LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4)

by J. S. Luxor

  It’s midafternoon when we hear the second keynote speaker talk about the breakthrough ketamine injections and nearly instant recovery from depression. We notice Chris and Michael in the crowd of people listening to the speech. We meet up afterwards and head to a reception sponsored by an international drug company. The drinks and hors d'oeuvres help us mix with dozens of other professionals from the field.

  Then it’s back to a breakout session focused on interns and listening skills. Janelle heads to another session on career strategies. Michael and I are the newest hires at our firms so we attend those session together. He’s quite friendly but I respond in what I hope is a reserved manner. As we finish our training, Michael asks what I’m doing for dinner.

  “I need to check with Janelle. We’ve got tickets to a Broadway show tonight.” I stall. Just then Janelle approaches me with enthusiasm. She’s found Omar.

  “Omar’s heard about a funky little Ethiopian place for dinner. Would the two of you like to join us? Chris and another friend may meet us there around 6pm,” Janelle buzzes with energy.

  Tristan won’t be happy to know that I’ve gone to dinner with other men. I’m not going to sit in my room eating something from room service. After all, I won’t be alone and Janelle is here. We head to the restaurant as a group. I check my phone for messages but none appear. I guess Tristan’s meetings in San Diego take most of his time since it’s only mid-afternoon there.

  At dinner, I’m seated next to Michael. His face lights up with a dazzling smile as we sit side by side. His eyes zone in on mine in an unmistakable signal of interest. He looks good with his dark brown hair pulled back into a pony tail and blue eyes. If I weren’t in love with Tristan, I’d be hot for him.

  He keeps the focus on us. “I just graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in behavioral science. But, I’d give the fingernails on my right hand to find a job in San Diego. What do you think of your job?”

  I blush a bit at the attention he’s giving me. “I’ve only been at TTP for a week but things look promising. I love it after just a few days, though.” I try very hard not to flirt and to be professional.

  “I’m hoping to settle in southern California eventually. You’ve got to tell me more about San Diego, Joanna.” His friendly gaze never leaves my face. I certainly hope Hawk isn’t taking pictures of us as we talk over dinner.

  “Welcome to the gang. Who doesn’t want to live there? I just moved to Mission Beach a few weeks ago but I know a fair amount about it already. What would you like to know?” I begin.

  Michael and I talk for about 45 minutes. His interest in San Diego’s impressive because he’s done a lot of reading about it. I tell him about the Mission Beach area with art galleries and restaurants, then the parks and sculptures near the bay, the different water sports that are popular, the deserts in the eastern part of the state, and the music scene. He’s listening to every word I say. I’ve hardly asked him any questions though.

  The meal and his company are fun and time flies. At 7:30pm, I nudge Janelle to leave for the theatre. We wave goodbye to the group and attend a play called ‘The Analyst’ at the Coronado Playhouse which tells the story of the early days of psychoanalysis and the Freudian approach to therapy. It’s in line with what I’ve learned from the history of psychology in college. We both enjoy the play.

  At 10:30pm, we walk straight back to our hotel. As we walk, I feel someone’s eyes upon us. I assume it’s just Luke Hawk doing his job. Just before I fall asleep, my phone pings and there’s a text from Tristan. My heart soars and I’m like a giddy teenager.

  “PCC has opened up again after repairs.”

  “Great. I can’t wait to see it and you.”

  “Are you back on Wed? ”

  “No, Thursday at noon.”

  “Miss you. Can’t wait until then. Love, T.”

  “See you soon. Love, J.”

  “Same here. T.”

  “XOXXX, Joanna.”

  I sleep well after reading his texts. He’s so romantic and open.

  On Wednesday, we attend a few more sessions and listen to the last of the keynote lectures before the conference ends at 5pm. Ryan, Nancy and a few of their colleagues invite me and Janelle to a final dinner at a trendy but well-priced Italian restaurant called Fratelli’s. To our surprise, Ryan picks up the entire bill, after we share our ideas about what we found interesting. The training at this convention has been so helpful. Janelle and I go back to our hotel around 8:30pm. Just before we enter the lobby, though, I decide that I want to shop for a gift for Tristan.

  “Janelle, why don’t you go ahead to our hotel while I do some last minute shopping,” I suggest. “I want to buy something unique for Tristan but it may take me awhile to choose.”

  She yawns and gives me the OK while waving, “See you in a while then!”

  I remember passing a small souvenir shop a few doors from the Marriott and walk toward it. Since many people are still walking around, I feel completely comfortable on my own. Luckily, the shop is well-lit and open for hours. I breeze inside to consider their options. I drift up and down the aisles looking for just the right idea. Finally, my eyes land upon what I hope will be an inspiring gift. Just as I am about to buy it, Michael walks into the shop. He heads directly for me.

  “Buying some last minute souvenirs, Joanna?” he’s jokes and smiles with affection.

  “Yeah, I couldn’t leave NYC without finding something for my boyfriend,” I emphasize the last word hoping he’ll get the hint. I purchase the item and place it in my bag while we talk.

  Michael looks crestfallen at the mention of my boyfriend.

  “I knew you were too good to be true. So, you have a serious boyfriend?”

  I nod my head vigorously. “Yeah, we’re pretty tight.”

  “I understand, and can respect that. I was hoping I’d have a chance with you but he’s beat me to it. Well, I’ll walk you back to your hotel,” he offers. I agree and we start walking back toward the Marriott together. Michael’s such a nice guy.

  “We should exchange contact info,” he mentions while reaching for his phone. I share the TTP office line with him in case we need to maintain a professional relationship.

  “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you, Joanna. Can I call you sometime just to talk?” Michael persists since we’re only about a block from the lobby entrance by now.

  “Michael, it’s been fun to spend time with you. I don’t think we should talk about anything but business though. I’m involved in a serious relationship and he’d be upset if I spent time talking with someone else on a regular basis,” I explain and hope Tristan would be happy about the boundaries I’ve just set.

  “Well, then, how about a goodbye handshake, Joanna?” he asks with resignation.

  Before I can say anything else, I notice a pair of legs behind Michael’s body. I note that the person behind us has gripped the collar of Michael’s shirt with force and pulled him away from me. I straighten my posture. The two men now confront one another. I look at my rescuer’s face and discover that it’s someone very familiar but totally unexpected.

  “This young woman just told you that she’s seeing someone. Get it?” he asks. Michael blanches, apologizes and waves me goodnight.

  “Tristan. What’re you doing here?” I ask with shock.

  THE END OF BOOK 3

  LOVE QUAKES

  CHALLENGES

  Young Adult Seduction Series

  Book 4 of 4

  By J.S. Luxor

  Copyright © 2013 J.S. Luxor

  All rights reserved.

  Luxor Productions. Kindle Edition.

  Legal Notices: This eBook is offered for your personal use. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. No portion of these materials may be reproduced in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author.

  Cover Design by M.S. Luxor.

  Cover photo: Copyright © istockphoto

  Except for the original m
aterial written by the author, all songs, song titles and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter One – Risk and Reward

  Chapter Two – Boom Boom

  Chapter Three – Threats

  Chapter Four – Richard

  Chapter Five – Sailing

  Chapter Six – Privacy

  Chapter Seven – Nightmares

  Chapter Eight – Summer Solstice

  Chapter One – Risk and Reward

  Joanna’s POV

  Tristan stares at me as though I’m a prize. “I’m just protecting what’s mine. Right now, you look so wonderful to me.”

  My mouth drops open for a moment before I speak. “Do you mean to tell me that you spent the day flying across the country just to keep Michael away from me?”

  “Joanna, he was putting the moves on you, at dinner, from what I saw and besides I really missed you, baby.”

  “What exactly did you see on the video?” I ask with growing irritation In my voice.

  “Video footage of you talking enthusiastically with the same joker I just sent on his way,” he admits with a jealous glare on his face. “What were you telling Michael, anyway? You had so much to share.”

  “He wanted to know all about San Diego and I told him, what I could, about the city. I suppose our friend, Mr. Hawk, sent you this video footage of me at dinner?”

  “Yes, Joanna, that’s right. That’s why I pay Tom so well. He’s here to protect you,” Tristan pronounces and then attempts to physically steer me toward the Marriott by my elbow.

  I push back from his touch and stop in my tracks. “Your behavior astounds me, Tristan. Is this what Kristen taught you about protecting yourself?”

  “Joanna, I’m very careful about my relationships. Someone with my background needs to investigate all threats to my security.”

  I snort and head toward the Marriott while Tristan follows me. “What you’re really saying is that you don’t trust me with other men. Admit it!”

  “It’s not so much that I don’t trust you, it’s just that I don’t trust them. You’re so naïve, you don’t know what they’re really trying to do.”

  “Michael seems like a perfectly fine person. He was just going to shake my hand tonight. And, he respected the fact that I was in a relationship,” I explain with mounting rage. I despise feeling like I’m someone’s property.

  “Your peer, Michael, was pushing the limits,” Tristan counters with a glint of the green eyed monster in his irises. “You must have noted that.”

  “I thought I handled him quite well, however.”

  “You certainly made your boundaries clear and I appreciate that, Joanna,” Tristan admits as his face softens. He attempts to put his arm around me as we enter the lobby of the Marriott.

  However, I’m having none of Tristan’s jealous rant. I twist away from his embrace. Tristan’s face falls in disappointment. “Thank you, Tristan. However, you just humiliated me in front of one of my colleagues. I may never live this one down. I’ll be known as the girl with the overly possessive boyfriend.”

  “Joanna, this Michael guy was trying to get into your pants. You know that, right?”

  I huff in frustration. “He was interested in calling me since he wanted to know more about San Diego. He hopes to live there.” We’re heading toward the elevators as we speak.

  Tristan makes a sarcastic face. “So, he’s taking advice about downtown San Diego from someone who’s lived there for three weeks? You should have given him my phone number. I could have easily told him about the highlights of San Diego including turning left at the ocean and jumping in.” We’re still having a heated discussion as we wait in front of the elevators for my section of the building.

  “I’m amazed at your extremely overbearing behavior, Tristan. It’s deviant.”

  “You were acting irresponsibly, Joanna. What were you doing out alone, in Manhattan, at night? You promised me you’d stay with Janelle. Instead, I find you shopping with Michael.”

  “Actually, Tristan, I was purchasing a gift for you,” I hiss with phony smile. Tristan’s tight jaw relaxes as my words sink into his caveman brain.

  The elevator pings and we enter it together. I punch the number 18 and wait for Tristan to respond. The doors close without any further input. “You realize, of course, that I’m rooming with Janelle,” I state.

  “Let’s get your luggage and go to my suite,” he commands. His arrogance knows no bounds.

  “Pffsshh,” I spit out nonsense with venom, “so you think you can waltz into my conference, humiliate me and my friend, and then take me to bed with you? Forget it, Tristan! By the way, here’s your gift,” I shout and throw the package from my purse at him.

  He catches it with ease and slips it back into my bag. Then, he gives me his panty-dropping smirk. I resist his charms and cross my arms over my chest while staring straight ahead. He’s confused and hurt at my response.

  “Sorry, Joanna,” he replies, finally, and drops his head. The lost and abandoned expression on his face melts me. As the elevator heads toward my floor, the atmosphere shifts. He moves so close that I can feel him sweat. It’s the proximity to him that does me in, however, as I feel the powerful pull of Tristan’s heat. His arm finds its way around my waist. I can no longer resist.

  Tristan narrows his sexy eyes at me as the electricity sparks around the two of us. We’re alone in the elevator. He groans as his green orbs fill with emotion. Before I know it, he’s pushed me into the corner of the lift. His arms snake around my waist to prevent me from moving and his hips pin me to the wall.

  “Forgive me, Joanna. I’ve missed you so much,” he moans before his hungry tongue invades my mouth. I try to push him off of me but my will shrinks as his kiss deepens. I’d forgotten how good he tasted. Soon, we’re both panting with desire. My hands wrap around his waist. We’re kissing passionately when the elevator stops.

  “You’re mine, Joanna. That jerk wasn’t going to make a play for my girl,” he chants before his lips scorch mine.

  “Yes, Tristan, I’m yours, all yours,” I assure him as I pull him close. I know he needs to feel exclusive with me and that’s what I want as well. That calms Tristan instantly.

  We cling to each other as we make our way down the hallway. By the time we arrive at the door of my room, I’m lost to him.

  “I love you with every beat of my heart, Joanna. How did I manage to remain sane for three days without you?”

  “How did I manage to stay away for three entire days? I love you, too. Where’s your room, Tristan?”

  “The penthouse was full, so I had to settle for a junior suite a few floors up.”

  I knock to let Janelle know that we’re here. Then, I open the door and peek my head in. Janelle’s already in bed and reading something on her IPAD. She looks shocked to see Tristan step into the room with me. I pull him, behind me, by the hand.

  “I missed her too much,” Tristan explains with a dazzling smile as we enter.

  “I’m going to pack up here and stay in Tristan’s suite tonight,” I announce without any fuss. His delighted expression motivates me to move quickly as I gather my toiletries and the rest of my clothes. My luggage is organized within minutes, with Tristan’s help.

  “What about our flight tomorrow?” Janelle asks with concern.

  “You can have both first class seats. I’m flying back in Tristan’s corporate jet.”

  Janelle’s face drops in shock. “Really?” I think she’ll be Googling Tristan Grant’s Wikipedia listing tonight.

  “In fact,” Tristan adds, “Hawk’s also returning on the corporate jet. Why don’t you ask Ryan and his wife if they want two first class seats. You can take Tom’s seat in business, if you don’t mind.”

  “No, of course, I don’t mind and it’s another way to get points with the boss,” Janelle admits. “What should I tell them about how I managed to get
these seats?”

  “A gift from a supporter of TTP,” Tristan announces as he takes my luggage in one hand and wraps the other around me. “I’ll have my staff call Ryan Tran and make the changes to the boarding passes, tonight.”

  Janelle shakes her head and waves us off as I leave my key card for the conference room on the dresser. We’re out of the hotel room and headed to his suite in a flash.