His hands go to my waist—my waist! And they feel so right. I like this closeness. Maybe I like it too much. A guy has never been this close to me. Never. And I can’t believe it’s happening, even if it is to keep from being arrested. My heart beats frantically. Isaiah is hot and scary and hot. Why on earth would a guy like him want to be anywhere near a girl like me? It’s the adrenaline rush. That’s what it is. I like how he feels because I’m still experiencing the adrenaline rush from Isaiah’s NASCAR driving skills. His arm shifts, and I love how that movement causes his muscles to flex. Stop it, Rachel. It’s not real. Focus.

— Katie McGarry

How many more of us are faking the facade? How many more of us are pretending to be something we're not? Even better, how many of us will have the courage to be ourselves regardless of what others think?

— Katie McGarry

I agree. I don't understand how a guy everyone is terrified of makes me feel safe. Furthermore, I don't understand how a guy who stayed behind to protect me when he didn't know me has been shot. Furthermore, I don't understand how a guy who carried me out of an alley full of shattered glass is the enemy everyone is warning me about.

— Katie McGarry

I barely brushed towards her cheek as I moved towards her mouth, her nails tickled my chest, driving me insane. Kissing her became my single reason for breathing.

— Katie McGarry

I bunch Rachel's hair in my fist. The silky strands rub the spot between my fingers and I press my lips to her head. My heart hurts and soars and hurts again, all at the same time. I said I love her. Love her.

— Katie McGarry

I came to this house for safety. They came because the foster care system ran out of homes. We stayed because we were stray pieces of other puzzles, tired of never fitting.

— Katie McGarry

I close my eyes at his intimate touch. It’s a slow movement, not one meant to seduce. It’s one to show how much he loves me, and I flatten my lips, fighting the urge to cry. Noah nudges me toward him and if it wasn’t for his hold, I’d drop like a house of

— Katie McGarry

I'd like to somehow find the courage to be on the outside who I am on the inside.

— Katie McGarry

I don't like how he holds on to her and don't like how long he's holding. That doesn't look like brotherly love to me. I stare at his girl. Why is she so damned happy to see her guy hugging someone else?

— Katie McGarry

I don't lose. Do you hear me? I don't lose and that includes losing you. I'm done being kept in the dark. I'm done feeling like you're slipping right past me. You are not saying goodbye to me. I'm in love with you, and you love me back. You are staying.

— Katie McGarry