Rescuing Rayne Quotes

“I can tell you think being a romantic is a bad thing, and while I freely admit to wanting to find a man to spend the rest of my life with, I do know the world isn’t always sunshine and roses. Most of the time it’s overcast skies and poison ivy. That’s why I read the books and watch the movies I do. If the only way I can experience romance is through my imagination and fairy-tale books and the weddings of English Royalty, I’m going to do it.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Guys like him…they aren’t the flowers-and-candy type. He probably won’t take you out to a romantic dinner. I don’t see him renting a plane and having it fly a banner declaring his love for you.” Rayne giggled and nodded in agreement. “But if you pay attention, you’ll see the signs that he cares. A hand against your back. Asking if you need anything. He’ll make sure you eat before him. He’ll walk on the outside of the sidewalk, making sure you’re away from traffic. The signs will be there, but they won’t ever be the big romantic gestures most women crave.” “He wraps my wrists and ankles every morning. He took my nasty snot-filled tissues yesterday without making a big deal out of it. He let me have as much cream cheese on my bagel this morning as I wanted, even though it meant I used most of it and he only had a little bit.” Penelope nodded. “Exactly. They’ll swear until they’re dead as a doornail that they aren’t romantic, when in reality, what we see in the movies and on TV as ‘romance’ is just smoke and mirrors. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather have their brand of romance than Hollywood’s.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Romance isn’t about the outer trappings society has pushed down our throats from the time we were little. It’s showing in all the little ways that you care about the person you’re with. That you’ll protect her if the shit hits the fan, that you’ll provide for her, that you’ll let her choose what she wants to do and where she wants to eat, even if it’s not what you would pick for yourself.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Damn,” he whispered to himself, cutting off his thoughts. “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“She rested her head on the seat behind her, and closed her eyes. She whispered to no one in particular, “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Fine, maybe you’re a bit of a Neanderthal when it comes to relationships. You’re not perfect. Great. I get it. But, Ghost, you are romantic.” When Ghost began to shake his head in denial, or disgust, Rayne wasn’t sure which, she put her hand on his knee. “Let me finish.” Waiting until he finally nodded, she continued. “You’ve paid for every single thing we’ve done today, from the taxi, to lunch, to tipping the concierge at the hotel. When we were walking to the subway station, you put yourself between the traffic and me when we were on the sidewalk. You protected me from the crowds as we got in and out of the subway. You let me sit, while you stood near me, making sure no one got too close. You even carried my suitcase from the taxi to the hotel. Seriously, Ghost, you do these things and don’t even realize you’re doing them. That is a sign of a man who knows how to treat a woman. That’s what women think is romantic. Screw flowers, they’ll just die sooner rather than later. And even if you leave without saying goodbye to a woman, I’ll bet everything I own you take very good care of her before you take off…don’t you?”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Do you have any questions for me?”

“What kind of physical activity is she cleared for?” Ghost asked with a straight face.

“Oh my God, you did not just ask that,” Rayne hissed and smacked Ghost lightly on the arm.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Hell, buy twelve boxes of tampons and three bottles of prenatal vitamins. That’ll confuse the clerk for sure.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“All my life, since I’ve worked with the team, we’ve rescued people, we’ve killed, we’ve gone into any and every situation, no questions asked. And every time I’ve come home to an empty house. I’ve done my own laundry, cooked my own food, cleaned my own space. I fucking love coming home to you, Princess. You make everything I’ve done, every sacrifice I’ve made, worth it.”

“Ghost—”

“I love you. I know it’s fast. I know people will call me pussy-whipped, but I don’t give a shit. You’re mine. I left you once, I won’t do it again. You were given to me to cherish, to protect, and to love. I’m not fucking that up again.”

“Oh my God.”

“I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m not even asking you to move in with me, although I’ve loved every second of you being here.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne

“Rayne heard Ghost open the door to the house and when he didn’t immediately appear, went looking for him. She found him standing in the laundry room, staring at what she saw was simply a load of dirty clothes she hadn’t yet put into the washer. Ever since she’d asked to borrow the car while he was at work for the last week or so, Ghost had been picked up by Fletch and dropped off after work by one of the other guys on the team. This was the first time she could remember him coming into the house through the garage, and thus through the small laundry room.

“Ghost? What are you doing? Are you all right?”

He looked up at her.

“You’re doing our laundry.”
“Yeah? So? It was dirty. You didn’t want to walk around in nasty, smelly clothes did you?”

Rayne had no idea what his deal was. Ghost dropped his duffle back on the floor and came toward her.

“You’re doing our laundry.”

“Yeah, Ghost. I am,” she repeated.

“Ours. Our laundry.”

“Did you hit your head today? I’m seriously worried about you.”

Ghost picked her up by her waist and set her down on top of the washing machine.

“I fucking love coming home and walking into my house and seeing your panties mixed up with my boxers. To come home and know you’re here. Waiting for me. You have no idea. None.”

Chills broke out on Rayne’s arms and legs at Ghost’s words, but he didn’t stop.

“This is what we fight for. This is what we’re willing to die for.”

“For me to wash your dirty clothes?” Rayne had no idea what he was getting at. She wasn’t trying to be snarky, her question was genuine. Ghost leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes. She could feel his hands squeeze her waist and move up under her T-shirt to her lower back, where he stroked. She knew he understood exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t absently caressing her; he was running his hands over her tattoo, over their tattoo.”
― Susan Stoker, Rescuing Rayne