"When will you accept me?'' Lucian murmured against my skin. The wonderful feeling only grew as he stepped closer, the thick muscles between our layers of clothing pressing against my back. He dipped his head. I could feel his lips against my ear when he spoke. "When, Victoria? I am tired of fighting with you. I know you want me just as much as I want you. Admit it." I couldn't. "Admit it, Victoria!'' Lucian's voice went deep when he raised it. Goosebumps prickled my entire body as he whirled me around so that we were face-to-face. I exhaled softly, hating the dominant position he had over me. Lucian wretched my chin up. His eyes were burning with a lustful smolder. "No." Oh, I would definitely get myself killed tonight. I knew my defiance was angering him further but saying I wanted Lucian would mean I was accepting defeat. And I didn't do that. Love was a game and I was determined to win it.

Who knew what could be made out of annoying calls, anonymous texts, and a little bit of chemistry? -highest rank #8 in short story -contains some mature content -completed but unedtited

Life in Pesmo Beach is consistently slow and uneventful. A never-ending cycle of hot humid days and cold lonely nights. Moving to the small coastal town is Scarlett Ryan's only option since quitting the prestigious internship she'd secured after her senior year. Leaving it all behind, Scarlett heads across the country to live with her older sister, arriving with no money or friends and with no idea what to do with her life. As the days and weeks pass by Scarlett's feelings of isolation deepen until a bicycle ride and a punctured tire leads to an introduction with the sweet and charming Noah - a boy with rosy cheeks and scruffy hair. Forming an unlikely bond, the two try to navigate the storms that stir within them and the town, learning that often in life it doesn't matter how far you travel, it's those who you meet along the way that count. Wattys2015 Winner! For fans of summer romances, To All The Boys I've Loved Before and teen romances. Cover design by @Shanteena