Chapter Sixteen and Chapter Seventeen Summary

In Chapter Sixteen, Murphy lays out blankets at the dance and removes his and Shannon's shoes. She nervously warns him to take their physical relationship for what it is and not read into things too much. She is incredibly physically attuned to him, and he is treating her carefully, wanting to give her his heart and vice versa. They seduce each other slowly and tenderly, and Shannon is surprised at the intensity of their physical connection. They leave just before dawn so Murphy can return to his family, and agree to see each other later. Shannon encounters Brianna in the kitchen and expresses how happy Murphy has made her, but still she worries about her life in New York and doesn't want to hurt him. She thanks Brianna for making her feel like she has...