it. He'd build HER a fire.” ...As they walked toward the house, he reached out and took her hand. The gloves blocked the skin on skin feel, but a jolt still went through him.Speaking of fire, he was pretty sure he was playing with it right now.”

“I do love you. I love you so much I can hardly breathe, and I don’t know how we’ll work everything out, but I want to. I’ve never wanted anything more.”

“Hey, Kelsey." He squinted at her. "I knew the water in Charlotte was a problem, but I didn't know it made hair turn purple," he joked.Kelsey smiled at him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Well, it looks like the water here makes your hair fall out, so I guess I'll stick with Charlotte's.”