To Be Loved by Luke: Stillwater Love, Book 1, #1

By Marcy Dodd

Luke Bray, star quarterback, was not in Allison Sanders plan when she transferred from a small Texas college, to Stillwater Oklahoma. For Allison, to play soccer at the highest college level, OSU, was a dream come true along with finishing her education. That was her only plan. 

Never having experienced a boyfriend in her life, Luke would be like going from trusty bench warmer to the NFL overnight. Obviously that wasn’t going to happen, so she thought. But it’s hard to get someone out of your head when you continually cross paths physically and mentally speaking all the time. 

From the electric shock Luke’s simple touch creates, to the nickname Allie he’s bestowed upon her, Luke’s taken up permanent residency in her thoughts.

Love, joy, pain, sorrow, happiness, and gut-wrenching heartache would be Allison’s new worldly experiences. Will the heartache overshadow the love when it comes to Luke’s past? When tragedy hits Luke’s family for the second time will Allie be a source of strength for Luke?  Can they move forward and build a future together or will Allie cut her losses?     

HEA with no cliffhangers

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marcy Dodd
• Release date: Sep 9, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536549942

Book preview

1

ALLISON SANGER

I'm driving behind my parents in my yellow Bug as we drive through Stillwater Oklahoma, talk about out in the sticks-stick city! I can't believe I decided to go to college out of state and away from Texas! What was I thinking? Glad to be driving by myself, because I don't want my parents knowing how nervous I am the closer we get to Oklahoma.

When I graduated from Red Canyon High School two years ago. I went to a junior college in Texas that was close to my hometown to play soccer and the great part was I could go home any time I wanted too. Being close to home had its perks like home-cooked meals, free washers and dryers that didn't suck up all your extra change, and the comfort of being around family that loves you. Stillwater will be different indeed since four hours away isn't a quick jaunt down the road. This will be strange, living this far away from my parents.

A lot of D1 head coaches, recruit out of junior colleges and that's exactly what happened to me. I had been emailing coaches for a long time asking them to consider me for their team, sending them videos of my games, trying to get on a coach's radar.

I looked at Oklahoma colleges because of their rankings in soccer at the D1 level. I was going for a business degree and both schools in Oklahoma offered my major. I emailed The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University and received a call from the head coach at OSU. Coach Carter came to visit me and watch me play.

I sent countless videos of my games to coaches over the last several years. Some of my video packages included popcorn and a Dr. Pepper for the coach's viewing pleasure. Hoping it might help them remember me. I guess Coach Carter got one of the 'special packages' I sent. When he came to watch one of my games, he called and offered me a scholarship the next day to play for OSU.

I went and visited the OSU campus and soccer complex with my mom one weekend. We had a blast because the town is so neat! The town is in the sticks, down a highway called '51', which is about 20 minutes from a major interstate. My mom cried the whole way home because I accepted the scholarship. She said she was happy, but her baby was moving a long way away from her.

Mom and Dad were a little disappointed I didn't receive offers from OU because the college is a lot closer to home. Both schools have an amazing soccer program and I would've been happy with either school, but OSU came through with the offer. Things in our lives happen for a reason, so I guess I'll find out soon enough the reason why I'll be at OSU.

I remind myself why I decided on Stillwater to play soccer, because of the amazing soccer program. Yes, that's it. At least I keep telling myself every other second so I won't completely freak out! Remember, Allison, you received a full-ride scholarship between soccer and academics, the reason why you are here. I need to keep it together so Mom and Dad can leave without knowing I'm second guessing myself on this decision.

Driving and trying to re-sell myself on OSU, I remember the annoyance of registering late. The forms! I hated them. I had to register late this semester, due to the long wait for my scholarship money to come through. Since I registered so late I had to fill out a stupid survey form online and answer questions about myself, so the school could determine who my roommate will be.

Dear God, please make sure my new roommate isn't crazy, a soccer player like me, and most importantly not a thief! My first roommate my freshman year had two out of the three 'qualities', which is why I'm hoping my roommate at OSU will not be a problem. The roommate I had my sophomore year thought my Nike shorts were hers. I had to put my name on all of the tags of the shorts, but do you think it helped? No! One day I had to go through her clothes when she was gone so I could 'steal' my own shorts back before I left school.

The reason I'm living in the dorm is because finding a reasonably priced apartment available around campus was not going to happen. I was offered a place to stay in the dorm rooms for free. And the logical choice, and my parents kept reminding me. I'm hoping for much better luck with roommate #3, after all, the third time's the charm, right?

Mom, Dad and I lug all my stuff to my dorm room and start unpacking. I want to be settled in before my parents leave, three people can unpack much faster than one.

Once I'm inside the dorm room, I realize its not bad. The room's got blue carpet, white walls, built-in cabinets, desks and one cabinet with a lock on it. The college must be aware of my prior luck with roommates and my clothes 'disappearing'. I brought a foam mattress to put on top of the mattress the college provides to make the bed more comfortable.

Luckily, I got here first so I'm able to pick the window side of the room, which is out of the walkway. Picking this side will hopefully ensure my roommate won't step on my stuff.

Most of the time, I wake up about twenty minutes before class, so there's no doubt stuff will be all over the floor. Did I mention how much of a slob I am in general? Mom's helping me 'get organized' because she is determined to change my sloppy ways.

Allison, look at how I organized everything so you can find your clothes more easily. I looked over to where my mom stands proudly in front of the closet and see all of my clothes hung up in nice, organized sections. This is the first time I saw most of my clothes not littering the floor.

She is so proud of herself.

Thanks Mom, you're the best! I tell her truthfully. My dorm room is now all put together, and my parents and I are going to spend time together before they head back to Texas.

We decide to walk through town and do some shopping before they leave. Mom bought me OSU t-shirts, shorts and sweatshirts to wear. Of course she bought some sweatshirts of her own.

I can't wait to cheer you on in your first game wearing my new cute sweatshirt. Mom said happily.

You are my loudest fan, I giggle as I hip-check my mom. Let's go see if Dad likes the shirt we bought him, and see if he's ready to eat because I'm starving.

Sounds good to me. Mom says as she hip-checks me back.

Stillwater is a pretty neat town. Everyone seems friendly. The cowboys wearing their tight jeans and shit kickers are beyond hot! Shit kickers are boots in case you didn't know. I call them shit kickers since they seem to have shit all over them most of the time if they are worn by real cowboys. There's nothing like a real cowboy.

Mom, Dad, how about we eat at the pizza place across the street? It seems to be pretty busy so it must be good. I say pointing to a pizza place called Hideaway Pizza.

Sounds good to me, baby girl, Dad says as he grabs mom's hand and starts walking across the street. Dad opens the door for me and Mom and ushers us in to the cool waiting area. A waitress shows us to our table and we quickly get settled looking over the menus.

Wow, there are a lot of different types of specialty pizzas on this menu, Mom states as she folds her menu up. Allison you and your dad pick what you want. I like anything.

Once we've ordered our pizza's Dad turns his focus to the TV and Mom pulls her phone out to answer some text messages from earlier today.

I glance around noticing all the people. There's a table behind us with the cutest little boy wearing cowboy boots and an OSU bib giggling and kicking his legs out as he eats cheese off his pizza. I scan the other near by tables and notice a table of mostly guys and a few girls. Several of the guys are good-looking, but there is one with dark curly hair, and he is hands down the best looking guy I've seen in a long time.

One of the guys sitting at the table elbows the curly haired guy and points in my direction and then both guys are smiling back at me. My face goes beat-red instantly as I try and fail to hold back my smile.

I swiftly pull my attention to the little boy, focusing on his sweet face with pizza all over it. I'm trying so hard not to shift my eyes in the direction of the table the guys are at but its hard not to glance in their direction.

Allison, the guys at the far table by the window are looking right at you and talking, Mom teases while nodding her head in the guy’s direction.

Mom, don't keep looking over at them! I grumble under my breath as if the guys can hear us from across the noisy restaurant. Good thing Dad didn't hear Mom saying something. I don't need both my parents staring at the guys. Thankfully there are TV's with sports on every channel.

I can't help myself, I glance over at the guys table and the hot guy with the dark curly hair is staring right at me. We make eye contact and he doesn't even waver, he continues to stare at me with a cute smirk on his face. I smile back acknowledging him as he nods his head as if to say, I know you know we are looking at each other.

The connection is broken when Mom comes back from the restroom - I didn't even realize she'd gone too. Then dad stands up and says, You girls ready to go?

Mom looks back at me and winks while saying, Yes, I'm ready. And then to my horror my mother walks directly by the table of guys leaving dad and I no choice but to follow her lead. I flash my eyes to the curly haired guy and smile. He raises his hand in a small wave and smiles back.

Have a wonderful evening boys. My mother says giggling."

You too, ma'am. The guys say in unison to mom.

We walk out the door of the restaurant with me hot on my mom's path. She takes off in a fast walk dragging dad and trying to get away from me. She knows she's in for it when I catch up to her. She's much bolder than I am and she knows she embarrassed me.

What are you girls up to now? Dad asks with his hands on his hips and a smirk planted on his face.

Nothing! We both yell at the same time and then bust out laughing. Dad shakes his head at our answer.

I wait till dad goes into the book store and then light into mom. I can't believe you!

Yes you can, Allison. She says while laughing. You loved it and you know it. The boy couldn't take his eyes off of you, She giggles as she puts her arm around my shoulders.

I dramatically roll my eyes at her. Yeah right, Mom. But I can't keep the giggle from bursting out and saying, He was so good-looking!

That he is and by the expression on his face he thought you were BEAUTIMUS. You get your beauty from me you know. Mom giggles waggling her eyebrows.

Your crazy, mom. Just plain crazy, I say laughing because she is crazy but so much fun. And I'm not surprised at what she did.

We make our way back to the dorms and say our goodbyes. Like my dad, I'm not an emotional person. My mom cries at the drop of a hat, though. I guess in this case for her it's the drop off of a daughter at college four hours away from home. We say our goodbyes. Mom's waving and crying as they drive off. I watch their car until it is out of sight. I'm sad to see them go thinking of the fun we had today.

I go back to my dorm and decide to rest for a little while. Moving today really wiped me out. Soccer practice starts tomorrow so I plan to hang out in my room for the rest of the night and rest up.

Our practice is at night so it's not quite as hot. Soccer's a big part of my life since I was five years old. My dedication to the sport allowed me little time for much else, especially my social life. Dating and Allison has never gone hand in hand.

I can't help it if I was always considered one of the guys my whole life. Not plucking my bushy eyebrows or messing with makeup goes along with the whole tomboy appearance. When you play sports, video games, air hockey, and anything else competitive, boys don't notice you the same way.

Ted Binker was the only guy I grew up with to realized I was not one of the guys. Yes, he would be the one guy to notice me. I thought of him as the 'secret' booger picker, because he picked his nose when he thought no one was looking. He wasn't an ugly kid, but still there was no way I was holding his hand after where it had been!

Zac, my brother and my Dad tell me I'm pretty all the time, which is nice to hear, but I don't think their vote counts. I'm 5'7", tall and lean with light skin, blue eyes, and red hair. My red hair isn't too bad on my head, but my overgrown bushy eyebrows are red and resemble sprouts above my eyes.

The red hair is everywhere, even parts I won't mention. My hair is extremely different. You can't miss me, the redhead on the field. I keep my hair in a pony tale, braided or in a hat most of the time, because it's so long and can be annoying.

I can't stop thinking about the guy at the pizza place. Even though he was flirty and mom filled my head with confidence thinking he thought I was pretty, I don't believe he would be attracted to me. I'm sure the guy has girls fawning all him with his handsome looks and killer smile.

The girls who were sitting at the table were model gorgeous. They looked like they stepped off a cover of a magazine. Myself on the other hand, looked like I stepped off the soccer field with terrible sock tan lines and all. Not to mention I was so not blessed in the boob department. My mom assures me that the boobs will change in time and to be patient.

Mom’s famous words on the subject. Allison, you are blessed with boob fat under your arms - the only fat place on your whole body. Our whole family has big boobs, including some of your chubby uncles. Those big boobs go as far back as your great-grandmother Thelma. Your boobs will magically appear one day, I promise. But I'm still not convinced my B cup size will ever magically become a D.

LUKE BRAY

Very productive practice guys. If we can all focus as a team and continue working hard there is no doubt in my mind this will be a record winning football season this year. Going to the Big 12 Championship game is a dream we all talk about. We need to make our dream happen this year. For many of us, this is our senior year, so let's go out on a win! I chant to my teammates.

Brad, one of my teammates, runs over to me after our team talk all smiles. Hey Bray, some of the guys are getting together at the apartments later and hanging by the pool if you want to stop by.

Sounds great. I may come bye. See you later. Walking to my truck I take off my practice jersey, pads and cleats putting the stinky equipment into my toolbox. The smell still seams to seep through into the cab. My phone rings and Lisa's name flashes. I hit ignore. I don't feel like dealing with her right now. I'm hot, tired, and I need a shower and possibly a nap.

The redheaded girl I saw at the restaurant yesterday certainly caught my attention. Of course she was beautiful, but that's not all there was to her. There was something about her which made it impossible not to look in her direction. And when she and I stared at each other, it was like a magnetic pull forcing me to towards her. She must be new this year because I would have remembered her and for sure her gorgeous hair.

My phone goes off again and of course it's Lisa. I ignore it again. It's sad to think I have a girlfriend, well kind of a girlfriend, I should want to spend time with, not avoid her like the plague. Lisa isn't my girlfriend in the technical sense. We started hanging out around ten months ago, and I never stopped it.

Lisa is the one to call me about 99% of the time. If I remember right, a guy has to ask a girl to be his girlfriend and I never did that with, Lisa. I haven't been with anyone else since Lisa and I started hanging, though. At this point, I would feel like I was cheating on her if I went out with anyone else.

When I get back to my house, I take a shower and order a sandwich to be delivered. I send a text to Lisa and let her know I'm staying home and going to bed early. Hoping she will take the hint I'm not in the mood for her to come over.

I moved into my own house a few weeks ago needing to get out of the apartment I shared with my teammates. None of the guys on my team are aware of the fact - I'm not going to enter the NFL draft.

I'm hoping to be offered a coaching position here at OSU. If the jobs offered to me I will be coaching two of my old roommates next season. A big reason for the separation and me moving out of the apartment, well and the fact they drive me crazy with all the parties they throw. I was so ready for the peace and quiet of living alone.

The doorbell rings and I grown knowing it's too early for my food to be delivered. I should've told Lisa I was sick so she would not come over to my house. There is no way she would want to take care of me if I were sick. She isn't the caretaker kind of girl. Growing in frustration as I drag myself off the couch and walk to the door, thinking I should have gone to the apartment and hung out with the guys.

2

ALLISON

I'm rudely awakened by a loud banging noise. As I'm trying to wake up and figure out where I am I turn over in my bed and fall out landing hard on my butt. Ouch! I'm so out of it from tossing and turning all night. I stumble my way to the door trying to pry my eyes open so I can figure out what the heck is going on.

I open my door to a tiny girl barreling her way into my room - I'm awake now. The girl has short black spiked hair with purple on the ends. Studying her I notice she's got pretty blue eyes and without bushy eyebrows framing them. I see a flower looking tattoo and something else, I'm not sure what, on her right shoulder. This girl is so different looking, but at the same time one of the prettiest girls I've ever seen.

I walk over and sit back down on my bed a little shocked as I watch this girl push her way into the room. Throwing her things down she lets out a loud huff. I reluctantly get up and try to help her out.

Well it's about time, I've been pounding on the door for the last ten minutes!

Well, this year's off to a productive start. I mumble under my breath. The girl is talking to me but I'm only catching a few words because I'm too busy looking at all of her strange belongings. Black is her favorite color it seems, black bedding and pillows with some purple, like her hair.

Walking back out into the hall she drags a large black beanbag through the door that is bigger than she is. This girl is too much!

Are you listening? My name is Rain Roberts, what's yours, roomie?

I'm a little shocked and overwhelmed by this girl's boisterous personality not to mention all her things. Looks like my worst luck continues in the roommate department.

What's the bean bag thing you're dragging, and where is it going to go?

Oh, you mean my love sack. It goes wherever I go and trust me you will be begging to lounge your body on it. I might let you if you're real sweet, Rain says while inspecting her fingernails. Wow, she's a lot to take in.

Okay, nice to meet you Rain, my name is Allison Sanger.

Well Al, I love the red hair you've got going on there, but we are doing something about those things growing wild above your eyes, Rain says to me. I'm having a hard time keeping up with this girl because she talks so fast.

Then I hear her say, Al, I need you to get off your butt and come with me out front to 'The Beast'. I need help with the rest of my stuff. My boyfriend left me to my own devices. He said I could unload my stuff on my own. I'm thinking I need to replace him soon with one or maybe three new guys.

We head out to her black jacked up F150 truck. I'm surprised by the truck, but hey this girl seems unique and I'm already in love with her truck. I'm glad the truck's not red because this town bleeds orange! 'Go Pokes' is what they all say around here, whatever the hell that means.

I'm told if you wear crimson, you're a traitor because of some sort of rivalry between schools. I have some red clothes I love, so I'm thinking the rivalry could be an issue for me. I'm not much of a football fan. Football players think it's the best sport there is, but I however, think football players should come with a disclaimer saying- football equals huge ego!

Are you listening Al, Rain says? Hello girl, a little help here with the TV I'm trying to unload! Rain huffs out while trying to unload the huge TV by her self.

Okay, hold your horses I'm coming to the rescue. I'm trying to get use to her calling me Al. I keep looking around for some guy named Al and then I realize Rain's talking to me.

When we're done roomie, Rain says, lets go out! You can help me find my boyfriend's replacement. Gotta rope in at least one of those.

I have a feeling I'm going to be well educated in lots of areas this year from the way Rain keeps talking about all the guys standing around us. I like the attention from the guys, even though they are looking at Rain.

There is no way a guy can stop himself from looking with boobs like Rain has on display. I'm not to sure about this girl but I know I need to be polite. I'm not going to condemn her to the bad roommate list yet.

Hey Rain, I'm going to soccer practice this evening. After I get back we can go out if you want to. I figured I need to bond, in some way with my new roommate. I think a crowded place will be a better place for us to go because I can't see us having much in common. This school must've got my 'roommate match form' crossed with someone else's.

So you're a soccer player? I like to watch sports, but there is no way I'm coordinated enough to play them. I'll work on getting my stuff unpacked today, and then I'll get ready for our night out on the town!

The day passes by quickly. I spend most of my time reading and napping. Rain's worked non-stop unpacking and it seems she's tried to be quiet. I need to wake up and start gathering my soccer stuff. I'm a little nervous to go to my first practice. I'm sure it'll be fine though.

I'm heading to practice so I'll see you later, Rain. I grab my soccer stuff and head over to the fields. My brain is spinning thinking about what a world-wind my roommate is. I've honestly never met a person like Rain before.

I'm one of the first girls on the practice field and I take pride in being early. I know arriving early is important and shows leadership and responsibility. I put my soccer bag down and start stretching out my muscles the way my trainer back home taught me to do.

I notice a blonde girl looking over at me and then whispering to her friend as they plop down on the ground and start stretching out. I've already made someone mad I guess because the blonde girl's eyes are shooting daggers my way. I have no idea what did since this is my first time to practice with the team. It is important the whole team get along on as well as off the field.

On my high school soccer team, I had problems with a couple of senior girls on the team. The girls got into trouble for drinking, and they were suspended for a week. My coach let me play and I did well and the girls had to sit on the sidelines and watch the whole game.

I made a pretty difficult goal, which was a lucky shot with my left foot. The ball went right over the goalie's head and into the net which seldom happens for me. Then I assisted with the winning goal, making a good pass to a forward player or - striker on the team, and the ball went in. Assisting goals are as important as making the goal yourself.

Once the girls were off suspension the coach continued to start me instead of them throughout the season, causing a riff between us because I was a sophomore and they were both seniors. For me to start instead of them hurt their pride. One of the girls had a couple of coaches looking at her to play on their team, and when they found out she was suspended for drinking, they weren't interested anymore.

Other girls start to show up and I recognize a few from playing against them in high school. A dark headed girl walks over to me with a smile on her face.

Do you mind if I stretch out with you? The girl asks.

Not at all, I smile up at the girl eager to make a friend on the team.

I remember playing against you several times over the years. You're from Texas, right? She asks cheerfully.

Yes I am. I'm Allison Sanders by the way.

I'm Angie Little, She sticks out her hand to shake mine, It's nice to meet you Allison.

Likewise, Angie, I say smiling. We stretch and talk off and on about our soccer years. Once practice starts there's no more talking.

I walk into my room and notice Rain's already unpacked most all of her stuff. There's a note left on my bed saying, Get your butt in gear so we can go out!

Laughing, I start looking through my clothes trying to figure out what to wear tonight. Maybe tonight will be fun after all. Grabbing my shower stuff and robe I walk to the bathroom and take a shower.

Walking back into the room I find Rain almost ready. She's singing a Miranda Lambert song at the top of her lungs. I laugh because this girl is so different from anyone I've ever been around and I'm thinking maybe I've been befriending the wrong type of girls.

We decide to eat something before we go out. Rain is so funny and keeps surprising me with her humor.

Fashion police, fashion police in hot pursuit, Rain says as she sticks her fingers in her mouth and whistles at a girl walking by in a dress not even covering her butt cheeks. I've laughed so much over the last hour my stomach hurts but it feels great.

Al, lets head to the bar and look for some hot cowboys! Rain has no idea she is about to find out I'm not the one to help with the task of cowboy- hunting. I watch guys a lot, and wish I had the courage to talk to them, but I never do.

Rain, I'm not sure I'm the girl you want to be going out with. This is so not my thing, and my luck with guys is a big fat zero. They don't notice me very often. Rain huffs out a laugh.

Your crazy girl? You are beautiful! Look at your amazing hair and your legs go on forever! Guys love legs like yours, I can promise you. Girl, from now on you will be with the right partner-in-crime!

Well, I guess your about to find out for yourself. I'm a serious loser in the guy department, I reply.

We'll see about that soon enough, Rain snickers like she's keeping a secret from me.

3

LUKE

I’m relieved I have managed to avoid Lisa all week. She is busy with sorority events and I have football practice plus homework as an excuse to keep her at a distance. Cleaning out the attic for Mom to donate things she doesn't want has kept me busy, too.

I had my sister, Jess, and her friend, Jake, help me haul it all off to a donation center. I'm glad I can help Mom out with things she can't do by herself. I wanted to surprise her with the attic cleaning, so I did it today after she left for work at the hospital

Day to day life is difficult at times for us all since cancer took my dad from us two years ago. Mom struggles the most, though. My dad was her soul mate. My parents had the type of love you don't see very often. They were amazing together. Dad brought Mom flowers all the time telling her how much he loved her. Seeing Mom suffer so much from Dad's death has been heartbreaking.

My phone dings with a text from Tony, one of my teammates, asking if I'll meet him at the gym in the morning to get an extra workout in. We both like a spotter there to help change weights out while we are lifting.

I continue to think about the beautiful redheaded girl I saw at Hideaway. She looked like an athlete of some kind with her lean tone build and her