1
" Texas Rangers are men who cannot be stampeded. We walk into any situation and handle it without instruction from our commander. Sometimes we work as a unit, sometimes we work alone.” He turned his attention to the jurors. “We preserve the law. We track down train and bank robbers. We subdue riots. We guard our borders. We’ll follow an outlaw clear across the country if we need to. In my four years of service, I’ve traveled eighty-six thousand miles on horse, nineteen hundred on train, gone on two hundred thirty scouts, made two hundred seventeen arrests, returned five hundred six head of stolen cattle, assisted forty-three local sheriffs, guarded a half dozen jails, and spent more time on the trail than I have in my own bed. We’ve been around since before the Alamo, and”—he turned to Hood, impaling him with his stare—“we’re touchy as a teased snake when riled, so I wouldn’t recommend it. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
2
" Hunter burst out laughing. Billy twisted around, one hand holding the babe securely on the cot, one hand clutching her collar. Red filled every inch of her skin. “What are you doing here?” she hissed. Instead of answering, he chuckled and shook his head. He couldn’t imagine why any little girl would want to be a doctor when everybody knew girls were supposed to grow up and become mothers. She turned her back to him, then began to diaper the infant. It was a boy, he noted. “What’s the matter with you, Hunter Scott?” she asked. “What were you doing to sneak in here and eavesdrop on a conversation that wasn’t meant for you?” The tenor of her voice upset the babe and it started to cry again. Making his way to her side, he cocked a hip against the cot. “I’m sorry, Billy. I really am sorry to have upset the babe, but I wouldn’t have missed that tale for the world. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
4
" But she wasn't a wife and mother. And, Joey aside, she didn't want to be one. Her mother had spend every last minute cooking for Papa, cleaning for Papa, looking nice for Papa, entertaining for Papa, producing babies for Papa. The measuring stick she used to judge herself based on how pleased or displeased Papa was with her, their home, and her ability to raise their children properly.
The very thought of being measured by that same stick horrified Billy. She couldn't think of anything worse. As far as she was concerned, domesticity was nothing more than a glorified jail sentence. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
12
" How was I supposed to know it was going to turn on Halsted? Are you trying to pick a fight?” “Maybe.” “Why?” “Because this area is full of dissipation and refuse and disease,” he said. “And, like it or not, you’re a female and he’s a babe. The cable car provides protection and the both of you should stay on it for as long as possible.” Tightening her hold on the infant, she stepped into the street and wove between traffic. “Ah, but we have with us a big Texas Ranger and his ominous-looking gun.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you baiting me?” “Maybe.” “Why?” “Because, like it or not, you’re an overbearing male who thinks I’m made out of porcelain.” Reaching the boardwalk on the other side, she squared up to him. “Well, I’m not made of porcelain or crystal or any other fragile material. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
13
" Wrapping her in a giant hug, he kissed her again. He turned his head one way and then the other. Until finally, he deepened the kiss. Her body grew limp. How long they kissed, she wasn’t sure, but he finally pulled back, then pressed her head against his shoulder. His heart hammered against her ear. “Billy . . .” His voice was ragged, almost tortured. He pressed his mouth to her hair, his oversized hands running up and down her back, her sides, and up underneath her arms. It felt heavenly. It felt wanton. It felt right. She slid her eyes shut, allowing the sensations to inundate her. About the time she began to regain equilibrium, he cupped her chin and started all over again. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
15
" Perhaps it was time she was reminded of just how female she was. He leaned in toward her, not stopping until they shared the shade of his Stetson. “Never fear, Dr. Tate. Fragile or not, there’s one thing I’m clear on. You are made of very real, very soft, very delectable womanly flesh. And you can be assured, I’m not likely to forget about it anytime soon.” Lips parting, she stumbled back a step. If she wasn’t holding the baby, he’d have let her fall on that pretty little backside of hers. That would also accomplish his purpose and she’d see he was right. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
19
" I need to freshen up.” He straightened. “Freshen up?” “My hair’s a mess. It came all undone while I was, um . . ..” She waved her hand toward the bed. “And you need to put it back up?” “Yes.” “Why?” She blinked. “Why?” His eyes darkened. She backed up. The berth skimmed the very top of her head. Before she could sneak underneath it, he slipped his arm around her and pulled her to him. “You don’t need to put up your hair,” he said. “I don’t?” “No.” “Because you’re going to take it down?” He kissed the pulse at her neck. “Because I’m going to take it down.” But instead of reaching for her hairpins, he tugged a streamer at her collar loose, unraveling her bow. His lips moved up her neck to her ear. Oh, my. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She grabbed two fistfuls of her skirt. He pulled back, looking at her with a touch of surprise. “Are you nervous?” She spun her skirt around her fists. “No.” He took a step back, his hands resting against her waist. “You are nervous.” “No, no. I’m not.” She lifted her shoulders. “I’m just, um . . .“ She bit her lip. “Nervous.” Chuckling, he wrapped his arms around her and tucked her head beneath his chin. “Ah, Billy girl. There’s nothing to be nervous about. This is the most natural thing in the world. "
― Deeanne Gist , Fair Play (It Happened at the Fair, #2)
