A Simple Life Quotes

“Girls and women sometimes need to cry, dear. It’s our way of letting out the fear and worries we keep inside so we can start fresh.” So I rocked us, letting Quinn cry out her fear and worry. And when she was ready, we’d start again fresh. I was determined to show her a life where she was important. I’d love her until she forgot about the past and the loneliness and only knew how deeply she was adored.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“John Elliott. He was the exact opposite of Preston. Outwardly grumpy, inside a marshmallow. Preston was charming—he said and did all the right things, but inside, he was rotting like an apple that fell from the tree. John was kind and loving. Sexy in a rough, masculine way. Preston looked like he stepped off a runway, but when you glanced at his eyes, you knew he was empty inside. I suppressed a shiver, remembering his cold gaze. John was open and honest with his feelings—especially when he cared for you. And in bed, he was giving, sexy, and loving. Rough and gentle at the same time. I felt safe with him. I couldn’t question his desire. It was evident in his words and on his face, never mind the way he showed me with his body. Simply thinking of how many times he’d brought me to orgasm last night made me blush. Preston had always been more concerned with his pleasure and not mine,”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“Quinn turned to me. Her unanswered question hung between us. Maybe claiming her in public wasn’t the best plan. “To make you smile,” I offered lamely. Shock wasn’t the right word as she rose up on her toes, gripped the lapels of my flannel shirt and hauled my ass off the stool, dragged me partway over the counter, and kissed me.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“Two things hit me. The incredible aroma of something cooking, and the laughter of Quinn and Abby coming from the kitchen. Both were foreign occurrences for me. I was used to an empty house—and silence. But they made me smile, and I strode forward, spying my girls at the counter, making cookies. The thought caught me off guard. My girls. I repeated the words in my head. I liked how they sounded.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“So, what are we?” I asked. He smiled. It was his gentle smile—the one that softened his eyes and made him look younger. The frown lines on his forehead disappeared, and he looked almost vulnerable. “What are we?” he asked. “Again, I would admit to being unsure, but I do know this. We’re something, and we’re important. I think how important is up to you. You lead, Quinn. I’m ready to follow.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“This man. This man who liked to grump and let people think he was unapproachable. He was anything but. I launched myself at him, my mouth on his before I could think. He immediately wrapped me in his arms, kissing me back with utter abandonment. Fluffy fell to the floor, unheeded. In seconds, John had turned, pressing me against the wall beside the doorway he’d walked in through. His body was hard, massive, like sculpted marble, pressing into my softer body, our forms melded together. I wrapped my legs around his hips, and he cupped my nape, keeping me close to his mouth. I moaned as he slid his hand along my bare skin, his fingers inching upward on my thighs. I gasped in his mouth as his fingers grazed the edge of my underwear, some small piece of my brain screaming it was too soon and he needed to stop. I wasn’t listening to that voice right now. The glide of his tongue along mine was erasing every other thought from my head.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“You didn’t have to drive all the way over here.” “It wasn’t a problem.” Then he held up Fluffy. “But given Pumpkin’s love for her bear, I was afraid not having this when she woke up might be.” “Oh, I thought it was in the SUV!” “I found this on the ground after you left,” he explained. “I hated the thought of her upset. I know Cody used to freak out if he couldn’t find his blanket.” He chuckled, his eyes dancing. “He still has it in his room. He says it’s no big deal, but I know he keeps it close.” “You came over with it so she wouldn’t be upset,” I whispered, my throat tight. “And so you had fresh eggs for breakfast. A good start for both of you.” Some men would have called. Others wouldn’t have bothered. Most wouldn’t have noticed it lying there until the next day—if then. But he did. And he brought it over, along with some fresh eggs so our morning would be better.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“found myself turning my head so our lips met. Except this time, no one was around. No one to break the bubble that suddenly surrounded us. I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She slid her hand up my arm, her fingers grasping my neck. I groaned as I flicked my tongue on her lips, and she opened for me. I kissed her more. Deeper. She kissed me back. I held her tighter, and she whimpered softly. Our mouths separated, then came back together, unable to stay apart. I kissed her until I couldn’t breathe. Until her grip was so tight I knew I was holding her up. Then I pulled away, letting her lay her head on my chest. My breathing was fast, my chest pumping needed oxygen into my bloodstream. She was quiet, her body melding to mine perfectly. I eased back, meeting her eyes. I saw no regret, no censure in them. I touched her cheek. “Thank you, darlin’.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“I saw the love for her child shining in her eyes. Heard it in the words as she expressed her worries. It helped unlock the small doubts I carried with me. Quinn was real. What you saw was what you got. “Well then, let me get this installed, and she can have a surprise waiting for her.” “I can help,” she offered tentatively. “Great. Many hands, light work,” I responded. Her smile was unexpected. It was like a burst of sun after a storm. Bright, full, warm. I wanted to bask in it. Make her smile for me again. I was so fucked.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“I had kissed her. Quinn. The woman who irritated me beyond anything else. I had kissed her. And I liked it. Dammit.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“I had been so busy all day, I hadn’t eaten. I didn’t want to go to the modest Chinese place, the pizza parlor, or the more upscale Golden Butter restaurant in our small town. And the coffee shop didn’t serve meals, leaving only Kind of a Big Dill. And Quinn Harper. The bane of my existence. If I went in to eat and she saw me, she’d be all smiles, sweetness, and light. And no doubt crowing in delight at her victory. I’d sworn I would never eat there. A stupid thing to say, but as I realized, I often said stupid things to Quinn. Everyone loved her. Proclaimed her the best thing that could have happened to Richton. She was nothing but a pain in my ass, and I refused to succumb to her charms. If I did, the slope that would put me on was too slippery, and winter would close in fast.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life

“In the month since her restaurant had opened, we had bumped into each other several times. It was odd since every time we did, I knew she was close even before our eyes would clash. The unusual seafoam color of her gaze always caught me off guard. So did the intense awareness of sensing her. I didn’t understand it. She was always unfailingly polite, greeting me with a smile and a friendly hello. Invariably, I said something wrong and those eyes would flash, but her smile never faded. She often muttered curses or names under her breath, but to anyone looking, they would simply see two people exchanging pleasantries. They had no idea of the constant war between us. I had managed to insult her wardrobe, shoes, restaurant, even the way she had trimmed the front bushes at the house. My foot was constantly in my mouth, and I had taken to avoiding her if possible.”
― Melanie Moreland, A Simple Life