Summary

In Chapter 17, Owen and Cassie arrive at the home of Owen’s parents. Owen’s father is a retired Boston firefighter. Owen introduces Cassie as Christabel to reduce the chances that the Lillian Fire Department will know that Cassie went with Owen to a party. Suddenly, Captain Murphy arrives, despite having responded ‘no’ to the RSVP. Hurriedly, Owen and Cassie hide in a closet. They quietly converse and soon begin kissing. Cassie is shocked by how pleasant and fulfilling the experience is. Cassie and Owen soon sneak out of the house to avoid being seen by Captain Murphy. In Chapter 18, Cassie lies in her bed that night thinking excitedly of her kiss with Owen. She thinks of how it made her feel, as opposed to the deep trauma of when she was sexually assaulted. Cassie continues to worry that her attraction to Owen will...