Gaze Quote by Linda Howard
““Oh, Jesus,” he said, wheezing with the effort it took to control himself. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “You little innocent. I’m fluent in French, but it isn’t my first language.” It was plain by the mortified expression in those green eyes that she didn’t understand, so he explained. “Baby , if I can still think clearly enough to speak French, then I’m not totally involved in what I’m doing. It may sound pretty , but it doesn’t mean any thing. Men are different from women; the more excited we are, the more like cavemen we sound. I could barely speak English with you, much less French. As I remember, my vocabulary deteriorated to a few short, explicit words, ‘fuck’ being the most prominent.” To his amazement, she blushed, and he smiled at this further evidence of her charming prudery. “Go to sleep,” he said gently. “Lindsey didn’t even rate a replay.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Kiss of the Vampire by Linda Howard, 1995
He admits his sexual arousal impairs his ability to speak clearly, using humor to defuse tension and reveal vulnerability.
In simple terms: Sexual excitement makes him stumble over words, showing vulnerability.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and manage arousal in intimate moments.
Themes
sexuality
communication
vulnerability
Mood
embarrassed
playful
Type
dialogue
confessional
When to use this quote
- intimate conversation
- sexual encounters
- conflict de‑escalation
Key Concepts
gender dynamics
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does arousal affect your communication?
- Can humor replace honest dialogue?
A Different Perspective
His humor may mask deeper insecurity about performance.
![“I met one child there eleven years old, speaking three languages [in Guinea]. He could speak English, French and Malinke. Speaking my language actually better than I could. And this hypocrisy - they tell us here in America [ that black people can't be intelligent].” quote by Fannie Lou Hamer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ef/fannie-lou-hamer-3999_america_i-met-one-child-there-eleven-years-old-s_78966.jpg)
