Take a Chance on Me Quotes

“The phone was snatched from her grasp. She let out a screech, her fingers clasping at air. “Hey! Give that back.” Gracie slipped it down the V of her tank and into her ample cleavage. “Come and get it.” Billy plopped down on a vacant stool, eyes bugging out of his head. Maddie stared at Gracie’s chest and contemplated. She could stick her hand down a woman’s top. It was no big deal—just skin, for God’s sake. She jumped off the stool and straightened to her full five-foot-three inches. “What is wrong with calling him?” “It’s a girlfriend’s responsibility to stop her friend from the dreaded drunk dial.” Maddie scowled. She was not drunk dialing! “Telling him where I am isn’t a crime.” Gracie planted her hands on her hips. “Sorry, honey. I’m doing this for your own good.” “You don’t understand.” Maddie picked up her drink and took a slow sip. Her gaze was fixed on the stretch of fabric across Gracie’s ample chest. She wanted that phone, and with way too many margaritas in her system, she wasn’t above groping another woman to get it. “I’m getting that phone.” Billy’s mouth dropped open, and Maddie was surprised no drool hung down his chin like a rabid dog’s. “You’ll thank me later.” Gracie didn’t appear the least bit threatened. If anything, she thrust her breasts out farther, as though daring Maddie to come and get it. “Give it to me!” Maddie stomped her foot. “Like I said, come and get it.” Gracie batted her thick lashes, cornflower-blue eyes sparkling. She tucked her hand into her top and shoved it lower into her bra. “All right, but remember, I know how to fight.” Gracie laughed and Billy whooped like he’d hit the jackpot. Maddie charged. Gracie’s eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a holler, crossing her arms over her chest for protection. Maddie refused to be thwarted. She squeezed her lids together so she wouldn’t have to look and flung her hands out, praying she’d get hold of something. When her palm brushed against soft, pillowy cotton, she squealed. Pay dirt. “Maddie!” Gracie grabbed her hand, twisting her body to block Maddie’s progress. “That’s my boob!” Maddie reached again and this time her hand curled around the cotton neckline. She pulled, squirming down the deep V of the top. Her fingers brushed the phone and a surge of adrenaline pounded through her. “Now, why doesn’t this surprise me?” Mitch’s voice made her knees go weak. Before she could swing around, she was hauled against his warm, strong body. She sagged in relief. He’d come for her after all. “You girls are giving everyone quite a show.” Charlie stood next to Mitch, looking lethal in all black. Maddie could picture him with an FBI armband over his bicep. Wait . . . was that the FBI? Or was it SWAT? “With all these disappointed faces, I’m sorry we broke them up.” Mitch’s tone rang with amusement, and Maddie realized it had been too long since she’d heard him sound like that. “I wanted to call you, but she wouldn’t let me.” Her pulse raced from her girl fight and the buzz of tequila. His palm spread wide over the expanse of her stomach, his thumb brushing the bottom of her breast. “Well, here I am.” “See!” Gracie pointed and shook her hips in a little booty dance. “I told you so!” Yes,”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“For the record, don’t even think about running.” Mitch pushed her back on the bed and captured her beneath him. “I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and bring you back where you belong.” She reached for him, this man who’d been her salvation. “I will run down the aisle to meet you.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“He wrapped his arms around her. “Have I told you today how happy I am that you gave up the good fight and moved back in with me?” “Not today,” she said, sucking in his sex-and-sin scent. “But last night you mentioned it quite a few times.” She’d tried for six weeks to live by herself in the apartment over Gracie’s garage, thinking she needed to experience life on her own before living with Mitch. She’d hated every minute of it. When she’d taken to sneaking into the farmhouse and crawling into bed with him in the middle of the night, he’d finally put his foot down. She sighed. Contentment had her curling deeper into his embrace. She didn’t care if it was wrong: Mitch and this farmhouse made her happy. “Maddie,” he said, his voice catching in a way that had her lifting her chin. “You know I love you.” “I know. I love you too.” His fingers brushed a lock of hair behind her chin. “Come with me.” He clasped her hand and led her into the bedroom before motioning her to the bed. She sat, and he walked over to the antique dresser and took a box out of the dresser. He walked back to the bed and sat down next to her. “I wanted to give this to you tonight, but then I saw you standing in the doorway and I knew I couldn’t wait.” Maddie looked at the box, it was wooden, etched with an intricate fleur-de-lis design on it and words in another language. “What is it?” “It was my grandmother’s. They bought it on their honeymoon. It’s French. It says, ‘There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved.’” “It’s beautiful.” That he would give her something so treasured brought the threat of tears to her eyes. He handed it to her. “Open it.” She took the box and suddenly her heart started to pound. She lifted the lid and gasped, blinking as her vision blurred. Mitch grasped her left hand. “I know it’s only been three months, but in my family, meeting the night your car breaks down is a sign of a long, happy marriage.” Maddie couldn’t take her eyes off the ring. It was a gorgeous, simple platinum band with two small emerald stones flanking what had to be a three-carat rectangular diamond. She looked at Mitch. “Maddie Donovan, will you please marry me?” “Yes.” She kissed him, a soft, slow, drugging kiss filled with hope and promises. There was no hesitation. Not a seed of worry or shred of doubt. Her heart belonged to only one man, and he was right in front of her. “It would be my honor.” He slipped the ring on her finger. “My grandma would be thrilled that you have her ring.” “It’s hers?” It sparkled in the sunlight. It looked important on her hand. “It’s been in the family vault since she died. My mom sent it a couple of weeks ago. She’s been a little pushy about the whole thing. I think she’s worried I’ll do something to screw it up and she’ll lose the best daughter-in-law ever.” Maddie laughed. “I love her, too.” He ran his finger over the platinum band. “I changed the side stones to emeralds because they match your eyes. Do you think I made the right choice?” She put her hands on the sides of his face. “It is the most gorgeous ring I have ever laid eyes on. I love it. I love you. You know I’d take you with a plastic ring from Wal-Mart.” “I know.” She kissed him. “But I’m not going to lie: this is a kick-ass ring.” He grinned. “You know, I think that’s what my grandma used to say.” “She was obviously a smart woman.” “For the record, don’t even think about running.” Mitch pushed her back on the bed and captured her beneath him. “I will hunt you down to the ends of the earth and bring you back where you belong.” She reached for him, this man who’d been her salvation. “I will run down the aisle to meet you.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“He chuckled, drawing Maddie’s attention back to his reflection in the mirror. He cocked a brow. “Is someone having impure thoughts?” “Not me,” she said in a voice filled with feigned innocence. “I went to confession yesterday. I can’t ruin it already.” “Princess, we’re living in sin. You ruin it the second you step out of the church.” “Yeah, well.” She waved a hand in the air. “You can’t expect me to be perfect.” She’d”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“You love me?” “Yes, Maddie.” His reached for her, his hand curling around her neck. “I love you. I adore you. I can’t live without you. Please don’t make me.” Her heart filled with joy, erasing the last hours from her mind in an instant. “I thought you hated me. I didn’t think you’d forgive me.” He gave a sharp nod. “I was angry. I was hurt. And it didn’t matter. I loved you anyway.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her body close to his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t feel like I had any other choice. I was wrong. I will never go behind your back again.” He shook his head and trailed a path down her spine. “You’re right, I didn’t give you a choice. I shut you out. I didn’t fight for you. I don’t have a good excuse. Only I fell for you so quickly and I was afraid to let you go, for fear I’d ruin you.” Confused, she searched his gaze. “Ruin me?” “Every day that passed, I became more of a mess. Every time I turned around, something else was falling apart and I had no answers. Everything in my life was going to hell: my family sucks, I own a bar I hate, I couldn’t go back to the career I loved, and my father is being blackmailed. And worst of all, I couldn’t figure out a way to keep you. I have never felt so helpless.” Tears flooded the corners of her eyes. “Mitch, why didn’t you tell me?” “Because.” His voice cracked and he cleared his throat as his fingers tightened on the back of her neck. “You were becoming the woman you needed to be. Every day, you got stronger. More confident. More sure of who you were and what you wanted. I couldn’t ruin it for you.” She went to her tiptoes and kissed him, a soft brush of promise. “Don’t you understand?” He shook his head. “I’ve never been so clueless in my life.” She rubbed her thumb over his jaw. “You saved me. And I will love you forever.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Maddie woke to the sound of loud, angry voices. Her head pounded, her nose was stuffy, and her swollen eyes hurt. She’d finally gotten to sleep, and now this. What was going on down there? She climbed out of bed and ran down the stairs to find her living room filled with people. They were all yelling. “Hey!” she called out, but nobody heard. She squinted. Was that Gracie? She must be dreaming. Suddenly, she was grabbed at the waist and a hand was clamped over her mouth. “Don’t distract them.” Mitch. She sagged with relief. He’d come for her. She hadn’t thought he would, but couldn’t deny that she’d hoped. With one big hand still pressed against her lips, he dragged her to the first closed door he saw and pulled it open, letting out a snarl when it was a packed closet. He shut it and moved down the dark hallway. She pointed to the left and he yanked them into the powder room, slamming the door closed behind them. He spun her around, hauled her to him by the shoulders and kissed her. It was a hot, wet, desperate kiss that left her dizzy. She grabbed for his shirt, tugging him close, sinking into his embrace. She savored each moment, not knowing if it would be their last. He tore away and shook her. “Don’t you ever do that to me again. Do you understand?” She blinked at him, then shoved him away. “You told me to leave.” “You weren’t supposed to listen!” he yelled, wrenching her back for another punishing kiss. When he released her, she said breathlessly, “How was I supposed to know?” There was a loud banging on the bathroom door. “Maddie, open up!” It was Sophie. Mitch growled. “For God’s sake.” “Go away, Soph!” Maddie yelled, pressing her finger to her temple. “Are you okay?” came Penelope’s soft but firm voice. “Something tells me I’m not their favorite person.” Mitch plastered a hand against the bathroom door as if he expected them to break it down. Maddie shrugged. “I might have cried a little.” “I’m sorry, Princess.” He brushed a finger over her cheek. “Forgive me.” “Leave”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“If I’ve got to take down a couple of rogue city girls for you to get your happily ever after, I’ll do it.” Shane scrubbed a hand over his jaw and gave her a slow once-over. “She might actually be able to take them on.” “She’s very persistent,” James added dryly. Gracie scowled. “You’re not still mad about that, are you?” “I don’t get mad,” James said, but a muscle in his cheek jumped, belying his words. Gracie snorted, waving a hand. “Whatever, Professor. I still think you’re being a baby.” James cocked his head to the side and studied her. “You just don’t know when to shut up, do you?” Mitch glanced at Shane, who shook his head. “It’s been a fun drive.” “Hey—” Gracie started to speak, but Mitch cut her off. “Can you save it for another time?” The front door flew open and Sophie came storming out. “What is all the racket out here?” “Hey, Soph,” Shane said. “It’s three in the fucking morning and I’m not in the mood.” Penelope wandered out, much more slowly. “This is giving me a headache.” Shane shifted his gaze on her. “We’re coming in.” Penelope smirked. “I don’t take orders after work hours.” Maddie’s mom crowded onto the porch. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—get in here or the neighbors are going to have a fit.” Mitch”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Now, parked in front of the house she lived in with her mother, Mitch realized that it was two-thirty in the morning. If Maddie had lived by herself, he’d have no qualms about banging on her door, but he wasn’t sure this was a wise start with the woman he hoped would be his mother-in-law one day. He stared at the brick bungalow, which was nearly identical to the rest of the houses on the narrow street, and contemplated his options. Maddie was in there, thinking he hated her and wanted her gone. He couldn’t stand the thought that he’d made her cry. He couldn’t stand her believing that he didn’t love her. Even if she hated him for being a coward and not fighting for them, she needed to know the truth. And he couldn’t wait another second to give it to her. Fuck it. He wasn’t sitting back anymore. He pushed the ignition button and the engine died. He’d find another way to get on her mom’s good side. He was going in. Five”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“About the wedding . . .” Her mom tucked a stray lock behind her ear. “You shouldn’t have run away, but I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t talk to anyone.” “I was lost and I didn’t know what to do,” Maddie said, clenching her hands in her lap. “I didn’t want to disappoint you all.” Shannon sighed and shook her head. “What am I going to do with you?” “I don’t think I ever really loved Steve,” Maddie spoke what she’d ignored for so long. “I’m sorry I couldn’t marry him. I know how much you wanted him for a son-in-law.” Shannon sighed, nodding. “I did. You scared me. You were always a little wild like your daddy. Steve was a nice, safe boy. He wanted to protect you. And after the accident, I couldn’t keep you safe enough.” Maddie sniffed and hiccupped, and confessed, “I met someone. A man.” “I figured that out as soon as I opened the door.” “How?” “I might be old, but I’m no fool.” Shannon patted her hand. “There’s only one thing that makes a woman cry like that. What happened?” “I love him and I wanted to help. I broke his trust and he told me to leave.” Shannon clucked her tongue and pulled her close. “This seems like a girlfriend problem. Do you want me to call them?” “Yes, please.” She”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Maddie!” His mom came rushing in from the kitchen. “What’s wrong?” “Where’s Maddie?” Panic already clogged his throat. Charlotte’s eyes widened. “She said she was going to see you at the bar.” “And she hasn’t come back?” “No,” she said, shaking her head “Did something happen?” “I’ve got to find her.” Charlotte put her hand on his arm. “What happened?” He stiffened and looked down into his mother’s eyes. They were filled with concern, with loss and sorrow. They were sad, troubled eyes. He took a deep breath and said, “We got in a fight. I told her to leave.” “Oh, Mitchell,” she said, whisper soft. “I have to find her, Mom.” His voice shook. “She can’t be gone—all her stuff is here.” “You’ll find her. Everything is going to be all right.” It didn’t ease his anxiety. “What if she went home?” His mother’s fingers trembled on his arm. “Then you’ll go get her.” His throat grew so tight that he thought he might choke. “What if she won’t come back?” “You’ll find a way to make it work. I promise.” “How do you know?” Her eyes grew bright and she blinked rapidly. In thirty-four years, he’d never once seen his mom shed a tear, even at her parents’ funerals. “Because you love her and she loves you.” He couldn’t speak. Couldn’t even breathe. He managed a sharp nod. She gave him a watery smile. “Now go and do whatever you can to fight for her.” “I will,” he croaked out. Maddie Donovan was a woman worth fighting for, and he’d move heaven and hell to get her back. His”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“I’m going to get her.” “I told you I was going to be stuck with you.” Mitch stood up, the alcoholic haze evaporating as adrenaline kicked in. “Don’t come looking for her anytime in the next couple hours.” Shane’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not much of a take-orders kind of guy.” “Tough. Where Maddie’s concerned, get used to it.” “Understand that if you hurt my sister, there’s not a place on earth you’ll be able to hide. I’d better never see her cry like that again.” Mitch ground his teeth as a muscle jumped in his cheek. He’d made her cry. He nodded. “Understood.” Shane”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“This isn’t a good time.” “No shit,” Shane said, sarcasm clear. Without waiting for an invitation, he sat down on the chair opposite Mitch’s desk. “What’d you do to my sister? She ran out of here without a word like a kicked puppy.” Mitch took a slug of scotch, his stomach twisting. She was gone. Panic clawed at him with sharp nails. He took a deep breath. She’d be at home. His home. Shane scrubbed the stubble lining his jaw. “Turns out that five minutes can do some damage after all.” “How”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“The sound of her softly whispered “I love you” still rang in his ears, deafening him so that the rest of the world seemed muted. Ironic. In that moment, when all trust had been broken, he’d known that he loved her too. A real love. Deep and soul twisting, capable of bringing him to his knees. She’d made him whole. Feel. Laugh. Burn. With Maddie, things made sense. She made sense. Even now, he had to resist the urge to find her and hold her close. She was his anchor in the ever-turbulent storm of his life. A”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“You told your brother and some guy I don’t even know the things I told you in confidence.” “Yes.” She dropped her gaze to the floor. “I’m not sure this helps, but Charlie knows Logan.” “You talked to Charlie?” “Yes, he helped us with the details I didn’t know.” “So you went behind my back, talked to my friends, and told your brothers and some guy everything.” She pressed her lips together. “Yes.” “And you told them things about the blackmail that’s not public knowledge.” Maddie swallowed hard as her throat constricted. “I did.” “I trusted you with information about my family that nobody knows.” “Mitch, I’d never jeopardize you or your family. I’d never tell them if I didn’t trust them implicitly. You know that.” She had to make him understand. He leaned forward, putting elbows on his knees. “I want you to leave.” “What? No. Let me explain.” The blood rushed in her ears as a wave of hot dizziness engulfed her. Fear and desperation warred inside her. “I’m sorry, but you wouldn’t listen.” “You didn’t ask.” Flat. She wrung her hands. “You would have said no.” “I see,” he said, so coldly that it was like being doused with a bucket of ice water. “So that makes it right? You didn’t think I’d agree, so you went behind my back, talked to my friends, your family, and some black-ops guy, revealing the things I’ve told you in private, because you know best?” She bit the inside of her cheek. “Yes, the same way you went behind my back and stalled the repairs on my car so I wouldn’t leave.” His head snapped back. “That’s not the same thing, Maddie.” “You lied, just like me. You went behind my back. Just like me.” She hoped he could see reason, but his expression said otherwise. “I told you those things,” he said through gritted teeth, “because I thought I could trust you.” “You can.” Her stomach clenched. “The evidence says otherwise, now doesn’t it?” Cold, cold words. Tears sprang to her eyes. “Please understand, I did it for you.” “No, you didn’t. You did it for you,” he scoffed, shaking his head. “Tell me something. Why are you so interested in meddling in my life when you have your own to worry about?” She reared back, stepping toward the door, unable to figure out how to handle this dead, cold Mitch who treated her like a stranger. “I wanted to help you.” “You know how you could have helped me?” There was a cruel twist to his lips. “By being the one fucking person who didn’t betray me.” “I didn’t. That’s not what . . .” She trailed off, feeling helpless. She hung her head and said softly, “I’d never betray you.” “Bullshit. If you thought what you were doing was right, you would have talked to me. ” This ice. She’d prepared for fire, for burning anger, not this. She had no defense. No plan. She walked over to him and fell to her knees, taking his hands in hers. He didn’t even flinch. It was like he was made of stone, and she met his eyes. Hard chips of gold. “Mitch, I’m sorry, I wanted to help.” He studied her as though she was a stranger. “You need to leave now.” The words were a crushing blow, threatening to break her. She did the only thing she could think of and confessed the truth. “I love you.” His mouth firmed. Eyes flashing, he pulled away and stood, moving around her and going over to the window that overlooked the nearly deserted parking lot. “I need you to leave.” Her heart shattered into a million pieces and desolation swept over her. She hadn’t felt anything like this since her father had died and she’d woken in a hospital bed. That same heavy weight crushed her chest, numbing her limbs. Tears spilled onto her cheeks and she wiped them away. Her voice trembled as she spoke, already knowing the answer but unable to keep from asking the question. “Is there anything I can do?” “Yes.” His tone was distant and unreachable. “Leave.” There”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“The office fell quiet, tension thickening the air as Shane and Mitch watched each other with the narrowed eyes of jungle cats waiting for the first flinch to attack. “Shane,” she said sharply. “I’m not asking. I’m telling. Leave.” Without taking his eyes off of Mitch, he nodded. “Fine, you’ve got five minutes.” How dare he? She flew at her oldest brother, jabbing her finger into his big chest as his expression widened with surprise. “Listen, I’m twenty-eight years old. Your job of taking care of me is done. Got it? Finished. I’ll take as long as I damn well please.” She pointed to the door. “And you’ll sit outside patiently and wait for me.” Shane’s lips quirked and he raised one brow. “Geez, no need to throw a fit.” She let out a shriek and stomped her foot, pointing once again to the door. “Out!” His expression softened, and a slow smile spread over his mouth. He gave a little tug to her hair. “I haven’t seen that temper in quite a while.” He looked up past her to Mitch standing behind him. “I suppose you have something to do with that?” There was no answer from behind her, and Shane sighed. “All right, we’ll be outside.” Maddie”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Shane, I asked you to stay away.” Mitch turned cool eyes on her. “You didn’t tell me you’d talked to your family.” Guilt knifed through her. “Um . . .” “And you didn’t tell me you were screwing a perfect stranger,” Shane said flatly. “Um . . .” She gulped. “Shit, all your talk about independence.” Shane’s expression turned thunderous. “Fucking the first random guy you happen across so he’ll give you a place to stay doesn’t count, Maddie.” Even as anger flared bright inside her, she winced at the words. She opened her mouth to give him hell, but before she could, Mitch turned on her brother, moving faster than she’d ever seen him. Before she could blink, Shane was up against the wall with Mitch’s hand around his throat. “Don’t. Ever. Talk to her like that.” His tone shook with rage and barely contained violence. “Mitch, please.” Maddie ran over to him, gripping his arm to pull him off. It was like trying to move granite. He didn’t even budge. James walked up behind her, sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her back as Sam grabbed Mitch’s shoulder. “Let him go, Mitch.” Sam’s voice was calm and controlled. “This isn’t the way to handle the situation.” “Fuck. Off.” Mitch’s tone was like ice. Sam’s fingers tightened. “Trust me on this.” Shane’s face reddened, and Mitch’s hand tightened. Shane gripped the wrist that had him pinned to the wall, but he didn’t attempt to free himself. This struck Maddie as strange. Her oldest brother was a known ass-kicker. Half of Chicago was scared of him. “If you ever talk to her like that again,” Mitch said, in a deadly tone, “I will rip your fucking throat out.” The air shifted, swirling with tension and far too much male testosterone. Maddie’s heart thumped hard against her chest. Shane sputtered. “Mitch, this isn’t going to solve anything,” Sam said. Mitch increased the pressure around Shane’s throat, turning his complexion another shade darker. “Do you understand me?” Shane tugged at Mitch’s wrist, his gaze flashing with what Maddie could only suspect was fury. There was going to be bloodshed soon. James ran his hand up her arm, giving her a squeeze. She pulled away and touched Mitch’s forearm. The muscles were taut under her touch. Inflexible. She said softly, “Mitch, please let him go.” Mitch turned his head to her, unnamed emotion flickering in his eyes. She pleaded silently, and finally, he gave a slight nod. A second later, he released her brother. Shane coughed, bringing his hand up to rub at his neck. Cool as ever, James shook his head as though dealing with a bunch of unruly toddlers.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“There was a knock at the door. “Go. Away.” He gritted out, not missing a stroke, closing his eyes as her muscles rippled down his length. “Mitch, you need to come out here.” It was Sam. Under him, Maddie stiffened, but he paid no mind, pulling out and slamming into her again. Her hips rocked back. “Mitch,” Sam said again. “It’s important.” “Go away,” Mitch yelled back. Whatever it was could wait. The door rattled as though coming off its hinges as someone’s fists slammed against the wood. “Maddie Donovan, open this fucking door.” Mitch froze at the unfamiliar voice. Maddie went shell-shock still, squeaking, “Oh no.” More pounding and banging. “I’m giving you thirty seconds, and then this sucker is coming down.” Mitch pulled out, leaving the hot, wet heaven of her body. “Someone you know?” With flushed cheeks, her expression had turned from lustful to horrified in a fraction of a second. “It’s my brother.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“She weaved a spell around him until he forgot everything but the drugging sensation of her mouth. That was, until a cold metal cuff clicked onto his wrist. He jerked back, tugging, only to find that she’d somehow managed to lock the other end to the chair. “What the hell?” She straightened, looking oh so pleased. “Now I’ve got you right where I want you.” He made a grab for her, but she jumped back, sliding onto the desk and out of his grasp. Although he could reach her, he wasn’t able straighten enough to get a good hold on her. He said in his most deadly voice, “I hope you have the key, little girl.” She batted her lashes, slipped a hand into her bra, and extracted a key. “I’ve got it right here.” What was she up to? He narrowed his eyes. “You know, once I get free, I’m going to turn you over this desk and paddle that ass until you can’t sit for a week.” “Sounds like quite a punishment,” she said, not sounding scared at all. The little vixen. Despite”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Your mom thinks this is her chance to make things right for you.” His long legs ate up the ground as he circled like a caged lion. “Bullshit. She wants to save him.” “She wants to save you.” He shook his head. “She’s always been a sucker for him. No matter what story she’s selling now.” Maddie shrugged. “I can’t say I blame her.” Mitch whipped around to face her. “Why do you say that?” “She says you’re a lot alike.” “I’m nothing like him.” Hands clenched into fists. “As I said, we’ve been talking a lot. She told me who he was before he got caught up in the power of politics, who he was when she first met him. I think you’re more alike than you think.” “I’d never screw over people like he does.” Anger emanated from Mitch, aggression in the set of his legs and arms. He was ready to attack. She raised one brow. “Are you sure about that?” He reared back as though she’d struck him. “How could you think that?” “You’ve said yourself you weren’t a very nice person. Have you ever thought about what would have happened if you hadn’t lost your career?” She straightened her shoulders and looked him straight in the eye. “You didn’t have the best track record. You walked a shady line. You were sleeping with another man’s wife. Destroying evidence. Who knows what you would have become if the whole house of cards had never fallen around you?” He stopped walking as though snapped by an invisible leash. With his expression transforming into a thundercloud, he crossed his arms over his chest. “So what are you trying to say, Maddie?” He needed some cold, hard truth. Tough love, as her dad used to say. “Have you ever thought that losing your career and reputation was the best thing that ever happened to you? Maybe the tragedy wasn’t that everything went to hell, but that you never picked up the pieces and put them back together again.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“How did you know I was here?” “Charlie called me and told me you girls were up to no good.” His mouth twitched at the corners as though he was holding back a smile, but she didn’t miss the worry etched in the lines in the corners of his eyes. “You didn’t tell me where you’d gone.” The loud music and buzz of chatter dimmed as she focused on Mitch. “I know.” “I didn’t like it.” She frowned and squirmed out of his arms, turning to face him. “And I don’t like getting a door slammed in my face.” Mitch’s”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“I really like Maddie.” “I can see that,” he said, for lack of anything better. “She’s wonderful.” Charlotte looked up at him. “I wouldn’t have made it through this ordeal without her.” “She’s got that way about her.” Mitch propped a hip on the counter. She cleared her throat. “You’re different with her.” “I’m different. Period.” He was trying to make it clear that she didn’t know jack shit about him. She”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Yeah?” he barked. “Geez, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed,” Gracie said. Great, just what he needed. The only person who possibly loved Maddie more than his mother was Gracie. “What can I do for you?” “Is Maddie there?” Over the line, the sound of dishes clattering was like nails on a chalkboard to Mitch’s ear. “Yeah.” He made no move to hand the phone over to her. Now she was getting calls? “Can I talk to her?” Gracie asked, sounding like a teenage girl talking to her father. “One second.” The words were spoken through gritted teeth he turned to Maddie. “It’s for you. Gracie.” Maddie jumped up and grabbed the phone. He glowered at her. She scowled back. “What is wrong with you?” “Not a thing, Princess.” For”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Madeline, I was thinking we could go over to Shreveport tomorrow. There’s a lovely antique mall off the highway.” “Her name is Maddie.” He hated when his mom called her that. It had become a childish point of contention. Maddie shot him a scowl and waved a dismissive hand in his direction. “Ignore him.” Nothing new there. Maddie”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Who was that?” His voice was cold enough to freeze ice. “My friend, Sophie.” Unable to stand the tension any longer, she blurted, “I didn’t mean it.” “Guess she’s not happy about your post-wedding sex romp.” Maddie wanted to cringe at the words and the menace in his voice, but she stood and walked to him, putting her hand on his chest. Other than the muscle that jumped under her touch, he didn’t move, and his hard expression didn’t waver. “I’m sorry. I swear I didn’t mean it. I was upset and defensive. I spoke without thinking.” “Sure, forget it.” He shrugged as if it were no big deal. This pretending was worse than if he’d raged in fury. But the truth was, with things so fragile between them, she was too scared to push. It would break them. She closed the physical distance, resting her cheek against his heart. It beat strong and fast against her ear while he stayed ridged as stone. She whispered the truth and hoped he believed. “You’re important to me. I need you. Please believe me.” His arms closed around her, but he didn’t squeeze as tightly as he usually did. “Did she ask you when you were coming home?” “Yes.” “What did you say?” “I said soon.” His muscles tensed. “What does soon mean?” “I don’t know.” She tilted her chin looking up into his handsome face. “Do you want me to leave?” His gaze met hers, and he gave her a sharp shake of the head. She traced the line of his hard jaw. “I can’t leave yet.” His golden eyes flashed, then shuttered closed. His hand slid up her back to curl around her neck. “Let’s go to bed.” She knew what he was doing and let him. She’d hurt him and couldn’t deny him. She needed to make it right. Only”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Maddie,” Mitch said, putting his palm over her knee and rubbing. She buried her head in her hands. “They never say it, never let on, but every time they look at me they have to think about what I did to them. They have to hate me.” “No.” He’d never met her family, but of this he was sure. Their closeness and unity was clear in the way she talked about them. He knew estranged or strained families, and the Donovans weren’t like them. “They don’t, I promise you.” She looked at him, her eyes watery and her nose red. “I hate me. Why wouldn’t they hate me too?” Not caring if she protested, he picked her up and put her on his lap, wrapping his arms around her. He swayed back and forth, the gentle rocking motion meant to soothe away a pain that he couldn’t even begin to erase. “Maddie, you were a kid. Every teenager has worn their parent down. The only difference is that you had horrific, irreversible consequences. I’m sorry—I wish there was something I could do to change that for you—but since I can’t, I can only promise your dad would hate for you to blame yourself like this. For you to let it eat you up inside.” “I know that here.” She pointed to her head before placing her hand over her heart. “But it’s hard to believe here.” He lifted her chin and brushed a soft kiss against her lips. “What can I do to make you believe?” “I don’t know,” she said. “But I’m working on it.” “I’m sorry, Maddie.” “I miss him.” She rested her cheek on his shoulder. He rubbed slow circles over her back. “I know you do.” She quieted, relaxing into his hold. “You help.” “I’m glad,” he said. “What else can I do?” She raised her watery gaze to meet his, and her eyes were so impossibly green, so full of something he didn’t want to name, that he sucked in a breath. “Fight.”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Whatever had happened was a private and painful matter, and as curious as Maddie was, she could no longer sit here and listen. Maddie shifted in her chair. “I, um, should go—” Mitch’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist. To the casual observer, his tanned fingers entwined over her pale skin looked loose, light—a gentle hold between lovers. Except it was like a vice, making it impossible to get away without struggling out of his grasp. She risked a glance at his mom. Charlotte stared at her son’s hand, then raised her gaze to meet Maddie’s. The questions were clear under the Junior League mask of banality. Maddie took a deep breath. Okay, they didn’t want her to go. Maddie settled in the chair, prepared to wait out the uncomfortable conversation. Mitch loosened his hold but didn’t release her. Mitch’s”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“You do have a way with words, don’t you?” The air lightened considerably, putting them once again on sure footing. He grinned back at her. “Princess, I talk like that because you like it.” She poked his thigh. “You like it. I go along.” He”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“He curled his hand around her throat, stroking the spot where he’d bitten her. It was red. It marked her, made her his. She trailed a finger over his forearm, inspecting the damage she’d inflicted. “I, um, scratched you.” He kissed her. “Don’t worry about it. I bit you, so I think we’re even.” She”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Are you mine?” The dominance was clear in the guttural tone of his voice. “Yes,” she said in a panting gasp, her muscles rippling along his erection in confirmation. He reached up and grabbed her jaw, forcing their gazes to lock together. “You’re damn right you are.” She”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me

“Panic, jealousy, and fear rammed through him like the most violent of storms. He managed a strained, “Princess, are you okay?” “I did it,” she said in a shaky voice. “It was hard, sad, and scary, but I did it.” Mitch took her hand, squeezing her fingers. He was afraid to hope, afraid to even breathe. “What did you do?” “I said good-bye.” The completely irrational possessiveness burned in his lungs. Adrenaline still pumped in his veins, not caring whether the immediate threat was over. “Are you okay?” “Yes,” she said, still staring out the window. “I’m . . . just . . . I don’t know. It was almost half my life. And now it’s over.” “I’m sorry.” He pulled to a stop at Revival’s only traffic light. “I hate that you’re upset.” Maddie looked at him, her tear-streaked cheeks and watery gaze making her look beautiful and tragic. “I’m relieved.” The”
― Jennifer Dawson, Take a Chance on Me