Amazing? My heart fluttered. “But I don’t want Flash or Harry,” I murmured. “You want Spider-Man,” he finished for me, looking a little wistful. I shrugged. “And Peter Parker.” He looked at me, very seriously. “Then don’t settle,” he said.

— J.M. Richards

As much as I cared about him, I wasn’t a slave to fate. I could choose to ignore my feelings, strong as they were. It would be painful, but no more so than letting myself pine for my friend.

— J.M. Richards

As we were about to cross the road, Davis suddenly grabbed my wrist and held me back a moment; a car peeled out of the driveway and roared past us. “Gee,” I gasped, and then, glancing at him curiously, I added, “Thanks.” He didn’t say anything, but slowly released my wrist. Before he completely withdrew, I took his hand and interlaced my fingers through his. He looked at me, his lips parted in surprise, but then he smiled shyly and gave my hand a squeeze as we kept walking. It gave me a feeling of nervous flutters in the best way. As we walked up to the doors, Jill and Laurel came bursting out the exit.

— J.M. Richards

Being in love with your best friend is problematic.

— J.M. Richards

He pinned me in place with a direct look, his dark brown eyes smoldering. “You’re Mary Jane,” he said finally. “And you have all these Flash Thompson's and Harry Osborn's hovering around you, trying to make a move. Because...you’re basically amazing.

— J.M. Richards

He’s a vampire.” I laughed again, feeling there was no end to the outrageous, ridiculous excuses we were coming up with. “Seriously, it makes sense. He’s always tired and pale, and keeps himself away from people so he won’t bite them.... Maybe that’s what he’s doing when he disappears. Getting his fix of blood.

— J.M. Richards

He smiled at me shyly and took a step closer. I froze, heart pounding, as he put one hand on my cheek and leaned toward me. I swallowed, gazing up at him with what I hoped was an expectant (and not alarmed) expression. He bent his head toward mine and...

— J.M. Richards

I bundled in my own blanket and reflected on the strange and somewhat unexpected friendship that was slowly developing between Davis and me. It was clear to me that he needed a friend, but for reasons unknown to me, thought that it was better for him to be alone.

— J.M. Richards

I Can Be Alone and it's Okay.

— J.M. Richards

If he can’t handle it, then you aren’t very good friends, are you?

— J.M. Richards