“Lyra marveled at the effect hope could have.”
“A court that wouldn t just change the world. It would start the world over.”
“If you fear the past, it becomes your future.”
“I d rather have an ugly face than an ugly heart.”
“Don t fucking swear. -Ronan Lynch”
“The world was not just moving. It was alive. And it was ready to fight.”
“Dreams are hopeful because they exist as pure possibility.”
“Forgivenesss: It s a miracle drug. It s God s miracle drug.”
“Oh my God, cheese burn!”
“My favourite books got happily-ever-afters— why couldn’t I?”
“Because the truth is, it isn t worth loving something if you aren t going to love it all the way.”
“Wait, I said as Noah slipped a book from a shelf and headed toward the door. Where are you going? To read? But I don t want you to. But I need to go home, I said, my eyes meeting his. My parents are going to kill me. Taken care of. You re at Sophie s house. I loved Sophie. So I m...staying here? Daniel s covering for you. I loved Daniel. Where s Katie? I asked, trying to sound casual. Eliza s house. I loved Eliza. And your parents? I asked. Some charity thing. I loved charity. So why are you going to read when I m right here?”
“Have you kissed many boys before? he asked quietly. His question brought my mind back into focus. I raised an eyebrow. Boys? That s an assumption. Noah laughed, the sound low and husky. Girls, then? No. Not many girls? Or not many boys? Neither, I said. Let him make of that what he would. How many? Why— I am taking away that word. You are no longer allowed to use it. How many? My cheeks flushed, but my voice was steady as I answered. One. At this, Noah leaned in impossibly closer, the slender muscles in his forearm flexing as he bent his elbow to bring himself nearer to me, almost touching. I was heady with the proximity of him and grew legitimately concerned that my heart might explode. Maybe Noah wasn t asking. Maybe I didn t mind. I closed my eyes and felt Noah s five o clock graze my jaw, and the faintest whisper of his lips at my ear. He was doing it wrong.”
“You could start a fire with the heat between you two. You re mistaking bitter animosity for heartfelt affection.”
“In my rush, I hadn’t tied my shoelaces. Noah was now tying them for me. He looked up at me through his dark fringe of lashes and smiled. The expression on his face melted me completely. I knew I had the goofiest grin plastered on my lips, and didn’t care. “There,” he said as he finished tying the laces on my left shoe. “Now you won’t fall.” Too late.”
“Is there any point asking what you re going to make me do on Sunday? Not really. Okay. Is there any point asking what you re going to do to me? He grinned wickedly. Not really. Fabulous. Does it involve the use of a safe word? That will depend entirely on you. Noah moved impossibly closer, just inches away. A few freckles disappeared into the scruff on his jaw. I ll be gentle, Noah added. My breath caught in my throat as he looked at me from beneath those lashes, ruining me. I narrowed my eyes at him. You re evil. In response, Noah smiled, and raised his finger to gently tap the tip of my nose. And you re mine, he said, then walked away.”
“I hate you, I muttered. Noah smiled wider. I know.”