Read Online Worth Waiting For by Kelly Jamieson - Free Book Online Page A

only that, games are really not that different than the film industry: action movies, thrillers and horror movies. There’s always been violence in fiction, whether it’s literature or movies or what have you. Video games are no different.”
    “Okay, but in video games, the kids are participating in the action. They’re the ones that are actually…well, killing people, I guess.”
    “That’s true, but, like many movies, the games generally contain an element of exaggeration, which children recognize. Doing those things in the context of a game actually makes kids aware that their actions take place in a fictitious world. They totally know the same rules don’t apply outside of the game.”
    “You’re pretty convincing.” She smiled and arched an eyebrow at him. “But I just finished reading a couple of those studies myself. One study showed that young men who are habitually aggressive may be especially vulnerable to repeated exposure to violent games. And another study suggests even a brief exposure to violent video games can temporarily increase aggressive behavior in all types of participants.
    “They studied college students and found those who reported playing more violent video games in junior and high school engaged in more aggressive behavior, and the amount of time spent playing video games was associated with lower grades in college.”
    Holy shit. Ainslie was arguing with him. And about something pretty important to him. He was impressed. “What? You’re grinning like a loon.” She looked amused herself as they arrived at the Farmers Market and got out of the vehicle.
    He clasped her hand and they walked toward the vendors. “You were pretty convincing about the video games. I may have to change my whole career because of you.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    He swung her hand in a carefree move while a feeling of something warm unfurled in his chest.
    They wandered around the various stalls. They picked out beautiful produce together, agreeing on peppers that were shiny and red, gorgeous heirloom tomatoes in various colors of red, orange and yellow, and bunches of fresh herbs. They chose some fresh pasta and a bag of field greens.
    “I’ll make a dressing for the salad that you’ll die for,” Griff promised her. “Have you got balsamic vinegar? Honey?”
    She nodded, smiling curiously at him, and they moved on. He bought a massive bunch of sunflowers, bright yellow, orange and mahogany, even though she told him not to. Then they found some locally made sausages. “These are so good.”
    “Turkey?” he asked. “Are they lean?”
    She looked at him. “Yes, Mr. Healthy, they are. They’re good for you and they taste good. Let’s get some and we’ll put them in the pasta sauce.”
    He agreed and they added those to their purchases.
    “Dr. Patterson!” a quavery voice called from behind them.
    They turned and saw a white-haired lady leaning on a cane. She smiled warmly at Ainslie.
    “Mrs. Markham, how are you?” Ainslie’s response was just as affectionate.
    “I’m just great, thanks to you. That new medication you gave me last week is doing wonders for me. I haven’t been this pain-free in years.”
    “I knew we’d find the right one for you eventually,” Ainslie murmured. “When are you back in my office? Next week?”
    “Thursday.” The lady peered at Griff with undisguised interest. He smiled back. “Is this your young man?”
    “Um…” At a bit of a loss, Ainslie said, “This is Griffin Campbell. Mrs. Markham is one of my patients.”
    Griff reached out and shook a frail hand, still smiling.
    “You know, Dr. Patterson, I was talking to my sister the other day about you. She was so impressed about how much weight you’ve helped my grandson lose. I told her what a great doctor you are and you know, her doctor just moved away and she’s looking for a new one. I said I’d ask if you’d take her on as a patient.”
    Griff was curious about the grandson who’d lost weight and