Choose Your Own Romance: College Secrets: A Contemporary Read for Romance Lovers

By K. P. Chinelli

From the author of the addictive, standalone books in the contemporary CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROMANCE series for mature young adults comes the newest book: Choose Your Own Romance: College Secrets.

In the style of the old Choose Your Own Adventure books, this romance brings the fun of adventure to a new, more adult level designed for your busy life. You can skim through one heart-pounding path in twenty minutes, or sit back and luxuriate in deciding which of the six steamy opportunities you like best.

Have fun jet-setting around the world with the rich, gorgeous, playboy senior who sports sexy stubble and pressed dress shirts. Party with the charming, single "daddy" rapper who has an incredible physique and an alluring romantic side. Follow your heart when the tempting football hero from high school reveals his long-standing crush on you. Satisfy your urges to uncover the irresistible flirtatious side of the movie nerd in your class who has interesting surprises of his own. Feel free to explore the intense depths of your vulnerable art professor and his intriguing ability to make you want more. Or probe the mystery of your secretive, bad-girl roommate who persists in playing with your heart.

Never wonder "What If?" again. Don't let someone else decide your fate. Pick up Choose Your Own Romance: College Secrets now, and create your own epic happily ever after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. P. Chinelli
• Release date: Nov 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005435721

K. P. Chinelli

If magic were real, Katherine, “K.P.” Chinelli would probably still need to take copious notes about it instead of embarking on thrilling adventures. Her brain gets shiny-ball syndrome, so she has published ten books on a variety of subjects including self-help and romantic adventures. As well as being a Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator, she has traveled to ten countries outside the U.S. including Egypt, where she got to see the pyramids up close. As a stay-at-home mom she is able to indulge in a multitude of hobbies, with learning useless skills being her favorite. Check out her eclectic collection at Smashwords.

Book preview

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROMANCE: COLLEGE SECRETS

A Contemporary Read for Romance Lovers by K. P. Chinelli

You are the star of your college romance. Will you choose a rich playboy, a football hero, an exotic rapper, a sexy nerd, your intense professor, or your mysterious roommate?

Published by K. P. Chinelli. Copyright 2017 K. P. Chinelli. All Rights Reserved.

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

Licence Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover creation by the author, copyright 2017

The male model on the cover may be contacted through his Instagram profile @jakeman707

Acknowledgements

Thank you to my Beta Readers! Michelle Whiteman, you really rocked out at helping me make this story fun with great new ideas and twists. Kimberly Von Atzigen, you helped me with brainstorming from the beginning. Liz Pierce, you helped inspire me when I was stuck, as well as always being there for me. Holly Pierce, you helped make sure my characters had that real-life feel to them and did a ton of editing, as well as being all-around supportive. Louise Wolf, you always supported my writing from the first time we met. So thank you, each and every one of you for the amazing and ever-so-helpful contributions you made to this story!

Thank you to my fabulous husband for his male model physique that made this cover pop. He worked so freaking hard to get that bod, and I am so proud of you, my love.

Thank you to my children for being awesome. Keep up the good work.

Thank you to all who continue to encourage me to keep at my dream of being a famous author including my family, friends and fans, and those who encouraged me in the past.

Thank you to my long-time writing supporter Gabriel Edge for always believing in me.

Also, thank you to those people who set up helpful writing support groups, informational resource sites and reading feedback forums online. Also, thank you to my Feng Shui group and Katherine Metz, my mentor, for helping funnel my energy flow into success!

Thank you to those who have helped me along the way and kept my vision alive through your support. Thank you to the ladies of DEVA: you know who you are.

Thank you to Pandora for inspiring music. (The "Closer by Kings of Leon" station.) Also thank you to Lulu, Smashwords, Amazon, Pixabay and Canva for your free online tools for writers and for getting me started in all this for free!

A special, additional thank you to my husband and children for your love and endless support. If you didn't support us financially, Jake, I wouldn't be able to realize my dream quite so quickly.

For My Son, the go-getter

HOW THIS WORKS

Remember the books you had when you were a kid where you could choose what you did and where you went? What if you could choose in a romance novel? Now you can with Choose Your Own Romance: College Secrets.

YOU are the author of your own fate. YOU decide who you date and who you fall in love with. Your destiny is in your hands every step of the way. Every scene brings about new choices, each with their positives and potential negatives. You can go back and start over to try a different romance at any time, just follow the prompts at the end of each scene. It's your destiny. YOU choose.

WARNING: This book contains explicitly sexual adult content as well as other types of adult situations and is not at all suitable for children. Please enjoy this entertainment responsibly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE STORY BEGINS

ORIENTATION

ROOMMATE

BRIAN

BROWSING

MARCO

FLIRTING

SCHOOL

5 THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN ABOUT DATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

PREVIEW OF CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROMANCE: SAN FRANCISCO

OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR

THE STORY BEGINS

THE FIRST DAY

You're standing in your new dorm room staring out the window watching your family leave. You squeeze your eyes shut and smile as they drive away, realizing with a surge of giddy glee that you are finally on your own. All the times you wished you had your freedom, well, now you do.

You turn around, your eyes moving past the crowd of retro punk band posters your roommate's already put up on the blue concrete walls and rest on your new roommate herself. Her name's Kelly, but she doesn't seem like the buoyant, giddy types you've always known. You're not even sure how the school paired you two together since she seems so diametrically different than you, her angry, pierced face already scrunched up and her all-black attire hiding every part of her body except her pale face. It could be the way you can tell she's going to be a messy roommate, with her stuff already edging past the your half, my half territory of the tiny room, or the way she's sharpening her long black fingernails into razor-sharp points with a nail file that makes you feel uneasy. Whatever it is, you're going to have to figure out how to get along quickly.

Before you can say anything, her phone chimes. She picks it up and makes a derisive noise before stabbing back a quick response. When she feels your eyes boring into her, she looks up from the tangled mess of bed sheets she's wrapped herself inside. You notice she's wearing purple-tinted contact lenses.

What? she says. A challenge.

Oh, nothing. Guy troubles?

She makes an angry squint and looks back at her phone. Yeah, something like that. My stupid... uncle. He's just annoying.

Her hollowed-out raccoon eyes glare at you, as if you shouldn't be asking. The way her shock of purple-black hair hangs down in her face makes you think she must be hiding something, hiding from the world. You wonder if she's made herself look violent on purpose. But you're not going to let her scare you. This is supposed to be the best time of your life.

So, crazy, huh? you say as you turn away and start finding something to unpack to put on your walls so they don't seem so bare. Suddenly your favorite boy band posters from high school seem kind of juvenile compared to her jaded, emo decorations. You carefully roll them up and tuck them into the back of your closet, instead hanging up a poster of a Dia De La Muerta skull that seems cool enough.

What's crazy? she says, her voice sounding dangerous in its low drawl as if saying the wrong thing might get you stabbed with one of those pointy nails.

You know, being on your own, away from your parents? College? Parties?

You pause in your unpacking as you hear her derisive snort. Maybe you should go talk to the Dean tomorrow and get re-assigned. This might not work out to have someone like her as your roommate. You were hoping for someone you could befriend, not tiptoe around.

I've been on my own since I can remember.

You frown and turn. Oh, that really sucks. So how do you support yourself?

I work, she says, her face saying how obvious it is.

You mean, you're paying for college all by yourself? No student loans?

She shrugs. Of course, I got loans. Doesn't everybody? I'm just saying, other than that I don't depend on anybody for anything. It's better that way.

Wow, you say, frowning.

The fact that she's supporting herself through college is next to impossible. You know because you've seen the paperwork. But you've also known girls like this before. You used to be one, for a time. She's putting up a front and not telling the whole truth. It doesn't matter, though. She isn't the only one who gets to be whoever she wants.

You force a smile and turn around to plug in your laptop. That's going to be an immediate necessity with classes starting next week. Maybe you could have fun with a new identity too. After all, nobody here knows the real you. You're also considering getting a job on campus. But all that will come in time.

So, do you know what your major is yet? you say, piling things into the drawers of your desk.

Psychology, she says, her low drawl almost sounding irritated, as if it were obvious from the get, and why are you even asking.

Okay, you say, turning around, your eyes blazing. You know what? You're acting like all this is completely boring, but I am, like, so excited to be here. So quit ruining it for me. I'm here to have fun.

She frowns slightly, looking surprised, before her face opens into a sly smile and her eyebrow arches in conspiracy. You want to have fun? I'll show you fun.

Your face softens. You will?

She shrugs. Yeah, sure. I know how to have fun. I was just testing you, you know, to see if you were cool, or one of those uptight wannabes like your parents.

You open your mouth in shock and then quickly close it. She just insulted and complimented you at the same time. You squint at her.

Don't worry, she says. I'm chill. I know a guy. At two we'll go and have some real fun.

But the orientation starts at two.

She grimaces. You're going go to that stupid thing? I heard they make you play embarrassing games there. You really want to hang around and do boring 'ice breakers?' She emphasizes the lameness of the ice breakers with haughty air quotes, her skinny fingers curving into something more sinister than you care to accept.

You're thinking how you might be forced to play lame games, but it could be with some super-hot guys. Your entire vision of college the last four years has been based on fantasizing about those guys and how much you are so ready to mingle. And, on a very side note, if you don't go to orientation, how are you going to know where to go and what to do to get prepared for the next four years of school? Your parents are going to cut off their financial support if they know you aren't even trying.

You swallow. How do I know you're not just messing with me?

She shakes her head. You want to have fun, you come with me. She rolls her eyes and looks away as if bored. But if you want to be the goody-two-shoes you already are, go ahead, go to the lame-o orientation.

You feel your face go red. You hate being called a goody-two-shoes even though you strive to excel at whatever you do. Does it have to be at two?

She nods, turning back to look at you with a glint in her eye. Yup.

She's making trouble and she knows it. But you're already realizing she thrives off just such chaos.

You turn around to look at the mess on your desk. She knows what her major is already, and you don't have a clue. You thought college would be a slow, meandering, getting-to-know-yourself time. But if you don't start this whole thing out right, you could be sunk from day one.

On the other hand, if you don't prove you're not a wannabe like your parents, or a goody-two-shoes, things could get ugly. You're already imagining your roommate cold-shouldering you for the rest of the year. That would just be tedious and annoying. Or, worse, there could be blackmail and backstabbing, a fate you don't want to even consider. What a dilemma.

What do you do?

1. Go to ORIENTATION

1. Go have fun with your ROOMMATE

ORIENTATION

You decide to go mingle like you promised yourself you would. After all, college is about meeting lots of hotties and making friends... besides studying, of course. So, you go to the campus organized event even though your roommate warned you it would be lame.

You can hear the salsa music even before you see the crowd of fresh faces. Some are awkward, some look like they're having a good time, and some are the athletic guys who push their friends and jostle for eye contact. You slow your roll as you see a face you didn't expect to see, someone you already know.

He's standing by the refreshment table piling his plate with guacamole and chips. It looks like he's collected a group of super-hot friends. Odd for him, since he didn't have any that delicious in high school. You're wondering if you can sneak by. This is so embarrassing. You thought you could be anonymous here. But, no, he sees you and you force a smile.

Annie! he shouts.

You have to admit, whatever workout he did this past summer really helps. His baby face still makes him look too innocent, but those biceps and pecs showing beneath his college logo tee make your eyes do a double take even as you try to pull away. His smile grabs your heartstrings when his friends turn to notice you. You've never had that many hot guys looking at you all at once.

He puts his plate down before coming over and squishing you into a huge bear hug. You gasp for breath before he pulls away.

Annie! I didn't know you were coming here too. Good to see you.

Yeah, good to see you too, Brian, you say.

Guys, this is Annie, he says, turning to his friends. She's still as hot as ever. Maybe even hotter.

They whistle and make appreciative guy comments. You feel your face redden. You weren't much into him when he was a desperately awkward, pimple-faced, skinny kid. Now, though, you catch yourself enjoying his much-improved physique. Still, you said no to him once. It wouldn't be fair to change your mind now that he looks the way he does. Or would it?

Yeah, so what's up? you say as you simultaneously look around for an exit. Things still feel awkward. It's hard for you to forget what he used to look like.

Oh, you know, just pledging.

You're pledging for a frat? Already?

He grins and gestures to his boys who make grunting, hooting noises. You know it. Brothers for life. That and football.

Football?

Yup. Picked it up over the summer. Turns out it's my thing.

Wow, you say, trying not to let your mouth hang open. That sounds great.

For sure, he says.

You catch him checking out your assets. You clear your throat.

Well, uh, good to see you. I'm guessing I'll see you around?

He gives you one of those chin-raise nods like he knows he's amazing. You will if you come to my football games. And, hey, you need anyone to, uh, you know, lift heavy stuff, I'm your guy. Or, you know, if you need a date to the dance tomorrow. They're having a one at the frat house.

You stare as he flexes his gorgeous new muscles and laughs as he notices your appreciation. Where did those come from in one summer? He mentioned football. Who knew sports could chisel rock-hard abs out of a kid?

You nod quickly, your heart racing as you turn away to go do anything else that isn't looking at him. In fact, you're in such a hurry to get away that you slam right into a heavily tattooed dark-skinned kid. You stop to catch your breath and notice the maze of tattoos that twines his slim, but still toned body. When you look up into his eyes, they twinkle to match the sexy smile he's wearing.

Hey, girl, he says, so casual.

Your heart hammers as you take a step back. Oh, sorry.

Nah, it's okay. He puts his hand up. Worth it to meet you.

I'm Annie, you say, thrusting your hand out.

He takes your hand and begins to dance to the Salsa music. Marco. Care to dance?

You open your mouth as he grabs both your hands and begins to move his hips in ways that feel hypnotizing. You've forgotten to dance, you're so busy watching him.

Come on girl, move that body, he says, leading you into a few movements that would feel awkward if you weren't so busy staring at him.

Yeah, you got a nice butt, he says, his eyes rotating toward your backside.

You're too surprised to protest, so you let him wrap his hands around your waist and guide you to the music until the song changes. Your heart is still pounding and your breath comes fast.

Wow, you say, gently pulling away from him, You're a really good dancer.

He smiles as he hands you a cup of water. You gulp it down, grateful.

I'm good at a lot of other things too.

You nod, still trying to catch your breath.

So, what are you studying? he says.

Uh, I don't know. I haven't decided.

He nods. That's good. Take your time to look around. Get the lay of the land.

You can't help smiling. Yeah. So, what's with all the tattoos?

He looks down at his physique as if it's natural to have so much body art at this age.

You know. I like to express myself. I'm an artist.

Oh, that's cool.

Yeah. I like to spin rhymes and express myself creatively. I'm also an excellent lover.

Your mouth opens again. Just when you think this guy is chill, he goes and says something about making love or your butt. You nod for lack of anything else to say.

It's my dream. To be a rapper.

Wow. I've never known any rappers before. That's cool you already know what you want to do.

Yeah, I'm just here for the semester to study business. So, if you want to get up on this before I leave, feel free to hit me up.

Your eyes widen as he hands you a scrap of paper with his phone number. He's a rapper studying business who is also a good dancer and directly, boldly hitting on you. You take the paper.

Uh, okay, thanks.

He winks at you. I gotta go, but call me. You know you're fine. I’ll treat you right.

You stare at him as he leaves. The words that come out of his mouth are those you've only heard in songs and on movies. Until today, anyway.

As you turn around to scan the crowd you realize your dreams of meeting hotties are only just being realized.

What do you do?

1. Call MARCO

2. Find Brian at the frat house dance. BRIAN

3. Keep browsing. There are a ton of hotties. BROWSING

BRIAN

You escape the pointed glares of your roommate to go to the frat house dance. You weren't sure what to wear, so you just put on your sexy jeans and a low-cut top, something that will make your green eyes pop. The second you get there you realize it really doesn't matter what you're wearing. The room is dark, pulsing with music, and fog from some machine in the corner fills the room. Strobe lights flash across your face as you grope through the crowd of bodies.

As you reach a safe corner, some guy immediately starts yelling something that you can't even begin to hear. You're starting to feel claustrophobic, so you gesture to him that you can't hear, and find your way to an outdoor porch. There are three or four couches out there, so you sit down on one of them, gasping in the cold night air.

You're starting to wonder if you should have bothered when you see a familiar face. It's Brian, his dark hair framed in the multicolored glow of huge Christmas bulbs strung across the length of the porch awning. A montage of high school memories flashes back at you.

Hey, you say, smiling as you try not to look too thrilled to see a familiar face. It would be so hypocritical of you to fall for him now after you already turned him down. But, dang. Those dimples and bulging muscles are enticing.

Hey, you, he says, sitting down next to you. "You need something