As it was, I couldn't escape the feeling that I was out of my element. I found myself thinking of a book I'd left half-read at home and wishing I'd stuck it in my purse so I could pull it out now.

Bubba made a sound of disapproval "You're not supposed to be kissing on anybody else, Miss Sookie" he said "Bill said it was okay, but I don't like it.

JB’s mother had taught him early on that appreciated women are happy women.

...But also because I find I really do…" He paused, as if he were about to say something outrageous. "I find I have feelings for you." "Oh," I said into his chest, sounding as astonished as Eric had(...)"Eric," I said, after a long pause, "I almost hate to say this, but I have feelings for you, too.

I don't like having feelings," Eric said coldly, and he left. That was a tough exit line to top.

Not a creature was stirring, not even an elf.

Trees had died to make these forms, and that seemed a great pity to me.