Caught Up (Windy City, #3)

by Liz Tomforde

I’m self-aware enough to know that I have an innate need to be the best at whatever checkmark or goal I’m chasing.

“He’ll be on his hands and knees most of the time.” “As all men should be.”

Just because we’re dealing with our own stuff, doesn’t mean I can’t hear about yours.

I’m tired of worrying all the time, tired of wondering if I’m messing everything up.

I like the way that sounds far too much. Almost as much as I’m enjoying the way his arm feels heavy and possessive around my waist.

She’s not wrong. It’s stunning out here. Both the view and the girl I shouldn’t be looking at.

For someone who has always felt alone in my responsibilities, never having anyone else to rely on, it’s not easy for me to see the help around me. But it’s there.

“I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.”

I don’t need him looking at her like that either, as if she might be the prettiest girl he’s ever seen. She is, but he shouldn’t be noticing.

“Be my problem.”

She feels like heaven. Warm and cozy. She also feels like mine.

She’s watching someone try a pastry right now, but I’m only watching her.

I think you could change directions a hundred more times in your life, and you’d never be too stuck to do so. Life is about finding your joy, living in a way that brings you and others happiness.

“In fact, you should stop entertaining other boys in general.”

“It’s always been only for you.”

“And I’ve never enjoyed something as much as I enjoy you.”

I think she might be a little bit crazy. My favorite brand of crazy, but crazy nonetheless.

“Because it’s her dream, and I care about her too much to not help her chase it, even if that means I won’t be there when she gets everything she’s worked for.”

He’s so handsome, so kind. Cares so much for his people. I want to hide myself in his home forever just so I can call myself one of those people.

Sometimes we can’t explain how or why we love who we love. We just do. You don’t really get to tell your heart what to do.”

“And it’s okay to change directions even when you’ve spent your entire life headed on a one-way street.”

I lean my shoulder on the doorway. “Stone-cold sober, huh?” She finds me and that smile on her lips only grows. “You’re so hot.”

Damn, drunk girls really do become best friends by existing in the same room.

“Pressure is a privilege, Miller. Expectations are high because you’re successful. If you were average, no one would be waiting on bated breath for you.

You just have to decide if your dreams and goals are worth the pressure.

“Love isn’t earned.

“Mills, you’re twenty-five. You could change directions a hundred more times in your life, and you’d still never be a failure. You’re too hard of a worker to ever be considered a failure. Life is meant to be spent chasing happiness.”

She’s peaceful, warm, and looks like she belongs here, in my bed.

It’s about chasing your joy.

I’m mad that something I worked so hard for doesn’t feel fulfilling in the slightest.

“You are the most jealous woman I’ve ever met. You know that?” Her head jerks back. “You’ve met other women?”

“Miller,” he says, making sure my attention is on him. “If you ever decide to stop running and make a home…” His eyes are begging, pleading. “Make it with me.”

stop giving your brilliance to other people.

Find what makes you excited to get up every morning and if it’s not this, walk away.”

I just don’t want you to be so afraid to fail at something new that it keeps you from finding your happiness when you’re the reason I found mine.”

“You said it was my choice if I wanted to live up to expectations, and I do. But now, the only expectations I’m going to worry about are the ones I set for myself. And the only expectations I have for myself are to be happy and to chase the things I want.”

“Because I only want to dance with you.”