“He has the kind of Southern accent that makes you think of melting butter on biscuits, and porch swings.”

“Think about how it looks, Samantha. Not just how it feels. Make smart choices. Always consider consequences.”

“...And theway he does look at me makes me feel absolutely beautiful.”

“...And the way he does look at me makes me feel absolutely beautiful.”

“You okay? This okay?" I nod, pulling his hips more tightly to my own."Now we'll make it better," Jase vows, and begins to kiss me again as he starts to move in a rhythm. My body follows, unwilling to let him go, already glad to have him come back.”

“Mom. He didn't do drugs. I've told you that before. He was just weird.”

“Shhhh." He pulls on my lower lip gently with his teeth, then fits his mouth to mine. First so careful, and then so deep and deliberate, that I can't think of anything at all but his smooth back under my hands.”