What Remains Quotes

“Dork," I chastised affectionately. But his cheesy exclamation was something I was okay with. I smiled up at him. His hazels danced with mischief. "Okay," I agreed.

The mischief turned to triumph.

Damn those magic eyes!”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Max, don’t go,” Terry sighed. “She doesn’t know.” “I know enough,” I whispered. “You stay, Max. I’m leaving.” I started to swim away. “You’re good at leaving,” Max said gruffly. I turned to look at him and I saw hurt. My heart jerked. I saw true hurt in those amazing eyes. I shook my head and turned away, swimming back to shore. No, he didn’t get to act hurt. It was my heart that was broken.               I”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“She’s Uncle Terry’s sissy.” That crooked grin appeared on his lips. It affected me as much now as it had then. “Yeah, I know who she is, doll.” He looked to me and the look on his face was pure affection. “I’ve known Hadley for a good long while.” My brain gave permission for my stomach to release more butterflies. I wanted to ask him to stop looking at me like that. No, affectionate glances were definitely not allowable.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Why did you keep it?” I whispered. I ran my fingers over the letters again and pressed my cheek to his chest. His arms came up and about me and I was engulfed in him. It was the best spot on earth. “You have to ask?” His deep voice rumbled in his chest and against my ear. His lips moved against my hair, “It should be pretty obvious.” I smiled. “The whole angel would have been painful to remove, but you could have camouflaged my name. He chuckled and flexed his arms. “So why?” I wrapped my arms around him and peeked up at his face. The magic eyes were soft and happy on me now. “That tattoo is a permanent part of me, Hadley,” he murmured. “You are, too. Ain’t no way in hell I’m giving up either.” My heart slammed hard. “You get me?” He grinned. I nodded stupidly. He”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I grabbed his hand, turned him about, reached up around his neck, pulled him down, and kissed him hard. My fingers were in his hair, my body against his, and control was all mine. Best feeling of my life. Max had no time to react to my attack, before I was letting him go and heading back toward my house. My body hummed, my heart was pounding, and I couldn’t help my smile. “Hadley,” he called after me. “Get back here.” I laughed and shook my head. I didn’t turn back to him until I was safely up on my porch. He stood there, hands on his hips, staring after me with a crooked grin. I could see the mark under his eye already reddening and swelling. It made him even sexier. “Slow and easy, sweetheart. Right?” I called down to him. He tilted his head and then his eyes lit. “Yeah?” “If I don’t distance myself now, I’m going to break that rule.” His”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I never hated you,” I argued. “I was hurt and I was angry, but I never hated you.” “And now?” I grinned. “I kind of like you.” He shook his head at me. “I think you more than kind of like me.” I raised my brows. “Oh?” He nodded and his gaze dropped to my mouth and then back to my eyes. “I think you kind of love me.” I gasped in shock and held my breath. He gentled me with a smile. “Just like I kind of love you.” He kissed my forehead tenderly. “Still,” he added. “Because that has never changed.” He hugged me tighter. “I’ve always loved you, Hadley and I won’t let you escape again.” “No?” my voice trembled. “No,” he growled and moved in without hesitation. “And I’m going to kiss you now,” he murmured.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I figured if you have your own place, you would be less likely to want to leave again.” There it was. I saw the uncertainty in his eyes. He was afraid. “Max.” He pulled me closer. “I just want you to stay.” He shook his head. “My life is here, Hadley. My job, my family, my identity is all wrapped up in this town.” His fingers gently tipped my chin. “And now that you’re back everything feels like it should.” He brushed his fingers against my cheek. “I was struggling for some happiness. I was fighting to keep my smile so that I could be the rock my mom needs and the dad my daughter needs, but I was struggling.” He leaned in and those hazel eyes held me captive. “The moment I saw you sitting on your porch, my happy returned.” My heart turned over in my chest. “Hadley, I need you here.” I stepped closer. His arms gently circled my waist and he drew me into the strength of them. He bent down slightly and my arms automatically went around his neck. He leaned down and set his cheek against mine. The scrape of his stubble against my smooth skin was a sensation that I could not describe the pleasure of. His lips to my ear made me shiver. “Stay?” “I had no plans to leave,” I whispered.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I’m not…I’m not with Max,” I stuttered. “We’re just hanging out and getting reacquainted.” Terry chuckled and patted my arm. “What ever, sister. I talked to Max last night.” He got up and moved to the door. “And that man is in love with you.” I gave him a curious look. “Mom wants you to know breakfast is on. I’m heading to the shop.” He grinned at my look. “What?” “Max isn’t in love with me,” I argued. Terry rolled his eyes. “The hell he’s not.” He opened the door. “He never stopped being in love with you, and you love him, too. Stop playing.” I”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Max, she’s your daughter. It’s okay. I understand. She should come first. I would think you a jerk if you didn’t drop everything for her. I like this side of you.” He grinned up at me. “Yeah?” “You’re a good father, Max.” He got to his feet and came to stand before me. He gently drew me near. “Yeah?” I looked up at him and loved the softness of his eyes. My thoughts scurried about, but I managed not to succumb to their magic. “You love her. You want to protect her.” “You’re okay with a boring dad?” He rubbed my arms gently. “It’s kind of sexy,” I admitted. His eyes lit and he grinned. “Yeah?” Lifting up on my toes, I kissed the stubble of his chin. “Yeah,” I said softly and started for the Shelby.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Its lovely out here.” He chuckled. “And the company is okay?” I smiled. “It’ll do.” “It’ll do?” A snarl rumbled in his throat. The hold on my hands tightened. I yelped as he pulled me against his chest. “Don’t dunk me,” I pleaded, laughing at his frown. I wrapped my arms about his shoulders to keep above the surface. His arms wrapped about my waist “Dunk you?” He shook his head slowly and his arms flexed about me. “That was the old Max,” his voice was low and tender. My heart stopped for a second. I had to remind myself to breathe, as he watched for my reaction to him. “And what does the new Max do for retaliation now?” My voice was barely over a whisper. All of my bravado was gone. The strong arms about me stirred feelings I hadn’t felt in a long while. I looked up into his face and the evening had darkened his eyes. He smiled gently. “New Max would never retaliate.” I blinked up at him. “I’m more into kissing and making up than fighting.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Aren’t you going to finish?”               His grin grew. “I had breakfast.” He stood up. “The food was a ruse. I got what I wanted.”               I blushed.               He pushed the plate in front of me. “You can have my bacon.”               My tongue was tied.               “I will see you after then?”               I nodded dumbly.               “Thank you, Mrs. Winston,” he called, taking a sip of coffee. He was about to leave, but turned back, and leaned toward me.               I held my breath. His eyes softened on me. His eyes mesmerized me. They were a weapon on my defenses. Beautiful. He chuckled warmly and then snatched a piece of bacon from my plate.               “Max!” He took a bite, chewed thoughtfully, and smiled. “You’re right, it does taste better stolen.” Ok,”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Not eating?”               “Working.” I held up the menu and avoided those teasing eyes.               “You know, you could have come and worked for me, if you needed a job.” He layered butter over his feast.               I laughed and shook my head.               “What?” He started cutting up his pancakes. “You don’t think I’d make a good boss?” He poured syrup over the hotcakes.               I shrugged. “No.”               He laughed in surprise. “No?”               I kept my eyes on the menu and deftly stole a piece of his bacon. “Plus, I steal things.” I took a bite and chewed, without giving him a glance.               “Last time that happens,” he grumbled. I saw him turn his plate out of the corner of my eye, so that the bacon was further away.               I took another bite of my contraband to hide my smile.               Mrs. Winston set his coffee down and shook her head. “You want bacon, Hadley?”               I smiled. “Nah, it tastes better stolen,” I teased.               Max”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I would love to kiss you right now.” His fingers tipped my chin, so that he had my full attention. I felt that rush and my heart stalled in my chest. He moved closer and I closed my eyes. “But I think I will wait just a bit longer.” His voice washed over me with its warm tones. That deep sound reverberated in my chest. I opened my eyes with delayed surprise and I found him just looking at me. That look! I should have kept my eyes closed because my disappointment deepened. He was holding back, and that made me want his kiss even more. “W-why?” I hated how unsteady my voice sounded. He shrugged with that devilish look still in his eyes. “I know the old Hadley loved my kiss. I’m just getting to know this new Hadley.” I frowned. He chuckled. “What?” He grinned, making the look in his eyes even more devastating. Did he want to make me a simpering fool? Well, I was no longer the young girl he remembered. “Nothing.” I shook my head and shrugged. “But I do hope you have improved from the last time.” His jaw dropped. I couldn’t hold up my own act with that look of shock on his face. It was adorable. I started to laugh. He lifted his brow. And shook his head. “Careful, little girl.” I smiled. “I’m not scared of you.” I started when he jumped to his feet. He grasped my wrists and pulled me quickly to my feet, before putting me right up and over his shoulder. “Just remember, I’m bigger and stronger,” the timbre in his voice had deepened. He started back to the car. I tried not to struggle too much. I should feel offense at his caveman display, but something in the action was way beyond attractive. It was kinda hot! But I would never tell him that. The strength he displayed with his sure-footed jaunted down the steep hill he had just helped me up was impressive. “Where are we going?” I yelped. He adjusted his stance, and altered my position on his shoulder, so he could open the car door. “Away from here, or I’ll end up doing more than kissing your smart mouth.” I smiled, knowing he couldn’t see it. “Yeah, like I’d let that happen.” His dark laugh sent warmth through me. “Your story.” He dropped me gently back into the passenger seat. I felt dizzy for a moment, but when that cleared I glared back at the handsome devil grinning at me. “My story?” He winked. “We both know how you get after a few kisses, Hadley.” It was my turn to let my jaw drop.                                                         Chapter”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I buried my face into my hands. I felt his arms go about me. “I messed up,” I cried softly. “Come here,” he whispered. I crawled into his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to do. His strong arms encircled me and he buried his face into my neck. “Take a step with me,” he implored. I pulled back to study him. His warm eyes studied me back. “What do you mean?” “We are different people now. I love who we were. But lets see who we are now…together.” My heart slammed against my ribs. “Okay,” I whispered. “I know you have a lot to process.” His hand brushed down the length of my hair. “I’m in no rush, Hadley.” He drew in a breath. “I’ll wait for you.” I”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I would never have hurt you that way, Hadley. I felt like you gave up on me.” I pulled in a breath. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?” “I asked Terry to keep quiet and let you have your space.” He shrugged. “Then you and Logan got married and I thought that maybe you were happy, so what was the point?” “I wasn’t happy,” I whispered. He drew a finger gently down my cheek. His touch sent shivers right through me. “I would have come for you.” “But”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered. “Being here with you. Being anywhere with you.” I didn’t know what to say to that. I felt the same, but should I be feeling that way? “I come up all the time,” he said softly. “Even in the winter.” He peaked over at me and grinned. “It’s a better view at this moment than It has been in a very long time.” He reached again for my hand. I met his gaze. “Max…” “Hadley…” he mocked softly. “It’s not okay to hold your hand?” He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back gently. How did one say no to that? His hazel eyes held me captive.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Those hazels lit when they saw me, which did funny things to my heart. How could he still light up like that? Like I was his favorite person in the world? “Hello, Hadley,” he drawled gently. I smiled, unable to form words. My”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“Just stop. You promised a talk. We will talk, but tomorrow.” “Why not now?” I pushed against his chest, but he was immobile. He sighed and tipped my chin up. “Because I’m afraid if I spend anymore time alone with you now I will just end up…” He took in a breath. “I’ll just end up kissing you and making a fool out of myself.” It was my turn to catch my breath. He leaned in and pressed his forehead to mine. I couldn’t fight him. I didn’t want to fight him. “Since I saw you this morning, sitting on the porch swing with your hair all a mess, I’ve been thinking about nothing but kissing you.” His voice warmed me. I swallowed hard and breathed in his scent; a flood of memories rush at me because of just that…Max’s scent. “I don’t want you to kiss me,” I lied. If my hands grasping the front of his shirt didn’t give away my lie, the tremble in my voice would. He chuckled softly. “No?” I shook my head. He kissed my forehead gently. “Is that okay?” I nodded. His lips traveled gently over my temple and he kissed my cheek. “And that?” Again I nodded dumbly. He wrapped his arms more securely around me. The warmth of his body was comfort and excitement all in one. I felt his heart beating furiously against my own. “This?” I trembled. “Hadley?” I pushed gently against his chest but his arms only flexed in protest. “I can’t,” I whispered.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains

“I turned my wrist over and smiled at my very own butterfly imbedded artfully and permanently into my skin. It was simple…just a black outline...a cookie cutter tattoo.  At least that was what Max had called it. Gently I traced the outline and remembered the day I got it. I was just eighteen, and scared to death, but I wanted it so badly. To make me feel better, Max decided to get one as well. It would be his sixth tattoo…not his first time under the ink gun. He was a pro in my eyes and so having him there helped. He teased me about my choice saying I was too girly, but when the work was done, he had looked at me with admiration. “It suits you,” he had whispered. “It’s pretty and uncomplicated…just like you.” He’d leaned in and kissed me gently. I can still feel the scrape of his stubble and the warmth of his lips. The hazel eyes were earnest, as he pulled away. “What did you get?” I had asked, still overwhelmed by him. That crooked grin set the butterflies to flight in my stomach. He’d chuckled and went for the hem of his shirt, lifting it up on the left side. I’d seen the beautiful angel he had gone back time and time again to be finished. It was a twist of wings and shadows and it raveled down the entire rib cage ending just at his hip. It was a masterpiece.  I had admired it for an instant before I noticed the change. I had covered my mouth and gasped in surprise. Woven into one of the angel’s wings was my name.”
― Sarah Brocious, What Remains