Caught Up Liz Tomforde Quotes

If you ever decide to stop running and make a home…” His eyes are begging, pleading. “Make it with me.

Do you love her?” “I do. Very much so.” “She might break your heart.” “I’ll love her anyway.

Wrapping an arm over her shoulders, I kiss her head. “You are the most jealous woman I’ve ever met. You know that?” Her head jerks back. “You’ve met other women?

I'm not telling you what you should or shouldn't do with your life. I just don't want you to be so afraid to fail at something new that it keeps you from finding your happiness when you're the reason I found mine.

He’ll be on his hands and knees most of the time.” “As all men should be.

Monty exhales a contented sigh. “Just know that I loved her first.”  I nod. “And I’ll love her always.

Know what's better than being the best at something you don't love? Being mediocre at something you do.

She sounds cute.”  She is cute. In the same way a tornado is cute. Or a pack of starved lions. Super cute.

Find your passion, Miller. Find what makes you excited to get up every morning and if it's not this, walk away." Well, fuck me, am I that obvious? "This is what I'm good at." "Oh, you're fucking brilliant at it. But you know what's better than being the best at something you don't love? Being mediocre at something you do.

I’m telling you this, not as her dad but as your friend. She will leave when the summer is over. I love my daughter to death, but she’s a runner and the last thing she wants is to get caught.

With my name on her back and my son in her arms, Miller stands in the center of the field, looking like mine.  She should be mine. Ours.

I don’t like the term ‘settling down.’ I didn’t settle for anything. I simply stopped running when the two best boys I know caught me.

And Ace,” he calls out. “Keep your dick in your pants. We all know how fucking fertile you are, and I’m too young and too goddamn attractive for someone to be calling me Grandpa.

He looks right at her, his icy blues boring into her, and there’s absolutely no misunderstanding when he says, “Mmm . . . Mama.” Miller’s face falls. “What did you say?” “Mama.” Max grins, so proud of himself for saying a name I now realize he’s been trying to say for weeks. “Mama! Mama!

Loving you was two other surprises of my life.

Stop being so dang cute all the time so I can yell at your dad every once in a while.

How the hell am I supposed to forget what her laugh sounds like? What her lips taste like?  I want her. Fuck, do I want her.

You think this is funny, kid? Your dad is making me go gray.

Pressure is a privilege, Miller. Expectations are high because you’re successful. If you were average, no one would be waiting on bated breath for you. I think about that every night I take the mound. You just have to decide if your dreams and goals are worth the pressure. If you want to live up to the expectations set for you.

Mmm,” he hums. “What, Bug?” He points to the door again. “Mmm.

You’ve got a cute kid.”  You’ve got a cute everything, is what I want to say in response.

Be my problem.” Swallowing, she tilts her head, testing me. “Then do something to make me your problem.

I think I’m ruined by simply watching you come, so please, do me a favor and go to bed.” Fixing my shirt, he gives me one last quick kiss. “And for the love of God…lock the fucking door.

You said it was my choice if I wanted to live up to expectations, and I do. But now, the only expectations I'm going to worry about are the ones I set for myself. And the only expectations I have for myself are to be happy and to chase the things I want.

If you’re going to start coming to my games, I better see Rhodes on your back and I’m not talking about my brother.”  “Is this some athlete kink you got? Need to see a girl in your jersey?” The old flirty side of me that I’ve kept hidden and locked down for the most part since Max came into my life is itching to break free.

If you’re going to start coming to my games, I better see Rhodes on your back and I’m not talking about my brother.”  “Is this some athlete kink you got? Need to see a girl in your jersey?” The old flirty side of me that I’ve kept hidden and locked down for the most part since Max came into my life is itching to break free.  I pop my shoulders. “I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.”  Miller’s lips part, a shocked and satisfied grin lifting on the corners. “Well, with that kind of promise, I’ll be sure to wear it next time.

There are other avenues in life that are equally great and impressive. You don't need everyone to know your name for it to mean you're doing something great with your life. Trust me, when the right person knows your name, it's enough." He nudges his shoudler into me. "Or in your case when the right people know your name. Two to be exact. Kai and Max.

Life is meant to be spent chasing happiness.

God if I know. That’s what we as a society have been conditioned to do, right? Keep striving for the next best thing instead of finding gratitude and peace where we are.

He steps forward, wiping his thumb across the corner of my lips to catch a rogue droplet of liquor. “You okay? You were so confident only a minute ago. You’re not going to gag, are you?”  I pop my shoulders. “Hopefully later.” He shakes his head—his typical move when I’ve said something that’s caught him off guard. “You flirting with me, Montgomery?”  “Have been since we met. You gonna start flirting back?

Miller Montgomery.” A smirk lifts. “Are you jealous?”  She shakes her head to tell me no.  “Little liar.” “Shh,” she hushes, burrowing against my chest. “I’m sleeping.”  I can’t stop the grin from spreading on my lips. Miller Montgomery is jealous, which feels like the opposite of a no-strings-attached kind of emotion.  

If you’re as terrible of a listener in the bedroom as you are in real life, Miller, I can promise you this, you wouldn’t be allowed to come.”  Those pretty lips part, jade eyes wide. “Two can play this game, Montgomery. Now, let’s go.” I nod toward the other side of the house once again.  Her lips press together, holding back a grin. “You keep talking like that, Kai, and I’ll be ditching the ‘baseball’ part and just be calling you ‘daddy.

I make her my problem.

The only thing I’m positive of is that I want to be the best possible dad for Max.

He’s got a backwards hat on, dark-rimmed glasses, and a toddler in his arms with a matching cap for goodness’ sake.

I’m pretty sure I’m about to publicly lose my shit over Max’s nanny.

and I love Max and I’ve never felt so much at once that I’m fairly certain my heart is going to give out soon. I’m only twenty-six, Malakai. It’s too soon.

And it’s in there because I’m so fucking in love with you, it’s too painful not to be able to see you every second of the day.

Kai brings his son’s hand to his lips, peppering kisses on his palm, finally pulling a sweet giggle from the typically happy boy.  I’ve never thought about having kids before, but I’d be shocked to find a woman whose ovaries aren’t doing all sorts of cartwheels watching Kai Rhodes know exactly what to do to make his son feel better.

Craning my neck I kiss her, right there in the middle of the infield where anyone could see, because this is not just a fling. Nothing about our situation is detached. She’s it for me and I don’t know how the fuck to handle that.

This is fucking miserable, Miller, knowing there’s a clock counting down the seconds until I don’t have you anymore, but I’d do it all over again. I’d fall in love with you all over again. I’d break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.

Isaiah’s smile is equal parts sheepish as it is thrilled. “Kennedy.

He needs someone constant and stable in his life, and I won’t let something as trivial as a game be the reason my son doesn’t have that.

Now that the adrenaline is settling, my chest physically aches because of this woman. She’s too good to us, too good to me.

Rio, wearing a lavender suit, white shirt, and a lavender tie, struts out as if this day is for him, and him alone.

Mae’s Tiramisu—for the woman I never got to meet but who raised two amazing men. I hope I follow in your steps by being a fantastic boy-mom.

A knock sounds at the back door of the house and we both turn to find Isaiah, Zanders, Stevie, Ryan, Indy, and Rio with their faces pressed up to the glass, watching us.

When you were a kid, you got a Lego stuck up your nose and I found that impressive.

When I excel at something, I have the satisfaction of knowing I belong, that I’m worth the investment.

So, she is hot? I didn’t actually know that. I was manifesting.

He didn’t even try to deny it! I am going to be the only single one left. I’m going to have to move into my best friend’s house and grow old with Ryan freaking Shay.

Miller,” he says, making sure my attention is on him. “If you ever decide to stop running and make a home…” His eyes are begging, pleading. “Make it with me.

Girl bosses need forehead kisses too.

I once assumed I didn’t have anyone there to celebrate the good moments with, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ve had these guys the whole time.

When it comes to Isaiah Rhodes, my favorite thing to do is to humble him.

you don't need everyone to know your name for it to mean you're doing something great with your life. Trust me, when the right person knows your name, it's enough

Sometimes we can't explain how or why we love who we love. We just do. You don't really get to tell your heart what to do.

today was a good day.” “They can all be good days.

I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.

Stop eye-fucking me and get your ass on this bed, Montgomery

Mmm…Mama.” Miller’s face falls. “What did you say?

You’ve been taking care of my heart, Mills, and I’ve been taking care of yours.

Don’t tell me if you love me, and fuck,” he exhales a painful laugh. “Please don’t tell me if you don’t.

Mills, you already are mine. Even if I haven’t been allowed to show you, you’ve always been mine.

But if you're questioning if you made the right decision, you've already made the wrong one.

He cried a little, mostly out of joy, before pulling out a ring he had kept with him for over twenty years. It was the ring he was going to propose to Miller’s mom with, but never got the chance

Do you think I’m better than the pediatrician lady with all the cardigans?”  Confused, I tilt to get a better look at her. “Max’s pediatrician is a man, and I don’t think he’s all that into cardigans.

I think I’m seeing the old Kai tonight and that version scares me. The confidence, the self-assurance mixed with the new Kai—thoughtful, kind. He’s a lethal combination, and not only does my body recognize it, but so does my heart.

Hmm?” “I’m from Texas. Austin, to be specific.”  It’s something so small. Such a minuscule fact in the grand scheme of it all, but hearing Kai willingly share information beyond his son’s favorite snack or sleep routine holds a weight I didn’t expect. “Country boy, huh?” The mental picture of him in Wranglers, much in the way he wears his baseball pants, is doing all sorts of things to my imagination.  “Miller.” “Hmm?” “You’re sexualizing me in your mind right now, aren’t you?” “Absolutely.

Maybe he should loosen up every once in a while. He’s got a cute-ass kid and an even cuter smile when he shows it.” She lifts her Corona to me before chugging the rest and exiting the elevator. “Thanks for the ride, Baby Daddy. It was…interesting.”  That it was.

She throws her hands up. “Oh my God! You’re impossible. You need to go. I’m not your problem to worry about.”  Turning, she heads back up the way we came, but I stop her, pinning her against the wall, the two of us meeting on the same stair. “Yes, the fuck you are.” She stares right at me, not backing down. “Kai, I am not your problem.” My attention dips to her lips. “Be my problem.” Swallowing, she tilts her head, testing me. “Then do something to make me your problem.”  Fuck me. I’m so frustratingly into this woman, so I do just that.  I make her my problem.

Rounding Miller’s body, I face her in the foyer. “Max’s room is down that hall. I’ll let you explore on your own once he’s awake from his nap, but the main part of the house is this way.” Hands in my pockets, I nod toward the opposite side of the house. “Come.” “God,” she moans, head falling back. “I can’t wait to hear you say that in the bedroom.”  Jesus.

We were playing outside, and he was using the water table to balance when all of a sudden he let go and looked like he was going to take a step in my direction, but I scooped him up before he could. I don’t think I was supposed to do that. All those online mommy groups would probably berate me for it, and I’m pretty sure every one of your parenting books would call me unfit, but I couldn’t let you miss it.

Monty exhales a contented sigh. “Just know that I loved her first.” I nod. “And I’ll love her always.

Stop acting like a deranged caveman,” Kennedy chastises. “He’s allowed to be here. Dean is my stepbrother. Chill out.

Kai’s hand splays over my lower stomach to keep our contact. “Today was a good day.”  It really was. Simple and good. Turning, I look at him, our lips almost brushing. “They can all be good days.” His eyes bounce to my mouth.

Do you want help taking off your make-up?” I ask. “Yes, please.

Oh, well that’s good. I mean, that’s not good. Or maybe it is good? Who am I to say? Goddamn, this elevator is taking forever.” She slaps a palm over her mouth, her eyes darting to Max. “I mean, gosh dang it.

Oh!” She laughs with a dark edge, not showing any sign of weakness. “I’m not done. Said engagement ring was the one I had picked out, but not the one I was proposed to with. However, he did trade in mine for my stepsister’s, and now I get to spend every family holiday with the two of them for the rest of my life.” She raises her cocktail glass in a cheers. Kennedy isn’t hurt, but she is pissed. I can see it in the way she tells the story. She’s tiny in stature, but quite frightening when she’s mad.

If you’re as terrible of a listener in the bedroom as you are in real life, Miller, I can promise you this, you wouldn’t be allowed to come.

He’s a hell of a crawler though.” Letting go of his hands, Max immediately folds onto the ground before he takes off crawling. “He’ll be on his hands and knees most of the time.” “As all men should be.

watch Miller leave down the hall, watch her get into the elevator, and I’m stuck wondering how only hours ago I was wishing her away and now that she’s gone, I find myself desperate for her to stay.

Nah. I like yours. They suit you.”  Miller’s lips tick. “Drinking at nine a.m., though? I was judging you for that.

Thank you for tonight.”  He leans his cheek on my hair. “I’d do anything for you, Miller.

It’s your dream, Mills. I won’t let you walk away from that because of my son.”  Or because of me. She settles her head back into my chest. “The pressure to perform, to live up to the expectations, is scary. There’s a part of me that battles with wondering if I’m worthy of those expectations, you know?”  “Pressure is a privilege, Miller. Expectations are high because you’re successful. If you were average, no one would be waiting on bated breath for you. I think about that every night I take the mound. You just have to decide if your dreams and goals are worth the pressure. If you want to live up to the expectations set for you.

There’s no part of me that wants to be in the kitchen.  I only want to be with them.

It’s always been only for you.

But you know what’s better than being the best at something you don’t love? Being mediocre at something you do.

Indy squeezes my leg. "It's okay for the important things in your life to change, you know?" Stevie nods. "And it's okay to change directions even when you've spent your entire life headed on a one-way street.

For once, I’m going to take what I want.”  The corner of her lip lifts in a dangerous grin. “Finally.

I couldn’t be more grateful for them pulling me into their fold and giving me a place in Chicago that feels like home.

And Ace,” he calls out. “Keep your dick in your pants. We all know how fucking fertile you are, and I’m too young and too goddamn attractive for someone to be calling me Grandpa.” “Jesus Christ,” I huff, leaving his room.

I simply stopped running when the two best boys I know caught me.

Leaning back, I eye him. “Did you just give me a forehead kiss while I’m wearing my chef’s coat?”  “Mm-hmm.” “I’ve made grown men cry while wearing this coat.” “Oh, I have no doubt about that, but girl bosses need forehead kisses too.

I hope you’re out there finding your joy because you’re the reason we found ours.

Stunningly happy smile on her face contrasted to her future husband standing up front and crying like a little bitch.

The man that was standing off to the side steps up, using his hands to interpret everything Stevie has to say while she officiates.

And goddamn, these legs are going to feel so warm on my cheeks when I bury my tongue right here.”  A finger slips inside, slowly

I bet she’d know how to make him feel better when he’s sick. I’m sure she would’ve been able to get him to stop crying in the parking lot. She’s most likely a lawyer or a doctor. Even worse, she’s probably a pediatrician who owns a lot of cardigans and comes from a giant family who would love to welcome those two into their fold.

Deal, but wait. Did you save my number in your phone? I’m honored, Miss Unattached.  Yeah. Yeah. You know what this means, right? We’re in a committed relationship now. Omg. Am I your first?  You popped my committed relationship cherry, Kennedy Kay.