Fair Play Quotes

“Texas Rangers are men who cannot be stampeded. We walk into any situation and handle it without instruction from our commander. Sometimes we work as a unit, sometimes we work alone.” He turned his attention to the jurors. “We preserve the law. We track down train and bank robbers. We subdue riots. We guard our borders. We’ll follow an outlaw clear across the country if we need to. In my four years of service, I’ve traveled eighty-six thousand miles on horse, nineteen hundred on train, gone on two hundred thirty scouts, made two hundred seventeen arrests, returned five hundred six head of stolen cattle, assisted forty-three local sheriffs, guarded a half dozen jails, and spent more time on the trail than I have in my own bed. We’ve been around since before the Alamo, and”—he turned to Hood, impaling him with his stare—“we’re touchy as a teased snake when riled, so I wouldn’t recommend it.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“He shook his head. “What?” she whispered, looking on the program to see what had caused his consternation. He pointed to her name. “Never in all my days have I seen a girl with so many boy names.” She glanced at the neatly typeset Dr. Billy Jack Scott and smiled.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Placing an arm on Billy’s seatback, Hunter ran a finger up and down her sleeve. Fourteen years and five babies had made some changes, but his love and passion for her had grown to even greater heights. He ran an appreciative gaze over her form. She was all frocked up in one of her city dresses. This one had blue polka dots with a row of blue bows along the hem. “You look mighty pretty today,” he whispered.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“I need to freshen up.” He straightened. “Freshen up?” “My hair’s a mess. It came all undone while I was, um . . ..” She waved her hand toward the bed. “And you need to put it back up?” “Yes.” “Why?” She blinked. “Why?” His eyes darkened. She backed up. The berth skimmed the very top of her head. Before she could sneak underneath it, he slipped his arm around her and pulled her to him. “You don’t need to put up your hair,” he said. “I don’t?” “No.” “Because you’re going to take it down?” He kissed the pulse at her neck. “Because I’m going to take it down.” But instead of reaching for her hairpins, he tugged a streamer at her collar loose, unraveling her bow. His lips moved up her neck to her ear. Oh, my. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She grabbed two fistfuls of her skirt. He pulled back, looking at her with a touch of surprise. “Are you nervous?” She spun her skirt around her fists. “No.” He took a step back, his hands resting against her waist. “You are nervous.” “No, no. I’m not.” She lifted her shoulders. “I’m just, um . . .“ She bit her lip. “Nervous.” Chuckling, he wrapped his arms around her and tucked her head beneath his chin. “Ah, Billy girl. There’s nothing to be nervous about. This is the most natural thing in the world.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Those weren’t the pantalets-trousers you were wearing last time. Those were . . . I like those. Not that I didn’t like the other ones. I did. But these . . . are they new?” She blushed. “I bought them back in May. I sort of ruined my other ones when I went through that cellar window.” He pushed himself away from the wall. “You’ve been wearing those see-through things this whole time? Throughout the whole fair?” She nodded. He groaned. “Good thing I didn’t know that.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“A draft she hadn’t noticed before swirled around her. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Pulling her legs beneath her, she rocked slowly to her feet. Then turned. Hunter stood inside the closed door, the fabric of his cassimere suit outlining his broad shoulders, trim waist, and muscular legs. He leaned with one shoulder against the wall and one ankle crossed in front of the other, showcasing his armadillo boots. He gave her a wicked grin. “Goin’ somewhere?”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“I’ve been thinking.” Tapping his booted toes together, he tilted his head on the cushion. “Thinking what?” Looking to the side, she clutched her coat a little tighter. “I’ve been thinking that being a country doctor might be a rather nice change of pace.” The tapping stopped. His body stilled. “What are you saying?” She looked at him. “That I’d go to Texas with you if the offer is still good.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“I’ve no plans to leave you, Billy girl. Not ever.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Tipping her head back, he bracketed her face. “Death and the deuce, but I love you, Billy girl.” He kissed her again. She pressed herself against him. Neither noticed the rain, only the storm that brewed inside them.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Sitting beside her, he scooped her up, pulled her into his lap, and hugged her tight. “I’m sorry, Billy girl.” “No.” She clutched his shirt with her fists. “I’m sorry. There’s nothing we can do. He belongs to that other family, love.” Pressing her face into his neck, she found she wasn’t out of tears after all. She sobbed. She wailed. She bawled. He rocked her. Kissed the top of her head. Patted her back. Shushed her. After she was spent, he still held her. The sun began its descent before she finally lifted her face. “I want to go home.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“He’s watching ya, Dr. Tate,” Elspeth whispered, looking over her shoulder. “Aren’t ya gonna turn around and wave?” “A man enjoys the chase, Elspeth. It’s how God made them. We mustn’t spoil all his fun by making it too easy.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“We’re waiting, lady.” He stuck the smoke in his mouth. “Bend over that pump for us.” She needed a stick. And she needed to put her back against a wall so none of them could sneak up behind her. “You boys go on home,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady. “Before you find yourselves in a good deal of trouble.” “Boys?” Striking a match on the seat of his pants, he waited for it to flare, then held it to his smoke, puffing until it was lit. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, lady. We’re no boys. We’re full-grown men. Would you like us to prove it?” “That’s enough.” She infused her voice with authority. “I said go home and I meant it.” He took a long pull on his roll-up. A few seconds later, smoke poured out his nostrils. “I’m afraid we can’t do that anymore. We no longer have a home. Remember?”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Quit bullying Mr. Carlisle,” Billy said. “He’s simply trying to help.” Hunter made a slicing action with his hand. “Not another word, Billy.” Narrowing her eyes, she leaned right up to him. “I’ll talk if I want to, when I want to, and how I want to. Lalalalalalalalalala.” Sweet mother of all that is good and holy, but he wanted to wring her neck.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“We have some talking we need to do.” She swallowed, but said nothing. He kneaded her waist while caressing her ribs with his thumbs. “I want to kiss you.” Her gaze dropped briefly to his mouth. “Why?” A reason. He needed to give her a reason. “That’s what we need to talk about.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Wrapping her in a giant hug, he kissed her again. He turned his head one way and then the other. Until finally, he deepened the kiss. Her body grew limp. How long they kissed, she wasn’t sure, but he finally pulled back, then pressed her head against his shoulder. His heart hammered against her ear. “Billy . . .” His voice was ragged, almost tortured. He pressed his mouth to her hair, his oversized hands running up and down her back, her sides, and up underneath her arms. It felt heavenly. It felt wanton. It felt right. She slid her eyes shut, allowing the sensations to inundate her. About the time she began to regain equilibrium, he cupped her chin and started all over again.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Billy?” She looked at him, her eyes liquid, her lashes long. “You sure got some pretty legs.” Her lips parted. “You mustn’t say things like that.” “I know. I just thought I’d tell you in case you were wondering.” She pressed her hand against her stomach. “I wish you’d forget all about that.” “I’ll never forget those moments. Especially now. Now that I know it’s you.” He curled his hands against the brick. “Die and be blamed but I want to kiss you.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“I think we’d better go.” Her breath fluttered the folds along the front of her bodice. A subtle scent of summer berries teased his nose. “Aren’t you the least bit curious?” “Yes,” she whispered. Bending his elbows, he leaned down. She placed her fingers against his lips. “I think we’d better go.” Stopping his descent, he took the end of her finger into his mouth and grazed it with his teeth, then kissed it.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Have you ever been kissed?” he asked. Arms coming uncrossed, she stepped back. “What?” “Have you ever been kissed?” “That’s, that’s none of your business.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“You must be jesting. What happened down there is one of the most mortifying moments of my life. Why on earth would I point it out to you if you’d forgotten all about it?” His eyes widened. “Forgotten about it? Forgotten about it? Sweetheart, I have replayed those moments in my mind a hundred times, at least.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“You could wear the horns off a billy goat, you know that? Are you purposely trying to make me mad?”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Perhaps it was time she was reminded of just how female she was. He leaned in toward her, not stopping until they shared the shade of his Stetson. “Never fear, Dr. Tate. Fragile or not, there’s one thing I’m clear on. You are made of very real, very soft, very delectable womanly flesh. And you can be assured, I’m not likely to forget about it anytime soon.” Lips parting, she stumbled back a step. If she wasn’t holding the baby, he’d have let her fall on that pretty little backside of hers. That would also accomplish his purpose and she’d see he was right.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“How was I supposed to know it was going to turn on Halsted? Are you trying to pick a fight?” “Maybe.” “Why?” “Because this area is full of dissipation and refuse and disease,” he said. “And, like it or not, you’re a female and he’s a babe. The cable car provides protection and the both of you should stay on it for as long as possible.” Tightening her hold on the infant, she stepped into the street and wove between traffic. “Ah, but we have with us a big Texas Ranger and his ominous-looking gun.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you baiting me?” “Maybe.” “Why?” “Because, like it or not, you’re an overbearing male who thinks I’m made out of porcelain.” Reaching the boardwalk on the other side, she squared up to him. “Well, I’m not made of porcelain or crystal or any other fragile material.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“But, as it happens, I have a better idea. One that won’t affect my marital status or my occupation.” He eyed her warily. “And what would that be?” “I think you should keep him.” He reared back. “Me? I can’t keep him. My assignments take me from the Rio Grande to the Louisiana border to the Gulf of Mexico. I spend half my time chasing gun-toting, fast-shooting men on the run and the other half hauling them in. I can’t be towing a little one along. Out of the question.” She shrugged. “So get married.” His jaw dropped. “Married? To who?” “I don’t know. I’m sure I could find somebody for you.” His ire began to rise. “Well, aren’t you the one thinking the sun comes up just to hear you crow.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“What would you have me do, Hunter?” He lifted his shoulders. “I don’t know. Keep him?” Her lips parted. “Keep him? You think I can simply keep him? Just like that?” “Sure.” “And I suppose you think that’s possible because I am, after all, a woman?” “Well, yes.” He tried to keep the exasperation from his voice, but didn’t quite manage it. “And just how, exactly, would I do that?” She jerked her arm out of his grasp. “I’d have to quit my job in order to take care of him. And if I did that, I’d have no source of income. Then he and I would both end up living in this mess.” He shook his head. “Not if you got married.” Her eyes widened. “Got married? To whom?” “I don’t know. I’m sure I could find you somebody.” She narrowed her eyes. “Well, I don’t want a husband, Hunter. Because husbands don’t much like it when their wives have ambitions and earn wages.” “But don’t you see, that’s the whole point.” Grabbing a bandanna from his pocket, he swiped it across the back of his neck. “You wouldn’t have to earn wages. Once you married, your husband could take care of you, and you, in turn, could take care of the baby.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Bending low, Billy whispered to the infant and tickled his chin, her profile and jawline as fine as any fairy-tale princess’s. Everything about her intrigued him. Nothing about her made sense. She’d taken to the babe like a bear to a honey tree. Clearly, she’d make a good mother. So why would she have intentionally given up the sacred calling of her sex in exchange for the toil and hardship of a man’s? Had she feared she’d become a spinster and didn’t want to be a burden to her family? But that didn’t make a bit of sense. Not with her curves and face and easy laughter. There had to have been plenty of men willing to guard and protect her within the walls of their homes and the strength of their arms.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on.” Tugging the rim of his hat, he winked. “Wish I could say the same, ma’am.” Red rushed into her cheeks. Die and be blamed, but he liked to see her blush.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Hunter burst out laughing. Billy twisted around, one hand holding the babe securely on the cot, one hand clutching her collar. Red filled every inch of her skin. “What are you doing here?” she hissed. Instead of answering, he chuckled and shook his head. He couldn’t imagine why any little girl would want to be a doctor when everybody knew girls were supposed to grow up and become mothers. She turned her back to him, then began to diaper the infant. It was a boy, he noted. “What’s the matter with you, Hunter Scott?” she asked. “What were you doing to sneak in here and eavesdrop on a conversation that wasn’t meant for you?” The tenor of her voice upset the babe and it started to cry again. Making his way to her side, he cocked a hip against the cot. “I’m sorry, Billy. I really am sorry to have upset the babe, but I wouldn’t have missed that tale for the world.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Is that tender right there?” “A little.” She backtracked and did it again. “Do you do that on purpose?” he asked, scowling. “Do you press it again to see if you can get a holler out of me?” “Of course not. I’m just trying to see if I feel any inflammation.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“May I walk you home?” he asked. “Under the circumstances, I thought perhaps I should walk you home.” He lifted the corner of his mouth. “Despite what you may think, I never get sick. Most of us boys from Texas have been raised with a gun in one hand and a milk bottle in the other. So, no need to worry. I’ll be fine. I feel a hundred times better already. Thank you . . . I think.” Her smile returned. “You’re welcome . . . I think.” “Are you ready to go?” She shook her head. “I have some paperwork yet.” “I thought you closed at seven.” “We do. But I imagine I’ll be staying until a little bit after nine on most days.” Nine. Good to know. That’s when his second shift of the day ended. He placed a hand on the doorknob. “I’ll see you tomorrow, doc.” “Tomorrow?” “For my massage.” Winking, he stepped through the door and gently pulled it shut behind him.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play

“Does your stomach still hurt?” Approaching the bed, she glanced at the sheet twisted about him and tugged it loose, then brought it up to his chest. “Well? Does it?” “I’m all right.” She folded the lip of the sheet over and smoothed it across him. “You tucking me in?” “You still sleepy?” “I need to get up. What time is it?” “Around eight o’clock.” His eyes widened. “At night?” “Yes.”
― Deeanne Gist, Fair Play