Book: Virgin River
Quotes of Book: Virgin River
Look, Mel. Look at that sky. You can't find that anywhere else on earth. All those stars, that moon-the clear black sky. That belongs to us." She looked up at the most gorgeous sky imaginable, with more stars than she thought existed. He stepped behind her and with his hands on both of her upper arms, he gently squeezed. "You just can't see this in the city. In any city." "It is beautiful," she said softly. "I admit, this is beautiful country." "It's majestic. One of these days, before you pack it in and run for your life, I'd like to show you some things. The redwoods, the rivers, the coast. It's almost time for whale watching." She leaned back against him and couldn't deny it felt pretty good to be shored up by Jack. "I'm sorry about what happened tonight." He leaned down and inhaled the scent of her hair. "I was really impressed with how well you handled it-but I'm sorry he… I hate that he touched you like that. I thought I had an eye on him." "Too quick for me. Too quick for you," she said. He turned her around and looked into her eyes. He thought he saw an invitation there in her upturned face and he lowered his. She put a hand on his chest. "I have to go in now," she said, a little breathless. He straightened. "We both know I couldn't throw you," she said, smiling weakly. "You'll never have to," he said. But he still held her arms, so reluctant to let go. "Good night, Jack. And thanks for everything. Despite Nick-I had a good time." "Glad to hear it," he said. And he let go. She book-quoteMind if I ask how you learned that?" "It was a long time ago-when I was in my last year of college. There had been some rapes around the campus and a bunch of us went to a self-defense instructor together. To tell you the truth, I was never sure that would work in a real situation. I mean, with an instructor, mats on the floor, everything rehearsed and knowing exactly what to expect-that's one thing. But I wasn't sure I could react the same way if a real rapist jumped out from behind a parked car." "Now you know. He never saw it coming." "Yeah, that worked to my advantage, too." She sipped her coffee. "I didn't see what he did," he said. "I could tell by the stupid grin on his face and the shocked look on yours that something happened." She put her cup on the bar. "Major butt grope," she said. And she noted that Jack's expression went instantly dark; mean, narrowed eyes, deep frown. "Whew, easy buddy, it wasn't your butt. I saw you making a move-what were you about to do?" "Way too much," he said. "I don't like seeing something like that in my bar. I was watching him all night. The second he saw you, it was a target lock-on." "He was a giant nuisance, but I'm pretty sure he'll leave me alone now," she said. book-quoteShe stayed there for a moment longer, then he was beside her again. Nick. "I waited," he said. "Oh, Nick. Sorry-but I have to mingle. I'm new in town you know." And off the stool she leaped, beer in her hand, leaving the plate behind. As Nick made to follow, he found his wrist clamped down on the bar. Jack looked into his eyes darkly. "Your wife is waiting for you over there." "Be a sport, Jack," Nick said, laughing. "You'd better behave yourself," Jack warned. Nick laughed heartily. "Now, Jack-you can't have all the pretty girls to yourself. I mean, come on, man! All our wives are hot for you-cut a guy some slack. book-quoteShe took a deep breath and, lifting the baby from the sink, laid her in the towel being held by Jack. She cocked her head in appreciation as Jack took the infant confidently, wrapping her snugly and cuddling her close. "You're pretty good at that," she said. "The nieces," he said, jiggling the baby against his broad chest. "I've held a baby or two. You going to stay on a bit?" he asked. "Well, there are problems with that idea. I have nowhere to stay. That cabin is not only unacceptable for me, it's more unacceptable for this infant. The porch collapsed, remember? And there are no steps to the back door. The only way in is to literally crawl." "There's a room upstairs," Doc said. "If you stay and help out, you'll be paid." Then he looked at her over the rims of his reading glasses and sternly added, "Don't get attached to her. Her mother will turn up and want her back." * book-quoteYou could've offered the girl a warm place to sleep," Jack said. "It's pretty clear Hope didn't get that old cabin straight for her." "Don't feel up to company," he said. Then Doc lifted his gaze to Jack's face. "Seems you're more interested than me, anyway." "Didn't really look like she'd trust anyone around here at the moment," Jack said. "Cute little thing, though, huh?" "Can't say I noticed," he said. He took a sip and then said, "Didn't look like she had the muscle for the job, anyway." Jack laughed. "Thought you didn't notice?" But he had noticed. She was maybe five-three. Hundred and ten pounds. Soft, curling blond hair that, when damp, curled even more. Eyes that could go from kind of sad to feisty in an instant. He enjoyed that little spark when she had snapped at him that she didn't feel particularly humorous. And when she took on Doc, there was a light that suggested she could handle all kinds of things just fine. But the best part was that mouth-that little pink heart-shaped mouth. Or maybe it was the fanny. "Yeah," Jack said. "You could've cut a guy a break and been a little friendlier. Improve the scenery around here. book-quoteThe bartender set down a bowl along with a napkin and utensils, then stood there awaiting her. He held the chair for her. Close up, she saw how big a guy he was-over six feet and broad-shouldered. "Miserable weather for your first night in Virgin River," he said pleasantly. "Miss Melinda Monroe, this is Jack Sheridan. Jack, Miss Monroe." Mel felt the urge to correct them-tell them it was Mrs. But she didn't because she didn't want to explain that there was no longer a Mr. Monroe, a Dr. Monroe in fact. So she said, "Pleased to meet you. Thank you," she added, accepting the stew. "This is a beautiful place, when the weather cooperates," he said. "I'm sure it is," she muttered, not looking at him. "You should give it a day or two," he suggested. She dipped her spoon into the stew and gave it a taste. He hovered near the table for a moment. Then she looked up at him and said in some surprise, "This is delicious." "Squirrel," he said. She choked. "Just kidding," he said, grinning at her. "Beef. Corn fed." "Forgive me if my sense of humor is a bit off," she replied irritably. "It's been a long and rather arduous day." "Has it now?" he said. "Good thing I got the cork out of the Remy, then. book-quote
