---
title: "36 Gaze Quotes By Colleen Houck"
description: "36 Gaze quotes by Colleen Houck. Plus more from Colleen Houck and more Gaze sayings from other authors."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png"
---

> [“I had no right to be in love. I had nothing to offer her. But reason drowned in the beat of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothing-to-offer-her-but-reason/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png)

> [He kissed me fiercely, with an utter abandon that I could no more put a halt to than I could stop an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-abandon-that-i-could-no-more-put/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b61/colleen-houck-1066_abandon_he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-aban_1818271.png)

> [“He considered my question for a moment and then ducked his head to kiss me. He tugged me flush up against his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-and-then-ducked-his-head-to/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d7/colleen-houck-1066_fantasy-fiction_he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-a_2880760.jpg)

> [“I wrapped the unyielding woman I loved in my arms & kissed her slowly, hoping that some part of her would sense…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-in-my-arms-kissed-her-slowly/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a7/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-i_3014515.png)

> [“Kelsey," Ren brushed a hand through his hair, and his smile turned into a lopside grin, "the fact is...I'm in love with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-hair-and-his-smile-turned-into/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85e/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-ha_2511217.png)

> [“I poked my stomach covertly. It still seemed pretty lean to me. Obviously, I wasn’t built like a supermodel, but all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-seemed-pretty-lean-to-me/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c9/colleen-houck-1066_fitness_i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-see_2413794.png)

> [“Well, because you mysteriously came all this way and obviously are not the man I thought you were, why the heck not.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-this-way-and-obviously-are-not/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/colleen-houck-1066_broken-english_well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-t_1274944.jpg)

> [“It's a McLaren SLR 722 Roadster." "How big is it?" "It's a convertible." "Will a tiger fit?" "No. It seats only two,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big-is-it-it-s-a-convertible-will/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a3/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big_554647.png)

> [“He reached over and took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. He toyed with my fingers for a while, then brought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing-his-fingers-through-mine-he/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing_2138615.png)

> [“Now, the last one was that the demon king can’t stand either in heaven or on the earth. Urga set the demon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king-can-t-stand-either-in-heaven/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king_1431786.png)

> [“I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t expect a first kiss to be so…life altering. In a few brief moments, the rule book of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-first-kiss-to-be-so-life/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/colleen-houck-1066_books_i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-fir_1661670.jpg)

> [“I know you don’t like the traffic here. I’m sorry that you’re burdened with this.” I muttered, “Not liking the traffic is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i-m-sorry-that-you-re-burdened/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i_3188978.jpg)

> [“I sighed softly and basked in the barrage of Ren's kisses- drowning kisses, soft kisses, sultry kisses, kisses that lasted a mere…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrage-of-ren-s-kisses-drowning/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d20/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrag_1802298.png)

> [“Why, aren’t you just about as sweet as syrup on a sundae? I sure would appreciate that, ma’am.” He winked. “How’d you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-syrup-on-a-sundae-i-sure-would/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/185/colleen-houck-1066_cowboy_why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-sy_259352.png)

> [“You must have carried that in your mouth the entire way. Thank you.” He grinned. “You are entirely welcome, my lovely.” I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth-the-entire-way-thank-you-he/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth_2238633.jpg)

> [“I had no idea kissing felt like this. Sensory overload. At some point, Ren reluctantly let me down. He still supported my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sensory-overload-at-some-point/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fe/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sen_2009549.png)

> [“I opened myself up to the kiss and kissed him back with enthusiasm. Putting all my secret emotions and tender feelings into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kissed-him-back-with-enthusiasm/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eea/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kisse_2073143.jpg)

> [“Every time I glanced at Ren, I saw that he was watching me. When we finally reached the end of the tunnel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-he-was-watching-me-when-we/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d5/colleen-houck-1066_end-of-the-tunnel_every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-h_3216927.jpg)

> [“I was acutely aware of him, and the thought that he was walking me back to my room and would most likely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thought-that-he-was-walking-me/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bb/colleen-houck-1066_dear-life_i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thoug_700330.jpg)

> [“A quiet but indomitable voice behind me said, “I believe this is my dance.” It was Ren. I could feel his presence.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me-said-i-believe-this-is-my/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91d/colleen-houck-1066_dance-floor_a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me_302530.jpg)

> [“ Falling for him would be like cliff diving. It would be either the most exhilarating thing that ever happened to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-diving-it-would-be-either-the-3/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e3/colleen-houck-1066_crush_falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-divi_2755749.jpg)

> [“I’m also really sorry that I’ve been so rude to you. I’m not normally. I don’t know where all the sarcasm comes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so-rude-to-you-i-m-not-normally/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/colleen-houck-1066_cold-hearted_i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so_2960263.jpg)

> [“Mr. Wonderful was probably taking his sweet time, right?” “No, it was actually my fault this morning. I was busy with…paperwork.” “Oh.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-sweet-time-right-no-it-was/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-swe_1008229.jpg)

> [“This was not going the way I wanted it to. I felt a desperate need to escape before I said something that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-to-i-felt-a-desperate-need-to/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f67/colleen-houck-1066_dark-side_this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-t_2518077.png)

> [“We will need to stay over two nights in a hotel on our trip home.” Momentarily alarmed, I glanced at Ren. “Okay.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in-a-hotel-on-our-trip-home/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a12/colleen-houck-1066_big-city_we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in_1876030.jpg)

> [“Smiling victoriously, he crushed me against his chest and kissed me again. This time, the kiss was bolder and playful. I ran…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-against-his-chest-and-kissed-me/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/173/colleen-houck-1066_first-kiss_smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-again_2001767.png)

> [“Ren followed along behind me somewhere quietly. I couldn’t hear him, but I knew he was there. I was acutely aware of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-quietly-i-couldn-t-hear-him/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8c/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-q_971209.jpg)

> [“Tell you what, I’ll take the first watch, and if nothing happens, we’ll both sleep. Agreed?” I frowned at him. He started…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch-and-if-nothing-happens-we-ll/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/635/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch_381531.jpg)

> [“There was a muffled tap again, and I heard a familiar voice whisper faintly, “Kelsey, it’s me.” I unlocked the door and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-heard-a-familiar-voice-whisper/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c44/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-hear_1804445.jpg)

> [“I felt a warm hand touch mine. “Are you okay?” “If you mean am I injured, then the answer is no. If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-okay-if-you-mean-am-i-injured/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9a/colleen-houck-1066_began_i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-ok_734956.jpg)

> [“Mr. Kadam bowed and said, “Miss Kelsey, I will leave you to your dining companion. Enjoy your dinner.” Then he walked out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-will-leave-you-to-your-dining/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-woman_mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-wi_962674.jpg)

> [“Ren, that was very beautiful.” His eyes turned to my face. He smiled and reached a hand up to touch my cheek.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-turned-to-my-face-he-smiled-and/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-face_ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-tur_848305.jpg)

> [“You know, sleeping outdoors isn’t all bad. You get to stare up at the stars and cool breezes ruffle your fur after…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad-you-get-to-stare-up-at-the/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24c/colleen-houck-1066_emotional-connection_you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad_937131.jpg)

> [“When I woke, I was nestled on top of Ren’s chest. His arms were wrapped around me, and my legs were entwined…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren-s-chest-his-arms-were-wrapped/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/colleen-houck-1066_dark-hair_when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren_272781.jpg)

> [“Ren moved just a smidgen closer to me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then…waited. When I opened my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i-closed-my-eyes-took-a-deep/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47b/colleen-houck-1066_asking-permission_ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i_1461273.png)

> [“I wiped my eyes on my sleeve and jumped when I turned and found Ren’s brother standing behind me as a man.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped-when-i-turned-and-found-ren-s/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aef/colleen-houck-1066_dark-skin_i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped_1951014.png)

## Other authors on Gaze

## More by Colleen Houck

> [And yes, I'll admit, I am jealous. I'm jealous of every minute you spend with him, of every concerned expression you send his way,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/and-yes-i-ll-admit-i-am-jealous-i-m-jealous-of-every-minute-you-spend/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“Grant me the serenity to selflessly forgo my relationship to save humankind; To accept that the man I love cannot and will not change;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/grant-me-the-serenity-to-selflessly-forgo-my-relationship-to-save/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“When he was finished, he set his plate down, looked at me, and raised an eyebrow. I leaned forward and whispered angrily, “I am…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/when-he-was-finished-he-set-his-plate-down-looked-at-me-and-raised-an/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“If I were a Jedi, I had definitely turned to the dark side of the Force.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/if-i-were-a-jedi-i-had-definitely-turned-to-the-dark-side-of-the-force/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“His vulnerability allowed me to let my guard down, and gently and methodically, he tore apart my well-constructed dam. Waves of tender feelings were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/his-vulnerability-allowed-me-to-let-my-guard-down-and-gently-and/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“I’ve experienced a lot in my life. I’ve been in bloody battles. I’ve been with friends who were killed. I’ve seen terrible things done…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-ve-experienced-a-lot-in-my-life-i-ve-been-in-bloody-battles-i-ve/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“I promise to remain faithfully beside you. I pledge to conquer faults; perfect my character. I vow to deserve you. I declare you're my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-promise-to-remain-faithfully-beside-you-i-pledge-to-conquer-faults/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“perhaps you three could continue this conversation when the ship is not under attack? Mr.Kadam said.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/perhaps-you-three-could-continue-this-conversation-when-the-ship-is/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“I was immediately aware of her when she stood at the window but I didn't move at first. I wanted to look at her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-was-immediately-aware-of-her-when-she-stood-at-the-window-but-i/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“The house was quiet. Silently, I walked down the stairs and passed the peacock room where I found Mr. Kadam sitting and waiting for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/the-house-was-quiet-silently-i-walked-down-the-stairs-and-passed-the/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [I don’t mind being alone either. The only problem is that if you’re always alone, you get lonely.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-don-t-mind-being-alone-either-the-only-problem-is-that-if-you-re/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“Holy Hannah, that man is dangerous!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/holy-hannah-that-man-is-dangerous/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“Long dormant feelings poured through my dried-up limbs and wound through me, slowly filling the emptiness. Like an irrigated field, I felt myself blossom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/long-dormant-feelings-poured-through-my-dried-up-limbs-and-wound/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“I don't like sleeping in the dark jungle by myself. Ren”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-don-t-like-sleeping-in-the-dark-jungle-by-myself-ren/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

> [“Oregon almost never got too hot. An Oregon governor must have passed a law a long, long time ago that said Oregon had to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/oregon-almost-never-got-too-hot-an-oregon-governor-must-have-passed-a/)

[Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "ItemList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/#itemlist",
            "name": "36 Gaze Quotes By Colleen Houck",
            "numberOfItems": 36,
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I had no right to be in love. I had nothing to offer her. But reason drowned in the beat of my heart, and I asked permission to kiss her.#Ren”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothing-to-offer-her-but-reason/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I had no right to be in love. I had nothing to offer her. But reason drowned in the beat of my heart, and I…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "He kissed me fiercely, with an utter abandon that I could no more put a halt to than I could stop an avalanche.",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-abandon-that-i-could-no-more-put/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b61/colleen-houck-1066_abandon_he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-aban_1818271.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b61/colleen-houck-1066_abandon_he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-aban_1818271.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b61/colleen-houck-1066_abandon_he-kissed-me-fiercely-with-an-utter-aban_1818271.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“He kissed me fiercely, with an utter abandon that I could no more put a halt to than I could stop an…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“He considered my question for a moment and then ducked his head to kiss me. He tugged me flush up against his chest , pulling me closer than i even though possible, and then his lips touched mine.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-and-then-ducked-his-head-to/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d7/colleen-houck-1066_fantasy-fiction_he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-a_2880760.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d7/colleen-houck-1066_fantasy-fiction_he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-a_2880760.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d7/colleen-houck-1066_fantasy-fiction_he-considered-my-question-for-a-moment-a_2880760.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“He considered my question for a moment and then ducked his head to kiss me. He tugged me flush up against…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I wrapped the unyielding woman I loved in my arms & kissed her slowly, hoping that some part of her would sense my absolute devotion.\" #Ren”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-in-my-arms-kissed-her-slowly/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a7/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-i_3014515.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a7/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-i_3014515.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2a7/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-wrapped-the-unyielding-woman-i-loved-i_3014515.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I wrapped the unyielding woman I loved in my arms & kissed her slowly, hoping that some part of her would…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Kelsey,\" Ren brushed a hand through his hair, and his smile turned into a lopside grin, \"the fact is...I'm in love with you, and I have been for some time.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-hair-and-his-smile-turned-into/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85e/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-ha_2511217.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85e/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-ha_2511217.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85e/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_kelsey-ren-brushed-a-hand-through-his-ha_2511217.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Kelsey,\" Ren brushed a hand through his hair, and his smile turned into a lopside grin, \"the fact is...I'm…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 6,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I poked my stomach covertly. It still seemed pretty lean to me. Obviously, I wasn’t built like a supermodel, but all the swimming and workouts were keeping me trim enough. Kishan took my hand, squeezed it, and brushed a kiss on my fingers before setting it back onto my lap. I smiled at him in gratitude.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-seemed-pretty-lean-to-me/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c9/colleen-houck-1066_fitness_i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-see_2413794.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c9/colleen-houck-1066_fitness_i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-see_2413794.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c9/colleen-houck-1066_fitness_i-poked-my-stomach-covertly-it-still-see_2413794.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I poked my stomach covertly. It still seemed pretty lean to me. Obviously, I wasn’t built like a supermodel…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 7,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Well, because you mysteriously came all this way and obviously are not the man I thought you were, why the heck not. So, Phet, if that’s even your real name, tell me, how do I defeat Lokesh?” “It’s simple. Do to him what I did to you.” “What? Talk to him in broken English?”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-this-way-and-obviously-are-not/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/colleen-houck-1066_broken-english_well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-t_1274944.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/colleen-houck-1066_broken-english_well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-t_1274944.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/colleen-houck-1066_broken-english_well-because-you-mysteriously-came-all-t_1274944.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Well, because you mysteriously came all this way and obviously are not the man I thought you were, why the…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 8,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“It's a McLaren SLR 722 Roadster.\" \"How big is it?\" \"It's a convertible.\" \"Will a tiger fit?\" \"No. It seats only two, but the boys are man half the day now.\" \"Is it more than $30,000?\" He squirmed and hedged, \"Yes, but-\" \"How much more?\" \"Much more.\" \"How much more?\" \"About $400,000 more.\" My mouth dropped open. \"Mr. Kadam!\" \"Miss Kelsey, I know it's extravagant, but when you drive it, you will see it's worth every cent.\" I folded my hands across my chest. \"I won't drive it.\" He looked offended. \"That car was meant to be driven.\" \"Then you drive it. I'll drive the Jeep.\" He looked tempted. \"If it will appease you, perhaps we can share it.\" Kishan clapped his hands. \"I can't wait.\" Mr. Kadam wagged a finger at him. \"Oh, no! Not you. We'll get you a nice sedan. Used.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big-is-it-it-s-a-convertible-will/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a3/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big_554647.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a3/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big_554647.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a3/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_it-s-a-mclaren-slr-722-roadster-how-big_554647.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“It's a McLaren SLR 722 Roadster.\" \"How big is it?\" \"It's a convertible.\" \"Will a tiger fit?\" \"No. It seats…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 9,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“He reached over and took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. He toyed with my fingers for a while, then brought my hand up to his lips and kissed them slowly, one by one. “What did you want to talk about tonight, Kelsey?” “Uh…” What the heck did I want to talk about? For the life of me, I couldn’t remember. Oh yeah. I shook off my reaction to him and braced myself. “Ren, I would kind of prefer it if you would sit across from me so I can see you. You’re a little less distracting from over there.” He laughed at me. “Okay, Kells. Whatever you say.” He slid a chair across from me and then sat down. Leaning over, he picked up my foot and brought it up to his lap. I twitched my leg. “What are you doing?” “Relax. You seem tense.” He began massaging my foot. I started to protest, but he just gave me a look.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing-his-fingers-through-mine-he/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing_2138615.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing_2138615.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5c8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_he-reached-over-and-took-my-hand-lacing_2138615.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“He reached over and took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. He toyed with my fingers for a while…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 10,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Now, the last one was that the demon king can’t stand either in heaven or on the earth. Urga set the demon on his lap, which means I guess I’ll have to…sit on your back.” Awkward. Even though Ren was a big tiger and it would be like riding a small pony, I was still conscious that he was a man, and I didn’t feel right about turning him into a pack animal. I took off my backpack and set it down wondering what I could do to make this a bit less embarrassing. Mustering the courage to sit on his back, I’d just decided that it wouldn’t be too bad if I sat sidesaddle, when my feet flew out from under me. Ren had changed into a man and swept me up into his arms. I wiggled for a minute, protesting, but he just gave me a look-the don’t-even-bother-coming-up-with-an-argument look.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king-can-t-stand-either-in-heaven/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king_1431786.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king_1431786.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/73b/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_now-the-last-one-was-that-the-demon-king_1431786.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Now, the last one was that the demon king can’t stand either in heaven or on the earth. Urga set the demon…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 11,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t expect a first kiss to be so…life altering. In a few brief moments, the rule book of my universe had been rewritten. Suddenly I was a brand new person. I was as fragile as a newborn, but instead of the doctor placing me in my mother’s arms, he’d put me in Ren’s. What would Ren do with me? Would he draw me near, soothe me, and teach me about this new world or would he reject me and tell the doctor there must be some mistake. There was no way to know. What a breakable and delicate thing a heart was, no wonder I’d kept mine locked away.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-first-kiss-to-be-so-life/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/colleen-houck-1066_books_i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-fir_1661670.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/colleen-houck-1066_books_i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-fir_1661670.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a7c/colleen-houck-1066_books_i-felt-overwhelmed-i-didn-t-expect-a-fir_1661670.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t expect a first kiss to be so…life altering. In a few brief moments, the rule…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 12,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I know you don’t like the traffic here. I’m sorry that you’re burdened with this.” I muttered, “Not liking the traffic is an understatement. People don’t know how to drive here. They’re crazy .” “We can take back roads with the least traffic on the way, and we’ll be driving only to the outskirts of Mumbai, not through the city as before. It shouldn’t be too bad. You’re a good driver.” “Ha, easy for you to say. You’ll just sleep in the back the whole way.” Ren touched my cheek with his fingers and gently turned my face to his. “ Rajkumari, I want to say thank you. Thank you for staying and helping me. You don’t know what this means to me.” I mumbled, “You’re welcome. And rajkumari means?” He flashed me a brilliant white smile and deftly changed the subject.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i-m-sorry-that-you-re-burdened/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i_3188978.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i_3188978.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f8/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-know-you-don-t-like-the-traffic-here-i_3188978.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I know you don’t like the traffic here. I’m sorry that you’re burdened with this.” I muttered, “Not liking…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 13,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I sighed softly and basked in the barrage of Ren's kisses- drowning kisses, soft kisses, sultry kisses, kisses that lasted a mere second, and kisses that lasted an eternity. It was easy to believe that my warrior-angel had captured me and had flown me up to heaven. A deep rumble echoed in his chest. I pulled back, laughing. \"Are you growling at me?\" He laughed softly, twisted my hair ribbon around his fingers, and pulled gently, loosening my braid. Biting my ear lightly, he whispered a threat, \"You have been driving me crazy for three weeks. You're lucky all I'm doing is growling.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrage-of-ren-s-kisses-drowning/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d20/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrag_1802298.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d20/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrag_1802298.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d20/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-sighed-softly-and-basked-in-the-barrag_1802298.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I sighed softly and basked in the barrage of Ren's kisses- drowning kisses, soft kisses, sultry kisses…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 14,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Why, aren’t you just about as sweet as syrup on a sundae? I sure would appreciate that, ma’am.” He winked. “How’d you like ta stroll the deck of this fine ship with me and watch the sunset? I need a purty girl to put her arm around me and steady this bow-legged cowboy as he finds his sea legs.” I raised an eyebrow and affected a southern accent. “Why, I think you’re a pullin’ my leg there, Texas. You’ve had your sea legs a lot longer than I have.” He rubbed the stubble on his face. “You might be right at that. Well then, how about you taggin’ along to keep me warm?” “It’s about eighty degrees.” “Shoot, you’re a smart one, you are. Then how ‘bout I jes say that a feller can get pretty lonesome by hisself in a strange country and he’d like to keep compn’y with you fer a while longer.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-syrup-on-a-sundae-i-sure-would/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/185/colleen-houck-1066_cowboy_why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-sy_259352.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/185/colleen-houck-1066_cowboy_why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-sy_259352.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/185/colleen-houck-1066_cowboy_why-aren-t-you-just-about-as-sweet-as-sy_259352.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Why, aren’t you just about as sweet as syrup on a sundae? I sure would appreciate that, ma’am.” He winked…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 15,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“You must have carried that in your mouth the entire way. Thank you.” He grinned. “You are entirely welcome, my lovely.” I laughed. “Better to carry a backpack in your teeth over several miles than to have Ren sink his into your hide for letting me starve, eh?” Kishan frowned. “I did it for you, Kelsey. Not him.” I put my hand on his arm. “Well, thank you.” He pressed his hand on top of mine. “ Aap ke liye. For your sake, anything.” “Did you tell Mr. Kadam that we would be a bit longer? “Yes, I explained the situation to him. Don’t worry about him. He’s comfortably camped near the road and will wait as long as necessary. Now, I want you to pack up some water bottles and food. I’m taking you with me. I would leave you here, but Ren insists that you get into trouble if left alone.” He touched my nose. “Is that true, bilauta? I can’t imagine an endearing young woman such as you getting into trouble.” “I don’t get into trouble. Trouble finds me.” He laughed. “That much is obvious.” “Despite what you tigers think, I can take care of myself, you know,” I said in a slightly sulky tone. Kishan squeezed my arm. “Perhaps we tigers enjoy taking care of you.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth-the-entire-way-thank-you-he/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth_2238633.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth_2238633.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b28/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_you-must-have-carried-that-in-your-mouth_2238633.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“You must have carried that in your mouth the entire way. Thank you.” He grinned. “You are entirely welcome…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 16,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I had no idea kissing felt like this. Sensory overload. At some point, Ren reluctantly let me down. He still supported my weight, which was good because I was ready to fall over. He cupped my cheek and ran a thumb slowly across my bottom lip. He stood close to me, keeping one arm wrapped around my waist. His other hand moved to my hair, and his fingers began to slowly twist the loose strands. I had to blink my eyes a few times to clear my vision. He laughed quietly. “Breathe, Kelsey.” He had a very self-satisfied, smug grin on his face, which, for some reason, got my ire up. “You seem very happy with yourself.” He raised an eyebrow. “I am. ” I smirked back to him and said, “Well, you didn’t ask for permission.” “Hmm, perhaps we should rectify that.” He trailed his fingers up my arm, swirling little circles as he went. “Kelsey?” I watched his progress and mumbled, distracted, “Yes?” He stepped closer. “Do I-“ “Hmm?” I wiggled slightly. “Have your-“ He started nuzzling my neck then moved up to my ear. His lips ticked me as he whispered, and I felt him smile, “Permission-“ Goose bumps broke out on my arms and I trembled. “To kiss you?” I nodded weakly. Standing on my tiptoes, I slipped my arms around his neck showing him that I was definitely giving permission. He trailed kisses from my ear across to my cheek in achingly slow motion, grazing along a path of his choosing. He stopped, hovering just over my lips, and waited. I knew what he was waiting for. I paused only a brief second before whispering faintly, “Yes.” Smiling victoriously, he crushed me against his chest and kissed me again. This time, the kiss was bolder and playful. I ran my hands from his powerful shoulders, up to his neck, and pressed him close to me.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sensory-overload-at-some-point/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fe/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sen_2009549.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fe/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sen_2009549.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fe/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-idea-kissing-felt-like-this-sen_2009549.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I had no idea kissing felt like this. Sensory overload. At some point, Ren reluctantly let me down. He still…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 17,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I opened myself up to the kiss and kissed him back with enthusiasm. Putting all my secret emotions and tender feelings into the embrace, I wound my arms around his neck and slid my hands into his hair. Pulling his body that much closer to mine, I embraced him with all the warmth and affection that I wouldn’t allow myself to express verbally. He paused, shocked for a brief instant, and then quickly adjusted his approach, escalating into a passionate frenzy. I shocked myself by matching his energy. I ran my hands up his powerful arms and shoulders and then down his chest. My senses were in turmoil. I felt wild. Eager. I clutched at his shirt. I couldn’t get close enough to him. He even smelled delicious. You’d think that several days of being chased by strange creatures and hiking through a mysterious kingdom would make him smell bad. In fact, I wanted him to smell bad. I’m sure I did. I mean, how can you expect a girl to be fresh as a daisy while traipsing through the jungle and getting chased by monkeys. It’s just not possible. I desperately wanted him to have some fault. Some weakness. Some… imperfection. But Ren smelled amazing-like waterfalls, a warm summer day, and sandalwood trees all wrapped up in a sizzling, hot guy. How could a girl defend herself from a perfect onslaught delivered by a pefect person? I gave up and let Mr. Wonderful take control of my senses. My blood burned, my heart thundered, my need for him quickened, and I lost all track of time in his arms. All I was aware of was Ren. His lips. His body. His soul. I wanted all of him. Eventually, he put his hands on my shoulders and gently separated us. I was surprised that he had the strength of will to stop because I was nowhere near being able to. I blinked my eyes open in a daze. We were both breathing hard. “That was…enlightening,” he breathed. “Thank you, Kelsey.” I blinked. The passion that had dulled my mind dissipated in an instant, and my mind sharply focused on a new feeling. Irritation. “Thank you? Thank you! Of all the-“ I slammed up the steps angrily and then spun around to look down at him. “No! Thank you , Ren!” My hands slashed at the air. “Now you got what you wanted, so leave me alone!” I ran up the stairs quickly to put some distance between us. Enlightening? What was that about? Was he testing me? Giving me a one-to-ten score on my kissing ability? Of all the nerve? I was glad that I was mad. I could shove all the other emotions into the back of my mind and just focus on the anger, the indignation. He leapt up the stairs two at a time. “That’s not all I want, Kelsey. That’s for sure.” “Well, I no longer care about what you want!” He shot me a knowing look and raised an eyebrow. Then, he lifted his foot out of the opening, placed it on the dirt, and instantly changed back into a tiger. I laughed mockingly. “Ha!” I tripped over a stone but quickly found my footing. “Serves you right!” I shouted angrily and stumbled blindly along the dim path. After figuring out where to go, I marched off in a huff. “Come on, Fanindra. Let’s go find Mr. Kadam.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kissed-him-back-with-enthusiasm/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eea/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kisse_2073143.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eea/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kisse_2073143.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eea/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-opened-myself-up-to-the-kiss-and-kisse_2073143.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I opened myself up to the kiss and kissed him back with enthusiasm. Putting all my secret emotions and…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 18,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Every time I glanced at Ren, I saw that he was watching me. When we finally reached the end of the tunnel and saw the stone steps that led to the surface, Ren stopped. “Kelsey, I have one final request of you before we head up.” “And what would that be? Want to talk about tiger senses or monkey bites in strange places maybe?” “No. I want you to kiss me.” I sputtered, “What? Kiss you? What for? Don’t you think you got to kiss me enough on this trip?” “Humor me, Kells. This is the end of the line for me. We’re leaving the place where I get to be a man all the time, and I have only my tiger’s life to look forward to. So, yes, I want you to kiss me one more time.” I hesitated. “Well, if this works, you can go around kissing all the girls you want to. So why bother with me right now?” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Because! I don’t want to run around kissing all the other girls! I want to kiss you !” “Fine! If it will shut you up!” I leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. “There!” “No. Not good enough. On the lips, my prema. ” I leaned over and pecked him on the lips. “There. Can we go now?” I marched up the first two steps, and he slipped his hand under my elbow and spun me around, twisting me so that I fell forward into his arms. He caught me tightly around the waist. His smirk suddenly turned into a sober expression. “A kiss. A real one. One that I’ll remember.” I was about to say something brilliantly sarcastic, probably about him not having permission, when he captured my mouth with his. I was determined to remain stiff and unaffected, but he was extremely patient. He nibbled on the corners of my mouth and pressed soft, slow kisses against my unyielding lips. It was so hard not to respond to him. I made a valiant struggle, but sometimes the body betrays the mind. He slowly, methodically swept aside my resistance. And, feeling he was winning, he pressed ahead and began seducing me even more skillfully. He held me tightly against his body and ran a hand up to my neck where he began to massage it gently, teasing my flesh with his fingertips. I felt the little love plant inside me stretch, swell, and unfurl its leaves, like he was pouring Love Potion # 9 over the thing. I gave up at that point and decided what the heck. I could always use a rototiller on it. And I rationalized that when he breaks my heart, at least I will have been thoroughly kissed. If nothing else, I’ll have a really good memory to look back on in my multi-cat spinsterhood. Or multi-dog. I think I will have had my fill of cats. I groaned softly. Yep. Dogs for sure. ”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-he-was-watching-me-when-we/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d5/colleen-houck-1066_end-of-the-tunnel_every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-h_3216927.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d5/colleen-houck-1066_end-of-the-tunnel_every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-h_3216927.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d5/colleen-houck-1066_end-of-the-tunnel_every-time-i-glanced-at-ren-i-saw-that-h_3216927.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Every time I glanced at Ren, I saw that he was watching me. When we finally reached the end of the tunnel…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 19,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I was acutely aware of him, and the thought that he was walking me back to my room and would most likely try to kiss me again sent shivers down my spine. For self-preservation purposes, I had to get away. Every minute I spent with him just made me want him more. Since merely annoying him wasn’t working, I’d have to up the ante. Apparently, I needed him not only to fall out-of-like with me, but to hate me as well. I’d frequently been told that I was an all-or-nothing kind of girl. If I were going to push him away, it was going to be so far away that there would be absolutely no change of him ever coming back. I tried to wrench my elbow out of his grasp, but he just held on more tightly. I grumbled at him, “Stop using your tiger strength on me, Superman.” “Am I hurting you?” “No, but I’m not a puppet to be dragged around.” He trailed his fingers down my arm and took my hand instead. “Then you play nice, and I will too.” “Fine.” He grinned. “ Fine. ” I hissed back. “ Fine! ” We walked to the elevator, and he pushed the button to my floor. “My room is on the same floor,” Ren edxplained. I scowled and then grinned lopsidedly and just a little bit evilly, “And umm, how exactly is that going to work for you in the morning, Tiger? You really shouldn’t get Mr. Kadam in trouble for having a rather large…pet.” Ren returned my sarcasm as he walked me to my door. “Are you worried about me, Kells? Well, don’t. I’ll be fine.” “I guess there’s no point in asking how you knew which door belong to me, huh, Tiger Nose?” He looked at me in a way that turned my insides to jelly. I spun around but awareness of him shot through my limbs, and I could feel him standing close behind me watching, waiting. I put my key in the lock, and he moved closer. My hand started shaking, and I couldn’t twist the key the right way. He took my hand and gently turned me around. He then put both hands on the door on either side of my head and leaned in close, pinning me against it. I trembled like a downy rabbit caught in the clutches of a wolf. The wolf came closer. He bent his head and began nuzzling my cheek. The problem was…I wanted the wolf to devour me. I began to get lost in the thick sultry fog that overtook me every time Ren put his hands on me. So much for asking for permission…and so much for sticking to my guns, I thought as I felt all my defenses slip away. He whispered warmly, “I can always tell where you are, Kelsey. You smell like peaches and cream.” I shivered and put my hands on his chest to push him away, but I ended up grabbing fistfuls of shirt and held on for dear life. He trailed kisses from my ear down my cheek and then pressed soft kisses along the arch of my neck. I pulled him closer and turned my head so he could really kiss me. He smiled and ignored my invitation, moving instead to the other ear. He bit my earlobe lightly, moved from there to my collarbone, and trailed kisses out to my shoulder. Then he lifted his head and brought his lips about one inch from mine and the only thought in my head was… more. With a devastating smile, he reluctantly pulled away and lightly ran his fingers through the strands of my hair. “By the way, I forgot to mention that you look beautiful tonight.” He smiled again then turned and strolled off down the hall.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thought-that-he-was-walking-me/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bb/colleen-houck-1066_dear-life_i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thoug_700330.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bb/colleen-houck-1066_dear-life_i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thoug_700330.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1bb/colleen-houck-1066_dear-life_i-was-acutely-aware-of-him-and-the-thoug_700330.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I was acutely aware of him, and the thought that he was walking me back to my room and would most likely try…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 20,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“A quiet but indomitable voice behind me said, “I believe this is my dance.” It was Ren. I could feel his presence. The warmth of him seeped into my back, and I quivered all over like spring leaves in a warm breeze. Kishan narrowed his eyes and said, “I believe it is the lady’s choice.” Kishan looked down at me. I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I simply nodded and removed my arms from his neck. Kishan glared at his replacement and stalked angrily off the dance floor. Ren stepped in front of me, took my hands gently in his, and placed them around his neck, bringing my face achingly close to his. Then he slid his hands slowly and deliberately over my bare arms and down my sides, until they encircled my waist. He traced little circles on my exposes lower back with his fingers, squeezed my waist, and drew my body up tightly against him. He guided me expertly through the slow dance. He didn’t say anything, at least not with words, but he was still sending lots of signals. He pressed his forehead against mine and leaned down to nuzzle my ear. He buried his face in my hair and lifted his hand to stroke down the length of it. His fingers played along my bare arm and at my waist. When the song ended, it took both of us a min to recover our senses and remember where we were. He traced the curve of my bottom lip with his finger then reached up to take my hand from around his neck and led me outside to the porch. I thought he would stop there, but he headed down the stairs and guided me to a wooded area with stone benches. The moon made his skin glow. He was wearing a white shirt with dark slacks. The white made me think of him as the tiger. He pulled me under the shadow of a tree. I stood very still and quiet, afraid that if I spoke I’d say something I’d regret. He cupped my chin and tilted my face up so he could look in my eyes. “Kelsey, there’s something I need to say to you, and I want you to be silent and listen.” I nodded my head hesitantly. “First, I want to let you know that I heard everything you said to me the other night, and I’ve been giving your words some very serious thought. It’s important for you to understand that.” He shifted and picked up a lock of hair, tucked it behind my ear, and trailed his fingers down my cheek to my lips. He smiled sweetly at me, and I felt the little love plant bask in his smile and turn toward it as if it contained the nourishing rays of the sun. “Kelsey,” he brushed a hand through his hair, and his smile turned into a lopsided grin, “the fact is…I’m in love with you, and I have been for some time.” I sucked in a deep breath. He picked up my hand and played with my fingers. “I don’t want you to leave.” He began kissing my fingers while looking directly into my eyes. It was hypnotic. He took something out of his pocket. “I want to give you something.” He held out a golden chain covered with small tinkling bell charms. “It’s an anklet. They’re very popular here, and I got this one so we’d never have to search for a bell again.” He crouched down, wrapping his hand around the back of my calf, and then slid his palm down to my ankle and attached the clasp. I swayed and barely stopped myself from falling over. He trailed his warm fingers lightly over the bells before standing up. Putting his hands on my shoulders, he squeezed, and pulled me closer. “Kells . . . please. ” He kissed my temple, my forehead, and my cheek. Between each kiss, he sweetly begged, “Please. Please. Please. Tell me you’ll stay with me.” When his lips brushed lightly against mine, he said, “I need you,” then crushed his lips against mine.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me-said-i-believe-this-is-my/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91d/colleen-houck-1066_dance-floor_a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me_302530.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91d/colleen-houck-1066_dance-floor_a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me_302530.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/91d/colleen-houck-1066_dance-floor_a-quiet-but-indomitable-voice-behind-me_302530.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“A quiet but indomitable voice behind me said, “I believe this is my dance.” It was Ren. I could feel his…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 21,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“ Falling for him would be like cliff diving. It would be either the most exhilarating thing that ever happened to me or the stupidest mistake I’d ever make. It would make my life worth living or it would crush me against stony rocks and break me utterly. Perhaps the wise thing to do would be to slow things down. Being friends would be so much simpler. Ren came back, picked up my empty dinner packet, and stowed it in the backpack. Sitting down across from me, he asked, “What are you thinking about?” I kept staring glassily at the fire. “Nothing much.” He tilted his head and considered me for a moment. He didn’t press me, for which I was grateful-another characteristic I could add to the pro relationship side of my mental list. Pressing his hands together palm to palm, he rubbed them slowly, mechanically, as if cleaning them of dust. I watched them move, mesmerized. “I’ll take the first watch, even though I really don’t think it’ll be necessary. I still have my tiger senses, you know. I’ll be able to hear or smell the Kappa if they decide to emerge from the water. “Fine.” “Are you alright?” I mentally shook myself. Sheesh! I needed a cold shower! He was like a drug, and what did you do with drugs? You pushed them as far away as possible. “I’m fine,” I said brusquely, then got up to dig through the backpack. “You let me know when your spidey-senses start to tingle.” “What?” I put my hand on my hip. “Can you also leap tall buildings in a single bound?” “Well, I still have my tiger strength, if that’s what you mean.” I grunted, “Fabulous. I’ll add superhero to your list of pros.” He frowned. “I’m no superhero, Kells. The most important consideration right now is that you get some rest. I’ll keep an eye out for a few hours. Then, if nothing happens,” he said with a grin, “I’ll join you.” I froze and suddenly became very nervous. Surely, he didn’t mean what that sounded like. I searched his face for a clue, but he didn’t seem to have any hidden agenda or be planning anything.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-diving-it-would-be-either-the-3/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e3/colleen-houck-1066_crush_falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-divi_2755749.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e3/colleen-houck-1066_crush_falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-divi_2755749.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e3/colleen-houck-1066_crush_falling-for-him-would-be-like-cliff-divi_2755749.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Falling for him would be like cliff diving. It would be either the most exhilarating thing that ever…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 22,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I’m also really sorry that I’ve been so rude to you. I’m not normally. I don’t know where all the sarcasm comes from.” Ren raised an eyebrow. “Okay. I have a cynical, evil side that is normally hidden. But when I’m under great stress or extremely desperate, it comes out.” He set down my foot, picked up the other one, and began massaging it with his thumbs. He didn’t say anything, so I continued, “Being cold-hearted and nasty was the only thing I could do to push you away. It was kind of a dense mechanism.” “So you admit you were trying to push me away.” “Yes. Of course.” “And it’s because you’re a radish.” Frustrated, I said, “ Yes! Now that you’re a man again, you’ll find someone better for you, someone who complements you. It’s not your fault. I mean, you’ve been a tiger so long that you just don’t know how the world works.” “Right. And how does the world work, Kelsey?” I could hear the frustration in his voice but pressed on. “Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but you could be going out with some supermodel-turned-actress. Haven’t you been paying attention?” Angrily, he shouted, “Oh, yes, indeed I am paying attention! What you are saying is that I should be a stuck-up, rich, shallow, libertine who cares only about wealth, power, and bettering my status. That I should date superficial, fickle, pretentious, brainless women who care more about my connections than they do about me. And that I am not wise enough, or up-to-date enough, to know who I want or what I want in life! Does that sum it up?” I squeaked out a small, “ Yes. ” “You truly feel this way?” I flinched. “Yes.” Ren leaned forward. “Well, you’re wrong, Kelsey. Wrong about yourself and wrong about me!” He was livid. I shifted uncomfortably while he went on. “I know what I want. I’m not operating under any delusions. I’ve studied people from a cage for centuries, and that’s given me ample time to figure out my priorities. From the first moment I saw you, the first time I heard your voice, I knew you were different. You were special. The first time you reached your hand into my cage and touched me, you made me feel alive in a way I’ve never felt before.” “Maybe it’s all just a part of the curse. Did you ever think of that? Maybe these aren’t your true feelings. Maybe you sensed that I was the one to help you, and you’ve somehow misinterpreted your emotions.” “I highly doubt it. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, even before the curse.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so-rude-to-you-i-m-not-normally/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/colleen-houck-1066_cold-hearted_i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so_2960263.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/colleen-houck-1066_cold-hearted_i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so_2960263.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fab/colleen-houck-1066_cold-hearted_i-m-also-really-sorry-that-i-ve-been-so_2960263.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I’m also really sorry that I’ve been so rude to you. I’m not normally. I don’t know where all the sarcasm…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 23,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Mr. Wonderful was probably taking his sweet time, right?” “No, it was actually my fault this morning. I was busy with…paperwork.” “Oh. Well, that’s alright. Don’t worry about it. What kind of paperwork?” He smiled. “Nothing important.” Mr. Kadam held the door for me, and we walked out into an empty hallway. I was just starting to relax at the elevator doors when I heard a hotel room door close. Ren walked down the hall toward us. He’d purchased new clothes. Of course, he looked wonderful. I took a step back from the elevator and tried to avoid eye contact. Ren wore a brand new pair of dark-indigo, purposely faded, urban-destruction designer jeans. His shirt was long-sleeved, buttoned-down, crisp, oxford-style and was obviously of high quality. It was blue with thin white stripes that matched is eyes perfectly. He’d rolled up the sleeves and left his shirt untucked and open at the collar. It was also an athletic cut, so it fit tightly to his muscular torso, which made me suck in an involuntary breath in appreciation of his male splendor. He looks like a runway model. How in the world am I going to be able to reject that? The world is so unfair. Seriously, it’s like turning Brad Pitt down for a date. The girl who could actually do it should win an award for idiot of the century. I again quickly ran through my list of reasons for not being with Ren and said a few “He’s not for me’s.” The good thing about seeing his mouthwatering self and watching him walk around like a regular person was that it tightened my resolve. Yes. It would be hard because he was so unbelievably gorgeous, but it was now even more obvious to me that we didn’t belong together. As he joined us at the elevator, I shook my head and muttered under my breath, “Figures. The guy is a tiger for three hundred and fifty years and emerges from his curse with expensive taste and keen fashion sense too. Incredible!” Mr. Kadam asked, “What was that, Miss Kelsey?” “Nothing.” Ren raised an eyebrow and smirked. He probably heard me. Stupid tiger hearing. The elevator doors opened. I stepped in and moved to the corner hoping to keep Mr. Kadam between the two of us, but unfortunately, Mr. Kadam wasn’t receiving the silent thoughts I was projecting furiously toward him and remained by the elevator buttons. Ren moved next to me and stood too close. He looked me up and down slowly and gave me a knowing smile. We rode down the elevator in silence. When the doors opened, he stopped me, took the backpack off my shoulder, and threw it over his, leaving me with nothing to carry. He walked ahead next to Mr. Kadam while I trialed along slowly behind, keeping distance between us and a wary eye on his tall frame.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-sweet-time-right-no-it-was/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-swe_1008229.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-swe_1008229.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fea/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_mr-wonderful-was-probably-taking-his-swe_1008229.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Mr. Wonderful was probably taking his sweet time, right?” “No, it was actually my fault this morning. I was…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 24,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“This was not going the way I wanted it to. I felt a desperate need to escape before I said something that would screw up my plans. Ren was the dark side, the forbidden fruit, my personal Delilah-the ultimate temptation. The question was…could I resist? I gave his knee a friendly pat and played my trump card…”I’m leaving.” “You’re what? ” “I’m going home to Oregon. Mr. Kadam thinks it will be safer for me anyway, with Lokesh out there looking to kill us and all. Besides, you need time to figure out…stuff.” “If you’re leaving, then I’m going with you!” I smiled at him wryly. “That kind of defeats the purpose of me leaving. Don’t you think?” He slicked back his hair, let out a deep breath, then took my hand and looked intently into my eyes. “Kells, when are you going to accept the fact that we belong together?” I felt sick, like I was kicking a faithful puppy who only wanted to be loved. I looked out at the pool. After a moment, he sat back scowling and said menacingly, “I won’t let you leave.” Inside, I desperately wanted to take his hand and beg him to forgive me, to love me, but I steeled myself, dropped my hands in my lap, then implored, “Ren, please. You have to let me go. I need…I’m afraid…look, I just can’t be here, near you, when you change your mind.” “It’s not going to happen.” “it might. There’s a good chance.” He growled angrily. “There’s no chance!” “Well, my heart can’t take that risk, and I don’t want to put you in what can only be an awkward position. I’m sorry, Ren. I really am. I do want to be your friend, but I understand if you don’t want that. Of course, I’ll return when you need me, if you need me, to help you find the other three gifts. I wouldn’t abandon you or Kishan in that way. I just can’t stay here with you feeling obligated to pity-date me because you need me. But I’d never abandon your cause. I’ll always be there for you both, no matter what.” He spat out, “ Pity -date! You? Kelsey, you can’t be serious!” “I am. Very, very serious. I’ll ask Mr. Kadam to make arrangements to send me back in the next few days.” He didn’t say another word. He just sat back in his chair. I could tell he was fuming mad, but I felt that, after a week or two, when he started getting back out in the world, he would come to appreciate my gesture. I looked away from him. “I’m very tired now. I’d like to go to bed.” I got up and headed to my room. Before I closed the sliding door, I asked, “Can I make one last request?” He sat there tight-lipped, his arms folded over his chest, with a tense, angry face. I sighed. Even infuriated he was beautiful. He said nothing so I went on, “It would be a lot easier on me if I didn’t see you, I mean as a man. I’ll try to avoid most of the house. It is yours after all, so I’ll stay in my room. If you see Mr. Kadam, please tell him I’d like to speak with him.” He didn’t respond. “Well, good-bye, Ren. Take care of yourself.” I tore my eyes away from him, shut the door, and drew the curtains. Take care of yourself? That was a lame goodbye. Tears welled in my eyes and blurred my vision. I was proud that I’d gotten through it without showing emotion. But, now, I felt like a steamroller had come along and flattened me.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-to-i-felt-a-desperate-need-to/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f67/colleen-houck-1066_dark-side_this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-t_2518077.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f67/colleen-houck-1066_dark-side_this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-t_2518077.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f67/colleen-houck-1066_dark-side_this-was-not-going-the-way-i-wanted-it-t_2518077.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“This was not going the way I wanted it to. I felt a desperate need to escape before I said something that…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 25,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“We will need to stay over two nights in a hotel on our trip home.” Momentarily alarmed, I glanced at Ren. “Okay. Umm, I was thinking that maybe this time if you don’t mind, we could check out one of those bigger hotels. You know, something that has more people around. With elevators and rooms that lock. Or even better, a nice high-rise hotel in a big city. Far, far, far away from the jungle?” Mr. Kadam chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.” I graced Mr. Kadam with a beatific smile. “Good! Could we please go now? I can’t wait to take a shower.” I opened the door to the passenger side then turned and hissed in a whisper aimed at Ren, “In my nice, upper-floor, inaccessible-to-tigers hotel room.” He just looked at me with his innocent, blue-eyed tiger face again. I smiled wickedly at him and hopped in the Jeep, slamming the door behind me. My tiger just calmly trotted over to the back where Mr. Kadam was loading the last of his supplies and leapt up into the back seat. He leaned in the front, and before I could push him away, he gave me a big, wet, slobbery tiger kiss right on my face. I sputtered, “Ren! That is so disgusting!” I used my T-shirt to swipe the tiger saliva from my nose and cheek and turned to yell at him some more. He was already lying down in the back seat with his mouth hanging open, as if he were laughing. Before I could really lay into him, Mr. Kadam, who was the happiest I’d ever seen him, got into the Jeep, and we started the bumpy journey back to a civilized road. Mr. Kadam wanted to ask me questions. I knew he was itching for information, but I was still fuming at Ren, so I lied. I asked him if he could hold off for a while so I could sleep. I yawned big for dramatic effect, and he immediately agreed to let me have some peace, which made me feel guilty. I really liked Mr. Kadam, and I hated lying to people. I excused my actions by mentally blaming Ren for this uncharacteristic behavior. Convincing myself that it was his fault was easy. I turned to the side and closed my eyes. I slept for a while, and when I woke up, Mr. Kadam handed me a soda, a sandwich, and a banana. I raised my eyebrow at the banana and thought of several good monkey jokes I could annoy Ren with, but I kept quiet for Mr. Kadam’s sake.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in-a-hotel-on-our-trip-home/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a12/colleen-houck-1066_big-city_we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in_1876030.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a12/colleen-houck-1066_big-city_we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in_1876030.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a12/colleen-houck-1066_big-city_we-will-need-to-stay-over-two-nights-in_1876030.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“We will need to stay over two nights in a hotel on our trip home.” Momentarily alarmed, I glanced at Ren…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 26,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Smiling victoriously, he crushed me against his chest and kissed me again. This time, the kiss was bolder and playful. I ran my hands from his powerful shoulders, up to his neck, and pressed him close to me. When he pulled away, his face brightened with an enthusiastic smile. He scooped me up and spun me around the room, laughing. When I was thoroughly dizzy, he sobered and touched his forehead to mine. Shyly, I reached out to touch his face, exploring the angles of his cheeks and lips with my fingertips. He leaned into my touch like the tiger did. I laughed softly and ran my hands up into his hair, brushing it away from his forehead, loving the silky feel of it. I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t expect a first kiss to be so…life altering. In a few brief moments, the rule book of my universe had been rewritten. Suddenly I was a brand new person. I was as fragile as a newborn, and I worried that the deeper I allowed the relationship to progress, the worse that the deeper I allowed the relationship to progress, the worse it would be if Ren left. What would become of us? There was no way to know, and I realized what a breakable and delicate thing a heart was. No wonder I’d kept mine locked away. He was oblivious to my negative thoughts, and I tried to push them into the back of my mind and enjoy the moment with him. Setting me down, he briefly kissed me again and pressed soft kisses along my hairline and neck. Then, he gathered me into a warm embrace and just held me close. Stroking my hair while caressing my neck, he whispered soft words in his native language. After several moments, he sighed, kissed my cheek, and nudged me toward the bed. “Get some sleep, Kelsey. We both need some.” After one last caress on my cheek with the back of his fingers, he changed into his tiger form and lay down on the mat beside my bed. I climbed into bed, settled under my quilt, and leaned over to stroke his head. Tucking my other arm under my cheek, I softly said, “Goodnight, Ren.” He rubbed his head against my hand, leaned into it, and purred quietly. Then he put his head on his paws and closed his eyes. Mae West, a famous vaudeville actress, once said, “A man’s kiss is his signature.” I grinned to myself. If that was true, then Ren’s signature was the John Hancock of kisses.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-against-his-chest-and-kissed-me/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/173/colleen-houck-1066_first-kiss_smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-again_2001767.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/173/colleen-houck-1066_first-kiss_smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-again_2001767.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/173/colleen-houck-1066_first-kiss_smiling-victoriously-he-crushed-me-again_2001767.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Smiling victoriously, he crushed me against his chest and kissed me again. This time, the kiss was bolder…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 27,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Ren followed along behind me somewhere quietly. I couldn’t hear him, but I knew he was there. I was acutely aware of his presence. I had an intangible connection with him, the man. It was almost as if he were walking next to me. Almost as if he were touching me. I must have started walking down the wrong path because he trotted ahead, pointedly moving in a different direction. I muttered, “Show-off. I’ll walk the wrong way if I want to.” But, I still followed after him. After a while, I made out the Jeep parked on the hill and saw Mr. Kadam waving at us. I walked up to his camp, and he grabbed me in a brief hug. “Miss Kelsey! You’re back. Tell me what happened.” I sighed, set down my backpack, and sat on the back bumper of the Keep. “Well, I have to tell you, these past few days have been some of the worst of my life. There were monkeys, and Kappa, and rotted kissing corpses, and snakebites, and trees covered with needles, and-“ He held up a hand. “What do you mean a few days? You just left last night.” Confused, I said, “No. We’ve been gone at least,” I counted on my fingers, “at least four or five days.” “I’m sorry, Miss Kelsey, but you and Ren left me last night. In fact, I was going to say you should get some rest and then try again tomorrow night. You were really gone almost a week?” “Well, I was asleep for two of the days. At least that’s what tiger boy over there told me.” I glared at Ren who stared back at me with an innocuous tiger expression while listening to our conversation. Ren appeared to be sweet and attentive, as harmless as a little kitten. He was about as harmless as a Kappa. I, on the other hand, was like a porcupine. I was bristling. All of my quills were standing on end so I could defend my soft belly from being devoured by the predator who had taken an interest. “Two days? My, my. Why don’t we return to the hotel and rest? We can try to get the fruit again tomorrow night.” “But, Mr. Kadam,” I said an unzipped the backpack, “we don’t have to come back. We got Durga’s first gift, the Golden Fruit.” I pulled out my quilt and unfolded it, revealing the Golden Fruit nestled within. He gently picked it up out of its cocoon. “Amazing!” he exclaimed. “It’s a mango.” With a smirk, I added, “It only makes sense. After all, mangoes are very important to Indian culture and trade.” Ren huffed at me and rolled onto his side in the grass.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-quietly-i-couldn-t-hear-him/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8c/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-q_971209.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8c/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-q_971209.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8c/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_ren-followed-along-behind-me-somewhere-q_971209.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Ren followed along behind me somewhere quietly. I couldn’t hear him, but I knew he was there. I was acutely…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 28,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Tell you what, I’ll take the first watch, and if nothing happens, we’ll both sleep. Agreed?” I frowned at him. He started playing with my fingers and turned my hand over so he could trace the lines of my palm. Firelight flickered across his handsome features. My eyes drifted to his lips. “Kelsey?” He made eye contact, and I quickly looked away. I wasn’t used to dealing with him when camping like this. I usually got to make all my own decisions, and he just followed me around. Er, or I guess I followed him most places. But, at least when he was a tiger he didn’t argue back. Or distract me with thoughts of being wrapped in his arms kissing him. He smiled an amazingly white smile and stroked the inside of my arm. “Your skin here is so soft.” He leaned over to nuzzle my ear. My blood started pounding thickly and fogged my brain. “Kells, tell me you agree with my plan.” I shook myself free from the spellbinding fog and set my jaw stubbornly. “Fine, you win. I agree,” I mumbled. “Even though you are coercing me.” He laughed and moved to look at me. “And how exactly am I coercing you?” “Well, first of all, you can’t expect me to have coherent thoughts when you’re touching me. Second, you always know how to get your way with me.” “Is that right?” “Sure. All you have to do is bat your eyes, or in your case smile and ask nicely, throw in a distracting touch, and then, before I know it, you get whatever it is you want.” “Really?” he teased quietly. “I had no idea I had that effect on you.” Reaching out a hand, he turned my face toward him. He trailed his fingers lightly from my jaw, down to the pulse at my throat, and then across my neckline. My pulse hammered as he touched the cord tied around my neck and followed its path down to the amulet; then he skimmed his fingers lightly back up to my neck, studying my face as he touched me. I swallowed thickly. He leaned in close and threatened playfully, “I’ll have to use it more to my advantage in the future.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch-and-if-nothing-happens-we-ll/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/635/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch_381531.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/635/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch_381531.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/635/colleen-houck-1066_eye-contact_tell-you-what-i-ll-take-the-first-watch_381531.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Tell you what, I’ll take the first watch, and if nothing happens, we’ll both sleep. Agreed?” I frowned at…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 29,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“There was a muffled tap again, and I heard a familiar voice whisper faintly, “Kelsey, it’s me.” I unlocked the door and peeked out. Ren was standing there dressed in his white clothes, barefoot, with a triumphant grin on his face. I pulled him inside and hissed out thickly, “What are you doing here? It’s dangerous coming into town! You could have been seen, and they’d send hunters out after you!” He shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “I missed you.” My mouth quirked up in a half smile. “I missed you too.” He leaned a shoulder nonchalantly against the doorframe. “Does that mean you’ll let me stay here? I’ll sleep on the floor and leave before daylight. No one will see me. I promise.” I let out a deep breath. “Okay, but promise you’ll leave early. I don’t like you risking yourself like this.” “I promise.” He sat down on the bed, took my hand, and pulled me down to sit beside him. “I don’t like sleeping in the dark jungle by myself.” “I wouldn’t either.” He looked down at our entwined hands. “When I’m with you, I feel like a man again. When I’m out there all alone, I feel like a beast, an animal.” His eyes darted up to mine. I squeezed his hand. “I understand. It’s fine. Really.” He grinned. “You were hard to track, you know. Lucky for me you two decided to walk to dinner, so I could follow your scent right to your door.” Something on the nightstand caught his attention. Leaning around me, he reached over and picked up my open journal. I had drawn a new picture of a tiger-my tiger. My circus drawings were okay, but this latest one was more personal and full of life. Ren stared at it for a moment while a bright crimson flush colored my cheeks. He traced the tiger with his finger, and then whispered gently, \"Someday, I'll give you a portrait of the real me.\" Setting the journal down carefully, he took both of my hands in his, turned to me with an intense expression, and said, \"I don't want you to see only a tiger when you look at me. I want you to see me. The man.\" Reaching out, he almost touched my cheek but he stopped and withdrew his hand. \"I've worn the tiger's face for far too many years. He's stolen my humanity.\" I nodded while he squeezed my hands and whispered quietly, \"Kells, I don't want to be him anymore. I want to be me. I want to have a life.\" \"I know,\" I said softly. I reached up to stroke his cheek. \"Ren, I-\" I froze in place as he pulled my hand slowly down to his lips and kissed my palm. My hand tingled. His blue eyes searched my face desperately, wanting, needing something from me. I wanted to say something to reassure him. I wanted to offer him comfort. I just couldn't frame the words. His supplication stirred me. I felt a deep bond with him, a strong connection. I wanted to help him, I wanted to be his friend, and I wanted...maybe something more. I tried to identify and categorize my reactions to him. What I felt for him seemed too complicated to define, but it soon became obvious to me that the strongest emotion I felt, the one that was stirring my heart, was...love.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-heard-a-familiar-voice-whisper/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c44/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-hear_1804445.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c44/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-hear_1804445.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c44/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_there-was-a-muffled-tap-again-and-i-hear_1804445.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“There was a muffled tap again, and I heard a familiar voice whisper faintly, “Kelsey, it’s me.” I unlocked…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 30,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I felt a warm hand touch mine. “Are you okay?” “If you mean am I injured, then the answer is no. If you mean am I ‘okay’ as in am-I-confident-I’m-still-sane, the answer is still no.” Ren frowned. “We have to find a way to get across the chasm.” “You’re certainly welcome to give it a try.” I waved him off and went back to drinking my water. He moved to the edge and peered across, looking speculatively at the distance. Changing back to a tiger, he trotted a few paces back in the direction we had come from, turned, and ran at full speed toward the hole. “Ren, no!” I screamed. He leapt, clearing the hole easily, and landed lightly on his front paws. Then he trotted a short distance away and did the same thing to come back. He landed at my feet and changed back to human form. “Kells, I have an idea.” “Oh, this I’ve got to hear. I just hope you don’t plan on including me in this scheme of yours. Ah. Let me guess. I know. You want to tie a rope to your tail, leap across, tie it off, and then have me pull my body across the rope, right?” He cocked his head as if considering it, and then shook his head. “No, you don’t have the strength to do something like that. Plus, we have no rope and nothing to tie a rope to.” “Right. So what’s the plan?” He held my hands and explained. “What I’m proposing will be much easier. Do you trust me?” I was going to be sick. “I trust you. It’s just-“ I looked into his concerned blue eyes and sighed. “Okay, what do I have to do?” “You saw that I was able to clear the gap pretty well as a tiger, right? So what I need you to do is to stand right at the edge and wait for me. I’ll run to the end of the tunnel, build up speed, and leap as a tiger. At the same time, I want you to jump up and grab me around my neck. I’ll change to a man in midair so that I can hold onto you, and we’ll fall together to the other side.” I snorted noisily and laughed. “You’re kidding, right?” He ignored my skepticism. “We’ll have to time it precisely, and you’ll have to jump too, in the same direction, because if you don’t, I’ll just hit you full power and drive us both over the edge.” “You’re serious? You seriously want me to do this?” “Yes, I’m serious. Now stand here while I make a few practice runs.” “Can’t we just find another corridor or something?” “There aren’t any. This is the right way.” Reluctantly, I stood near the edge and watched him leap back and forth a few times. Observing the rhythm of his running and jumping, I began to grasp the idea of what he wanted me to do. All too quickly Ren was back in front of me again. “I can’t believe you’ve talked me into doing this. Are you sure?” I asked. “Yes, I’m sure. Are you ready?” “No! Give me a minute to mentally write a last will and testament.” “Kells, it’ll be fine.” “Sure it will. Alright, let me take in my surroundings. I want to make sure I can record every minute of this experience in my journal. Of course, that’s probably a moot point because I’m assuming that I’m going to die in the jump anyway.” Ren put his hand on my cheek, looked in my eyes, and said fiercely, “Kelsey, trust me. I will not let you fall.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-okay-if-you-mean-am-i-injured/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9a/colleen-houck-1066_began_i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-ok_734956.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9a/colleen-houck-1066_began_i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-ok_734956.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9a/colleen-houck-1066_began_i-felt-a-warm-hand-touch-mine-are-you-ok_734956.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I felt a warm hand touch mine. “Are you okay?” “If you mean am I injured, then the answer is no. If you mean…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 31,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Mr. Kadam bowed and said, “Miss Kelsey, I will leave you to your dining companion. Enjoy your dinner.” Then he walked out of the restaurant. “Mr. Kadam, wait. I don’t understand.” Dining companion? What is he talking about? Maybe he’s confused. Just then, a deep, all-too-familiar voice behind me said, “Hello, Kells.” I froze, and my heart dropped into my stomach, stirring up about a billion butterflies. A few seconds passed. Or was it a few minutes? I couldn’t tell. I heard a sigh of frustration. “Are you still not talking to me? Turn around, please.” A warm hand slid under my elbow and gently turned me around. I raised my eyes and gasped softly. He was breathtaking! So handsome, I wanted to cry. “Ren.” He smiled. “Who else?” He was dressed in an elegant black suit and he’d had his hair cut. Glossy black hair was swept back away from his face in tousled layers that tapered to a slight curl at the nape of his neck. The white shirt he wore was unbuttoned at the collar. It set off his golden-bronze skin and his brilliant white smile, making him positively lethal to any woman who might cross his path. I groaned inwardly. He’s like…like James Bond, Antonio Banderas, and Brad Pitt all rolled into one. I decided the safest thing to do would be to look at his shoes. Shoes were boring, right? Not attractive at all. Ah. Much better. His shoes were nice, of course-polished and black, just like I would expect. I smiled wryly when I realized that this was the first time I’d ever seen Ren in shoes. He cupped my chin and made me look at his face. The jerk. Then it was his turn to appraise me. He looked me up and down. And not a quick look. He took it all in slowly. The kind of slow that made a girl’s face feel hot. I got mad at myself for blushing and glared at him. Nervous and impatient, I asked, “Are you finished?” “Almost.” He was now staring at my strappy shoes. “Well, hurry up!” His eyes drifted leisurely back up to my face and he smiled at me appreciatively, “Kelsey, when a man spends time with a beautiful woman, he needs to pace himself.” I quirked an eyebrow at him and laughed. “Yeah, I’m a regular marathon alright.” He kissed my fingers. “Exactly. A wise man never sprints…in a marathon.” “I was being sarcastic, Ren.” He ignored me and tucked my hand under his arm then led me over to a beautifully lit table. Pulling the chair out for me, he invited me to sit. I stood there wondering if I could sprint for the nearest exit. Stupid strappy shoes, I’d never make it. He leaned in close and whispered in my ear. “I know what you’re thinking, and I’m not going to let you escape again. You can either take a seat and have dinner with me like a normal date,” he grinned at his word choice, “or,” he paused thoughtfully then threatened, “you can sit on my lap while I force-feed you.” I hissed, “You wouldn’t dare. You’re too much of a gentleman to force me to do anything. It’s an empty bluff, Mr. Asks-For-Permission.” “Even a gentleman has his limits. One way or another, we’re going to have a civil conversation. I’m hoping I get to feed you from my lap, but it’s your choice.” He straightened up again and waited. I unceremoniously plunked down in my chair and scooted in noisily to the table. He laughed softly and took the chair across from me. I felt guilty because of the dress and readjusted my skirt so it wouldn’t wrinkle.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-will-leave-you-to-your-dining/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-woman_mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-wi_962674.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-woman_mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-wi_962674.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e9f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-woman_mr-kadam-bowed-and-said-miss-kelsey-i-wi_962674.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Mr. Kadam bowed and said, “Miss Kelsey, I will leave you to your dining companion. Enjoy your dinner.” Then…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 32,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Ren, that was very beautiful.” His eyes turned to my face. He smiled and reached a hand up to touch my cheek. My pulse quickened, and my face felt hot where he touched it. I became suddenly away that my fingers were still twined in his hair, and my hand was resting on his chest. I quickly removed them and twisted them in my lap. He sat up slightly, leaning on one hand, which brought his beautiful face very close to mine. His fingers moved down to my chin and, with the lightest touch, he tilted my face so that my eyes met his intense blue ones. “Kelsey?” “Yes?” I whispered. “I would like permission…to kiss you.” Whoa. Red alert! The comfortable feeling I was enjoying with my tiger just a few minutes before had disappeared. I became acutely nervous and prickly. My perspective swung 180 degrees. I was, of course, aware that a man’s heart beat inside the tiger’s body, but, somehow, I’d shifted that knowledge to the back of my mind. Awareness of the prince burst into my conscious mind. I stared at him, astonished. He was, well, to be blunt, he was out of my league. I’d never even considered the possibility of a relationship with him, other than friendship. His question forced me to acknowledge that my comfortable pet tiger was actually a virile, robust example of masculinity. My heart started hammering against my ribcage. Several thoughts went through my head all at once, but the dominant thought was that I would very much like to be kissed by Ren. Other thoughts were creeping around at the edge of my consciousness too, trying to wiggle into the forefront. Thoughts like- it’s too soon-we barely know each other-and maybe he’s just lonely- spun through my mind. But, I clipped the threads of those thoughts and let them blow away. Stomping down on caution, I decided that I did want him to kiss me.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-turned-to-my-face-he-smiled-and/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-face_ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-tur_848305.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-face_ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-tur_848305.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8f/colleen-houck-1066_beautiful-face_ren-that-was-very-beautiful-his-eyes-tur_848305.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Ren, that was very beautiful.” His eyes turned to my face. He smiled and reached a hand up to touch my…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 33,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“You know, sleeping outdoors isn’t all bad. You get to stare up at the stars and cool breezes ruffle your fur after a hot day. The grass smells sweet and,” he made eye contact with me, “so does your hair.” I blushed and grumbled, “Well, I’m glad someone enjoyed it.” He smiled smugly and said, “I did. ” I had a quick flash of him as a man snuggled up next to me in the forest, imagined him resting his head on my lap while I stroked his hair, and decided to focus on the matter at hand. “Well, listen, Ren, you’re changing the subject. I don’t appreciate the way you manipulated me into being here. Mr. Kadam should’ve told me at the circus.” He shook his head. “We didn’t think you’d believe his story. He made up the trip to the tiger reserve to get you to India. We figured once you were here, I could change into a man and clarify everything.” I admitted, “You’re probably right. If you had changed to a man there, I don’t think I would have come” “Why did you come?” “I wanted to spend more time with…you. You know, the tiger. I would have missed him. I mean you.” I blushed. He grinned lopsidedly. “I would have missed you too.” I wrung the hem of my shirt between my hands. Misreading my thoughts, he said, “Kelsey. I’m truly sorry for the deception. If there’d been any other way-“ I looked up. He hung his head in a way that reminded me of the tiger. The frustration and awkwardness I felt about him dissipated. My instincts told me that I should believe him and help him. The strong emotional connection that drew me to the tiger tugged at my heart even more powerfully with the man. I felt pity for him and his situation. Softly, I asked, “When will you change into a tiger?” “Soon.” “Does it hurt?” “Not as much as it used to.” “Do you understand me when you are a tiger? Can I still speak to you?” “Yes, I’ll still be able to hear and understand you.” I took a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll stay here with you until the shaman comes back. I still have a lot of questions for you though.” “I know. I’ll try to answer them as best I can, but you’ll have to save them for tomorrow when I’ll be able to speak with you again. We can stay here for the night. The shaman should be back around dusk.” “Ren?” “Yes?” “The jungle frightens me, and this situation frightens me.” He let go of the apron string and looked into my eyes. “I know.” “Ren?” “Yes?” “Don’t…leave me, okay?” His face softened into a tender expression, and his mouth turned up in a sincere smile. “ Asambhava . I won’t.” I felt myself responding to his smile with one of my own when a shadow fell across his face. He clenched his fists and tightened his jaw. I saw a tremor pass through his body, and the chair fell forward as he collapsed to the ground on his hands and knees. I stood to reach out to him and was amazed to see his body morph back into the tiger form I knew so well. Ren the tiger shook himself, then approached my outstretched hand and rubbed his head against it.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad-you-get-to-stare-up-at-the/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24c/colleen-houck-1066_emotional-connection_you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad_937131.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24c/colleen-houck-1066_emotional-connection_you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad_937131.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/24c/colleen-houck-1066_emotional-connection_you-know-sleeping-outdoors-isn-t-all-bad_937131.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“You know, sleeping outdoors isn’t all bad. You get to stare up at the stars and cool breezes ruffle your fur…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 34,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“When I woke, I was nestled on top of Ren’s chest. His arms were wrapped around me, and my legs were entwined with his. I was surprised I could breathe all night since my nose was smashed against his muscular torso. It had gotten cold, but my quilt covered both of us and his body, which maintained a warmer-than-average temperature, had kept me toasty all night. Ren was still asleep, so I took the rare opportunity to study him. His powerful frame was relaxed and his face was softened by sleep. His lips were full, smooth, and utterly kissable, and for the first time, I noticed how long his sooty lashes were. His glossy dark hair fell softly over his brow and was mussed in a way that made him look even more irresistible. So this is the real Ren. He doesn’t seem real. He looked like an archangel who fell to the earth. I’d been with Ren night and day for the past four weeks, but the time he was a man was such a small fraction of each day that he seemed almost like a dream guy, a real life Prince Charming. I traced a black eyebrow, following its arch with my finger, and lightly brushed the silky dark hair away from his face. Hoping not to disturb him, I sighed, shifted slowly, and tried to move away, but his arms tensed, restraining me. He sleepily mumbled, “Don’t even think about moving” and pulled me back to snuggle me close again. I rested my cheek against his chest, felt his heartbeat, and contented myself with listening to its rhythm. After a few minutes, he stretched and rolled to his side, pulling me with him. He kissed my forehead, blinked open his eyes, and smiled at me. It was like watching the sun come up. The handsome, sleeping man was potent enough, but when he turned his dazzling white smile on me and blinked open his cobalt blue eyes, I was dumbstruck. I bit my lip. Alarm bells started going off in my head. Ren’s eyes fluttered open, and he tucked some loose hair behind my ear. “Good morning, rajkumari. Sleep well?” I stammered, “I…you…I…slept just fine, thank you.” I closed my eyes, rolled away from him, and stood up. I could deal with him a lot better if I didn’t think about him much, or look at him, or talk to him, or hear him. He wrapped his arms around me from behind, and I felt his smile as he pressed his lips to the soft spot behind my ear. “Best night of sleep I’ve had in about three hundred and fifty years.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren-s-chest-his-arms-were-wrapped/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/colleen-houck-1066_dark-hair_when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren_272781.jpg",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/colleen-houck-1066_dark-hair_when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren_272781.jpg",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/colleen-houck-1066_dark-hair_when-i-woke-i-was-nestled-on-top-of-ren_272781.jpg",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“When I woke, I was nestled on top of Ren’s chest. His arms were wrapped around me, and my legs were entwined…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 35,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“Ren moved just a smidgen closer to me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then…waited. When I opened my eyes, he was still staring at me. He really was waiting for permission. There was nothing, and I mean nothing I wanted more in the world at that moment than to be kissed by this gorgeous man. But, I ruined it. For some reason, I fixated on the word permission. I nervously rambled, “What…umm…what do you mean you want my permission? ” He looked at me curiously, which made me feel even more panicky. To say I had no experience with kissing would be an understatement. Not only had I never kissed a boy before, I’d never even met a guy I wanted to kiss until Ren. So, instead of kissing him like I wanted to, I got flustered and started coming up with reasons to not do it. I babbled, “Girls need to be swept off their feet, and asking permission is just…just…old-fashioned. It’s not spontaneous enough. It doesn’t scream passion. It screams old fogy. If you have to ask, then the answer is…no.” What an idiot! I thought to myself. I just told this beautiful, kind, blue-eyed, hunk of a prince that he was an old fogy. Ren looked at me for a long moment, long enough for me to see the hurt in his eyes before he cleared his face of expression. He stood up quickly, formally bowed to me, and avowed softly, “I won’t ask you again, Kelsey. I apologize for being so forward.” Then he changed into a tiger and quickly ran off into the jungle, leaving me alone to berate myself for my foolishness. I shouted, “Ren, wait!” But it was too late. He was gone. I can’t believe I insulted him like that! He must hate me! How could I do that to him? I knew I only said those things because I was nervous, but that was no excuse. What did he mean he would never ask me again? I hope he asks me again. I replayed my words over and over again in my mind and thought of all the things I could have said that would have given me a better result. Things like, “I thought you’d never ask” or “I was just about to ask you the same question.” I could have just grabbed the man and kissed him first. Even just a simple “Yes” would have done the trick. I could have said dramatically, “As you wish,” “Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time,” or “You had me at hello.” He’d never seen the movies, so why not? But, no, I had to go on and on about “permission.” Ren left me alone the rest of the day, which gave my plenty of time to kick myself.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i-closed-my-eyes-took-a-deep/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47b/colleen-houck-1066_asking-permission_ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i_1461273.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47b/colleen-houck-1066_asking-permission_ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i_1461273.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/47b/colleen-houck-1066_asking-permission_ren-moved-just-a-smidgen-closer-to-me-i_1461273.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“Ren moved just a smidgen closer to me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and then…waited. When I opened…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 36,
                    "item": {
                        "@type": "Quotation",
                        "text": "“I wiped my eyes on my sleeve and jumped when I turned and found Ren’s brother standing behind me as a man. Ren got up, alert, and watched him carefully, suspicious of Kishan’s every move. Ren’s tail twitched back and forth, and a deep grumble issued from his chest. Kishan look down at Ren, who had crept even closer to keep an eye on him, and then looked back at me. He reached out his hand, and when I placed mine in it, he lifted it to his lips and kissed it, then bowed deeply with great aplomb. “May I ask your name?” “My name is Kelsey. Kelsey hayes.” “Kelsey. Well, I, for one, appreciate all the efforts you have made on our behalf. I apologize if I frightened you earlier. I am,” he smiled, “out of practice in conversing with young ladies. These gifts you will be offering to Durga. Would you kindly tell me more about them?” Ren growled unhappily. I nodded. “Is Kishan your given name?” “My full name is actually Sohan Kishan Rajaram, but you can call me Kishan if you like.” He smiled a dazzling white smile, which was even more brilliant due to the contrast with his dark skin. He offered an arm. “Would you please sit and talk with me, Kelsey?” There was something very charming about Kishan. I surprised myself by finding I immediately trusted and liked him. He had a quality similar to his brother. Like Ren, he had the ability to set a person completely at ease. Maybe it was their diplomatic training. Maybe it was how their mother raised them. Whatever it was made me respond positively. I smiled at him. “I’d love to.” He tucked my arm under his and walked with me over to the fire. Ren growled again, and Kishan shot a smirk in his direction. I noticed him wince when he sat, so I offered him some aspirin. “Shouldn’t we be getting you two to a doctor? I really think you might need stitches and Ren-“ “Thank you, but no. You don’t need to worry about our minor pains.” “I wouldn’t exactly call your wounds minor, Kishan.” “The curse helps us to heal quickly. You’ll see. We’ll both recover swiftly enough on our own. Still, it was nice to have such a lovely young woman tending to my injuries.” Ren stood in front of us and looked like he was a tiger suffering from apoplexy. I admonished, “Ren, be civil.” Kishan smiled widely and waited for me to get comfortable. Then he scooted closer to me and rested his arm on the log behind my shoulders. Ren stepped right between us, nudged his brother roughly aside with his furry head, creating a wider space, and maneuvered his body into the middle. He dropped heavily to the ground and rested his head in my lap. Kishan frowned, but I started talking, sharing the story of what Ren and I had been through. I told him about meeting Ren at the circus and about how he tricked me to get me to India. I talked about Phet, the Cave of Kanheri, and finding the prophecy, and I told him that we were on our way to Hampi. As I lost myself in our story, I stroked Ren’s head. He shut his eyes and purred, and then he fell asleep. I talked for almost an hour, barely registering Kishan’s raised eyebrow and thoughtful expression as he watched the two of us together. I didn’t even notice when he’d changed back into a tiger.”",
                        "creator": {
                            "@type": "Person",
                            "name": "Colleen Houck"
                        },
                        "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped-when-i-turned-and-found-ren-s/",
                        "image": {
                            "@type": "ImageObject",
                            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aef/colleen-houck-1066_dark-skin_i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped_1951014.png",
                            "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aef/colleen-houck-1066_dark-skin_i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped_1951014.png",
                            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aef/colleen-houck-1066_dark-skin_i-wiped-my-eyes-on-my-sleeve-and-jumped_1951014.png",
                            "width": 1080,
                            "height": 1080,
                            "caption": "“I wiped my eyes on my sleeve and jumped when I turned and found Ren’s brother standing behind me as a man…” — Colleen Houck",
                            "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                            "creator": {
                                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                            }
                        }
                    }
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "CollectionPage",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/#webpage",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/",
            "name": "Gaze Quotes by Colleen Houck",
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "mainEntity": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/#itemlist"
            },
            "primaryImageOfPage": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/096/colleen-houck-1066_gaze_i-had-no-right-to-be-in-love-i-had-nothi_1704693.png"
            },
            "description": "36 Gaze quotes by Colleen Houck. Plus more from Colleen Houck and more Gaze sayings from other authors.",
            "breadcrumb": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/#breadcrumb"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/#breadcrumb",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Topics",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/categories/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "Gaze",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 5,
                    "name": "Colleen Houck",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/colleen-houck/"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```