Chapter 18

"I don't know what you've heard about me, Steve, but I'm not going to have sex with you, if that's what you're after. I guess all males are, and you're certainly all male. Now for the weird part. I won't have sex with you, but I won't be with you if you're having sex, or any type of intimate relationship, with some other girl, or woman. I know that sounds crazy, or selfish, but that's how I feel. I'd rather not have a boyfriend than feel pressured to do something that I'm not ready for, or don't want. I have long range plans and I'm not going to do something stupid and screw them up. Now that you know all of that about me, maybe you'll want to find somebody else. I'll understand."

Steve had listened to Gwen with great interest. This was the first time they had actually shared real feelings and hopes. He felt like he had just learned more about her in a two minute conversation than in the previous two months.

"Gwen, I realize that you're right. I haven't been totally honest with you, a