I nod. I had to bail on a study session to be able to attend this Tuesday night game. But it’s harder for Dean and Allie to drop everything when they’re living in Manhattan. They made it to Jamie’s party, though. Dean bought her a stuffed unicorn that she carts around everywhere.
Hannah, Carin, Hope, Grace and I get together once a month, no matter what, to commiserate over school, life, and love. Carin’s moved on from her TA and is madly in love with a guest lecturer from London. She says that everything’s sexier with a British accent. I can’t disagree. I love Tucker’s southern drawl and hope he never loses it.
Hope told me she and D’Andre are talking about marriage and a family. They’re jealous over Jamie and talk about how they want to be young parents.
All in all, we’re a happy group.
Sometimes I worry that we’re too happy, but then a visit to Nana’s house brings things into focus. We’re happy because we want to be, because we’re pouring our energy and emotion into each other in the best possible way.
My goal, once upon a time, was to succeed. I didn’t realize that success wasn’t grades or scholarships or achievements, but the people I was lucky enough to have in my life.
As I look around the room, I want to give everyone a hug and a thank-you. A hug to express how much I love them and a thank-you for loving me back.
Because love is the ultimate goal. It’s not the one I had strived for, but I was lucky enough, so damn lucky, to achieve it.
Author’s Note
I can’t believe this is the fourth (and final) book in the Off-Campus series! It’s always so sad for me to say goodbye to characters I adore, but don’t you worry, dear reader…there is a spinoff in the works!
As always, I couldn’t have survived this project without the help of some very awesome people.
Early readers Viv, Jen, Sarina and Vi for the invaluable feedback and general best-friendship.
My editor Gwen, who is the second biggest dog-lover (after myself, of course) on the planet and therefore the best person ever.
My publicist/cheerleader/soul mate Nina Bocci for loving this series as much as I do.
Sarah Hansen (Okay Creations) for the abs-licious cover!
Nicole and Natasha—my angels sent from heaven.
Kristy, for all the work you do in the FB group!
Sharon Muha, just because.
And finally, YOU! The bloggers and reviewers who continue to rave about the series and spread the word. The readers who send me the sweetest, most enthusiastic messages about these books. The members of my Facebook group (Everything Elle Kennedy) who make me laugh on a daily basis.
So, yes—you. Thank you for taking the time to read my books!
About the Author
A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle loves to hear from her readers. Visit her website www.ellekennedy.com or sign up for her newsletter to receive updates about upcoming books and exclusive excerpts. You can also find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter (@ElleKennedy).