Point of No Return

by Olivia Luck

  With a sigh, I push off the vanity and head back to my bedroom. Only two more hours until the floor meeting.

  Some time later, I wave a green (colored that way to show school spirit) sheet of paper at the thirty students who live on my floor. “There’s a long list of rules here, but basically it boils down to this: you be cool, I’ll be cool.” A smattering of laughter trickles from the students toward me.

  I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Oh, well. I’m doing my best to win them over.

  “Any more questions?” No one tosses any my way, thankfully, and I adjourn the first and last floor meeting of the school year.

  It’s not required that I spend their first night in the dorm, but I feel responsible for these freshmen and decide it best to hang out around Stanley, in case any of them are homesick or can’t find the bathroom. Well, if they can’t find the bathroom clearly labeled in the middle of the floor, then they probably have bigger problems than what I can solve.

  I leave the door open a couple inches behind me and walk to the collection of DVDs neatly lined up in the entertainment center under my television. I’m thumbing through seasons of Sex and the City when there’s a hesitant knock behind me.

  “Come in,” I invite without turning around.

  “Am I interrupting?”

  Without looking, I know that soft voice. Zoe. Embarrassment rears its ugly head again and my cheeks heat. I’m supposed to be somewhat of an authority figure to the freshmen, not a girl in need of a cotillion.

  “Not at all.” I select the fourth season of SATC, my favorite, and turn to face her. “What’s up, Zoe?”

  “You have an awesome room,” she says while her eyes roll around. Not to brag, but I would tend to agree with her. The tiny sky blue polka dots stand out in stark contrast to the white bedspread. I covered the walls with photos of my large Italian family and Marc Chagall prints. Instead of the average college student décor of favorite movie posters, I attempted for a somewhat mature style.

  “Thanks.” I accept the compliment then shift awkwardly on my feet as I wonder what brought her to my room. I’m about to ask her again when her hazel eyes meet mine. She offers a sheepish grin to my surprise.

  What could she have to be embarrassed about?

  “That was kind of weird in my room earlier with Blake.”

  I knew it! The girl caught me acting a fool and now she’s come to call me on it. Geez, could this day get any more bizarre?

  Then she adds astonishment to surprise when she continues explaining in a rush. “Blake’s kind of a celebrity around here and can be a tad arrogant at times. I’m sorry he wasn’t super friendly.”

  “Celebrity?” I repeat dumbly.

  “You don’t know. Wow. Now I’m the arrogant one.” Pink tinged her cheeks as she shakes her head. Meanwhile, I’m silently grateful that she didn’t notice how I practically drooled over her brother.

  “Not at all. I’m a little behind. Catch me up?”

  Zoe launches into a rapid-fire explanation. “He, um, played football at IU, was the quarterback. I don’t tell many people that he’s my brother, but like I said, I thought you should know since you’re the RA. As I’m saying this, I realize how dumb I sound. Yikes. I’m sorry.”

  I smile at her, mostly in realization. Now I place my recognition of Blake. There are photos of the infamous Blake Campbell in the fitness facility, and I vaguely remember spotting him with a pop star in a gossip magazine.

  Everything makes sense now! What girl doesn’t fantasize about an attractive man? I imagined a connection between us because I crushed on his handsome good looks once or twice in my day. Phew. Nothing to worry about.

  “It looks like you’re putting the pieces together in your mind,” Zoe observes, the insecurity melting off her face.

  Equilibrium is back in place and I don’t need to call my mom begging for an explanation for the inexplicable. “Totally. Hey, no worries. I’m here to help and I didn’t notice any arrogance from him or you.”

  Zoe smiles tentatively, looking at the DVD in my hand. “I love Aidan,” she admits, referencing one of the characters.

  “I’m more of a Mr. Big girl,” I respond. The air between us is comfortable, like I’m hanging out with one of my friends and not some immature freshmen looking to booze and experiment. I like this girl. “Any interest in watching a couple episodes and ordering food? I was planning on sticking around the dorm in case anyone needs anything . . . like support during a closet crisis.”

  Zoe laughs then, a warm twinkling sound. “There’s probably a lot of freshmen who need help with their closet. It’s good that you are staying here. If I’m not imposing, I’d love to hang out with you.”

  “Make yourself at home.”

  Blake wouldn’t be right about much when it came to the beginning of our relationship, but there was one thing he pretty much nailed right on the head. Zoe and I were destined to get along famously.

  In Pursuit

  Eddie Neff needs space. Not the type that country stars croon about, but physical distance from her emotionally distant father and the tatters of a broken relationship. So when the opportunity to relocate her life and interior design business arises, the answer comes easily.

  Adjusting to life with Claire, her gregarious new roommate, is more than simply testing comfort limits. With just one meeting, Eddie finds herself unable to resist the draw of Harris Grant, Claire’s brooding and overprotective older brother.

  Harris doesn’t fit her idea of a safe relationship. He pushes Eddie to face her deepest insecurities and fears of abandonment. And Harris holds on to his own painful loss, unable to overcome personal demons.

  Eddie and Harris must learn to conquer their internal struggles. But as they navigate their new love, outside forces fight to drive them apart.

  Author's note: In Pursuit is the first book in a two book series. Intended for 18+ readers.

  Of Happiness

  Edith Neff relocated to Chicago to capture her own piece of happiness. Now bombarded with more change than she knows how to manage, Eddie struggles to pick of the pieces of her torn heart and decimated friendship.

  Standing in the middle of a sidewalk while her (ex?) boyfriend Harris Grant pleads for forgiveness, Eddie's at a loss what to do next. So when her estranged father provides a lifeline - she has no option than to take his offer.

  But Harris won't let Eddie go without a fight. He'll use whatever tactics necessary to win back his girl. While Eddie and Harris find their way back together, darkness lurks, unwilling to relent on destroying their relationship. Permanently.

  Author note: Of Happiness is the conclusion to In Pursuit. Content intended for readers 18+

  New Point

  Imagine the worst day of your life. Immerse yourself in the details. How did you feel? Who were you with? What were the consequences?

  Recalling my darkest day is as simple as typing a few search terms into a web browser. It only took thirty minutes for me to become the center of a media frenzy that caught the attention of an entire country.

  So I hid.

  Nine months later and I'm getting better. Moved two hours from home, landed my dream job, and met a delicious new guy.

  Healing is that simple, right?

  Wrong.

  Note: New Point is the start of a standalone series with connected characters, but independent story lines.

  Pressure Point

  I know what you’re thinking. It’s unconventional to want a man nine years older than you. It’s inconvenient to crush on your dearest friend’s older brother. It’s silly to pine after a man for six years. It’s cliché to lust after a celebrity. It’s pathetic to fall in love with a man who barely knows you exist.

  I know what you’re thinking because I’ve thought it all, too. And yet that hasn’t stopped me from wanting Blake Campbell. Charming, gorgeous, brilliant, kind, selfless – Blake is everything I’ve ever wanted, but he doesn’t see me that way. In fact, he hardly notice
d me until one night.

  Traumatic events brought us together for the first time, but then he tossed me aside. I know it’s irrational, but I wanted him up until the moment he left me lying there alone.

  When his eyes finally open and he finds out I’ve left, will it be too late?

  Note: Pressure Point is a standalone novel, though characters from New Point make appearances.

  Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s not reading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.

  Get in touch with Olivia, she adores emails: olivialuckauthor@gmail.com or Connect on Facebook

  Writing acknowledgments is the hardest part of the book development process for me. There is a community of supporters that have made my dream of writing a reality and I want to thank all of you: the bloggers who share my cover reveals, teasers, and releases; the readers who leave reviews. Fans, friends, promoters and well wishers, each of you mean something to me and I don’t take you for granted. Thank you for your tweets, private messages, emails, Facebook messages and friendship.

  And then, these folks:

  First, always, my husband who reads every thing I write and isn’t afraid to tell me when something doesn’t make sense.

  Mom and Dad, thank you for the mouse pad with my name on it. It makes me smile every day.

  Sigal, every time I find an unread email from you in my inbox, I perk up. You make me laugh to the point of crying and, more importantly, you answer all of my outlandish questions.

  I dedicated this book to my betas, but it needs to be said again that I couldn’t write without you ladies. A million thanks to you. Bianca, Teri Beth, Christine, Amy, Cassie, this one is for you.

  To Jenny, you’re the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for dealing with my neuroses and giving the most thoughtful feedback.

  Christine, there aren’t enough words. To think we met randomly in a Facebook group! I call it kismet. Your kindness and friendship is a treasure.

  Ari, as usual, you blow me away. Somehow you know exactly what I want. On to the next one!

  To my readers, you humble me. You make all the blood, sweat and tears worth it. Thank you.