Because he knew the best way to get what he wanted was to break down what made us strongest. And our friendships were what made us strong.

If they just carried on like always, everything would be ok.

He reached for her and kissed her. It was all at once passionate, as if there was too much in him to contain. He was immediately swept up in it. It took no effort, the difference between swimming on your own and being washed away in a flood.

Love always hurts. That’s one thing I know you know. But it’s worth it. That’s what you don’t know. Yet.

But that would leave Paxton to fend for herself, and the last thing any woman wanted in this kind of situation was to look around and see all the people who could help her doing nothing.

He was the only person in the world she was tongue-tied around, and yet the only person she really wanted to talk to.

She'd always known he didn't love her. But it was easier to bear when he didn't know she loved him. That way they were even. Now he knew he had all the power.