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Gaze Quote by Rainbow Rowell

“Lincoln closed his eyes. It seemed like the right thing to do, no matter what happened next. He closed his eyes and felt her fingertips touching his cheek, then his forehead, then his eyelids. He took a breath--ink and hand soap. "I" -- he heard her whisper, closer than he expected, and shaky and…” quote by Rainbow Rowell
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““Lincoln closed his eyes. It seemed like the right thing to do, no matter what happened next. He closed his eyes and felt her fingertips touching his cheek, then his forehead, then his eyelids. He took a breath--ink and hand soap. "I" -- he heard her whisper, closer than he expected, and shaky and strange -- "think I might be a very stupid girl." He shook his head no. Just barely. So that only someone who was holding his cheek and his neck would notice. "Yes," she said, sounding closer. He didn't move, didn't open his eyes. What if he opened his eyes and she saw what she was doing? She kissed his cheek, and he let his head tip forward into her hands. She kissed his other cheek. And his chin. The groove below his bottom lip. "Stupid girl," she said near the corner of his mouth, sounding incredulous, "what could you possibly be thinking?" Lincoln found his mouth. "Perfect girl," he said so quietly that only someone with her hands in his hair and her lips all but touching his could possibly hear. "Pretty girl." He found her mouth. "Perfect." Kiss. "Magic." Kiss. "Only girl.””

Rainbow Rowell

About This Quote

Source Novel: Eleanor & Park, 2013

A tender, intimate moment where vulnerability and affection intertwine, highlighting the power of quiet connection.

In simple terms: A quiet, intimate kiss shows deep affection.

Key Takeaway

Embrace vulnerability in love.

Themes

intimacy vulnerability affection

Mood

tender hopeful

Type

romantic intimate

When to use this quote

  • First love
  • quiet moments
  • personal boundaries

Key Concepts

Romantic connection sensory detail

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance vulnerability with clear consent?
  • What does this moment reveal about personal boundaries?
A Different Perspective

The scene may idealize consent without explicit communication.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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