By accessing or using this site you accept and agree to our Terms and Conditions
We run an ad-free website, help us keep going, Support Us!
Stirring Up Love
Chandra Blumberg
Top 10 Best Quotes
“The avatar she’d designed to conquer the game of life wouldn’t stop to hug her nemesis. Badass Simone would pulverize the competition. Find his biggest weakness and exploit it in a tactical strike.”
“I’m sorry.” The words didn’t touch his sorrow for her. On impulse, he clasped her hand, and she didn’t pull away. He should’ve recognized the smoke screens she put up, the first line of defense of the wounded and scarred. “Don’t be,” she said. “I only told you because I’m sick of your condemnation. But I don't want your pity either.” He swept his thumb along the side of her palm. “It’s not pity.” “Then what is it?” Understanding. A barrier between them slipping away. “A wake-up call,” he said, really seeing her for the first time.”
“You’re wrong about one thing. I’ve failed plenty. But I’m not going to fail at this. And since you insist on staying, you’ll get a front-row seat to my success. Enjoy the upgrade from the cheap seats.” She turned and sauntered away. Done with the confrontation. Done with him.Cheap seats? Oh heck no. Insult his sauce? Whatever. Insult him? Fine. But she’d hit a nerve by smack-talking like a spoiled princess. Dazzled by her beauty—and that was on him—he’d forgotten for a moment she was selling hand-me-down sauce from an inherited restaurant. Secure by birthright in comforts he’d spent his childhood chasing, only to fail, again and again. Forget forfeiting. Not only did he plan to show up and outsell Simone Blake every week, but he’d accept the invitation to pitch his brand on The Executives. Win an investment and prove once and for all, in front of the whole country, that he mattered. He might come from nothing, but he was going somewhere. Cheap seats? She’d be watching his victory from the couch.”
“You’re relieved of duty, bachelorette. Go take thy lack of crafting skills elsewhere. You’re a disgrace to bakers everywhere.” “Excuse me, Chantal, but have you seen my bonbons?” Chantal laughed. “Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.” “What my sister means to say is her sugar work is top notch.” Simone eyed the bow critically. Probably because she was the only sober one. “Unfortunately, looks like that skill doesn’t transfer to non edible items.”
“You two come to us professing yourselves to be the god and goddess of barbecue.”Goddess of barbecue? Simone steeled her own smile to remain in place. She’d never once referred to herself as a goddess of anything. She was an entrepreneur, not a teenager trying to launch a career as a pop star.”
“You said you’d welcome competition, yet you went and pulled some strings to drive away the first person to challenge you.” “I told you already. There must’ve been a clerical error.” She crossed her arms. “And scared? Please. My barbecue’s the best—I could beat anyone’s sauce, any day.” Her voice squeaked on the last word, and he let one corner of his mouth lift. “From what I heard around the market this morning, it’s your grandfather’s sauce, not yours.”
“You own a barbecue sauce company and you’ve never smoked meat?” She whistled low. “The indecency.” He laughed. “Maybe you can teach me, when we’re partners.” “Nice try. You’re not getting your grubby novice hands on my smoker. But I could point you in the direction of a few good YouTube tutorials.” “Sounds a lot less fun than a personal demonstration.” He grinned. “Don’t be gross, Finn.” But she was smiling too.”
“You apologize awful quick.” Quick? He’d had days to think it over. A week full of regret… and wonder. “Only when I know I’m wrong.” Mrs. Blake shot him a sly grin. “”Guess I see why my granddaughter saw fit not to leave you in the desert.”
“Whoa, Tornado. Where’s the fire?” She should’ve said, “In the stove,” just to be annoying. But that would only be half-true. Because the fire was right here, between them. In the air, popping like static. In his eyes, gone dark and intense. Her breath caught when she realized he was still holding her arms. “I was gonna shower. You’re all fresh, and I probably smell like trail dirt and river water.” “You smell amazing.” He spoke low, and she gave in to desire, her body arching toward him. “Like always.” Finn’s hands fisted in the hem of her hoodie, and he tugged her closer, bringing their hips together. She gasped. “Like a garden after a thunderstorm.”
“When he saw her, his whole face lit up like a Vegas billboard. Like he was happy to see her. Like he liked her. “Bad news, Simone. They only had one room left. Just one twin bed.” He tapped the key cards on the desk and bounced his brows, the corners of his mouth upturned. “Cozy, though.” “If you want me to believe these ridiculous scenarios you keep throwing out, at least have the decency to keep a straight face.”
Except where otherwise noted, all rights reserved to the author(s) of this book (mentioned above). The content of this page serves as promotional material only. If you enjoyed these quotes, you can support the author(s) by acquiring the full book from Amazon.
Book Keywords:
throwing-shade, flirting, apologizing, its-on-like-donkey-kong, defense-mechanism, misunderstood, throw-down, labeled, playful-banter, sensual-attraction, little-sister, avatar, verbal-salt, scent-of-a-woman, insinuating, forgiven, video-game-reference, insinuation, wake-up-call, called-out