i make a sliding lasso with my rope , and then hook it around a chunk of asphalt extending over the crater . you play for keeps , do n't you ? '' she was tall and thin and a shade too pale . the only positive signs that i have seen so far were his verbal changes in tone the two times it looked as if i was walking out of his life . `` i just want us to be together , '' he said , moving toward her again . 