They told me not to get involved with him because he had a bad reputation. I didn’t listen. Why? Maybe it was those eyes. Most probably it was his body. Or maybe it was his quick wit, easy charm, and the way he made me feel so at ease—like I was perfect just the way I am, flaws and all. I realize now that he wanted me to feel that way, so I’d accept him, just the way he was. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted a game, so I gave him one. Checkmate.

They told me not to get involved with him because he had a bad reputation. I didn’t listen. Why? Maybe it was those eyes. Most probably it was his body. Or maybe it was his quick wit, easy charm, and the way he made me feel so at ease—like I was perfect just the way I am, flaws and all. I realize now that he wanted me to feel that way, so I’d accept him, just the way he was. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted a game, so I gave him one. Checkmate.