She shifts her body so she's facing me. I immediately miss the feeling of her thigh resting on mine. "The television markets are ranked on how big your demographic is. For instance, New York City has the largest population in the country so they're ranked number one. Los Angeles is ranked number two. Most people, when they first get out of college, start in a really tiny market like Lubbock or Amarillo. They're both ranked well into the one hundreds.""How many markets are there?""Over two hundred. The larger the market you work in, the more you get paid, the more sports teams there are, the better the stories and opportunities. So while you may start out in a tiny market making minimum wage, the goal is to get a big market where there are bigger perks and maybe even national attention.""So where is Houston ranked?""Last time I looked… it's number eight.""Holy shit," I exclaim. "That's really good!"She nods excitedly. "I know. My first television job is a full hundred and fifty ma

We drive around in silence for what seems like hours. I'm so angry, but I'm still trying to figure out why and if I even have a right to be.What Tiffany does with her body is her business. I have no say over it. I respect that. Even if we were considered a couple, it's her decision, right? I don't even know the right answer anymore. All I know is I feel this desire to protect her, which is ridiculous, but there it is. I want her to be treated like she deserves to be treated… like her body is to be worshiped. And that's not what those assholes do. They treat her like a piece of fucking meat. They use her and someday they're throw her away and she's worth so much more than that.The worst part is, she doesn't see it. But how would she? They give her tickets to games. They bring her to parties. They call and text and let her call them her friends. And then they turn around and call her a whore behind her back and laugh about someone actually caring about her. I try to relax my hands on

I didn't ask him any questions on the car ride home. I was worn out from the emotions of the night. And in all truthfulness, maybe I was too stunned by his admission as well.He held my hand the whole ride home. When we got there, he walked me to my door where he kissed me passionately before leaving me on my doorstep wanting more.The fact that he has never been with a woman is intriguing. I also find it really sexy, which is a big surprise. The idea that no woman knows what he feels like, that no other woman knows the faces he makes and the noises he makes… I find it very, very exciting. Now I want to know more about why he's still a virgin, but it's taken me a couple of days to come up with questions. "Have you ever had a blow job?"He turns to glare at me. "Geez, can you say that a little louder as we walk in public?"I give him a flirty smile. "No one heard me. This place is practically empty. Although I'm sure if they knew about how virtuous you are they would be trying to eaves

"When are you going to visit your parents?" I ask for the second time as we drive toward Quincy's apartment for a barbecue a few days later. I'm so nervous that I keep asking the same questions over and over because I can't seem to retain the answers.Rowen glances over at me and takes my hand. "Next week. And would you stop being so nervous? It's gonna be fun."I try to take a deep breath but I don't feel like I'm getting enough air. "That's easy for you to say. You're not about to put yourself in a room with a few dozen women that want to rip your hair out."He snickers. "Another plus for the beanie." I shoot him a death glare. He squeezes my hand in response. "Tiff, we were invited.""No, you were invited.""And they all know we're together so they know you're coming, too." He pulls my hand up and kisses my palm. The feeling shoots goose pimples up and down my arm. "Besides, Quincy is always nice to you, right?"I shrug. "Quincy is not who I'm worried about. I never slept with her b

"Mo boyo!" My dad grabs me in a tight hug as soon as I step through the front door, causing me to drop my bag on the floor. He's never been shy with his affection for me. He offered to pick me up at the airport but I got a rental car instead. Its always a hassle because of my age, but I like the idea of not being dependent on my parents for anything. Call it lingering insecurities from trying to be my own person for so long.I pound him on the back a few times as we embrace. "Good to see you, Da.""I missed you, mac," he says and kisses me on the cheek, pulling away as my mom comes racing over."Rowen! I'm so glad you're here. Take off that darn cap and give me a hug." She snatches my beanie off my head and throws it across the room, then wraps her arms around my waist and I hug her back tightly. My habit of covering up my hair always irritates my mother. I expect I won't see that beanie again until I head back to Houston in four days."Me, too, Mam." I lift my head and take a deep br