There she was.

Moving down the hall with a purpose. Heels clicking against the hardwood floor. Taking no prisoners as she passed others, with her gaze straight forward.

As she turned the corner towards the classroom, he was leaning against the wall. Foot propped up, with a cup of steaming coffee in his hand. Looking like he was just shooting the breeze, waiting for class to start. But he had something better in mind. Before she crossed the threshold, he got her attention.

"Here."

"What? Excuse me?"

He gestures towards the styrofoam container in his possession. "I thought you might need this."

Offering a tight-lipped grin, the woman accepted with extreme hesitance. Gingerly tipping the cup, the hot liquid seeped through her lips, surprisingly giving her the boost she needed for this 9:30am lecture. Rich caffeinated gold, as well as a pinch of sugar and milk were mixed together to make a heated combination down her throat. It felt so divine, the experience prompted her to sigh audibly. Obviously blowing her emotionally distant cover. The one that almost denied him of this opportunity.

"You like that?"

Abruptly turning towards him, she replied with disdain, "Of course. It's coffee."

"I thought you would appreciate it, given the circumstances," he answered, eyes sparkling. When she didn't respond, he continued.

"I'm Brayden."

"Hello, Brayden," she confirmed as a frown appeared, but intrigue had glossed over her tone. She eyed the person in front of her, so close to her, she could feel his breath.

"Nice to meet you on such an unique occasion. Do you go here?"

He cracked a smile after hearing the shady comments. "No, I just roam the halls, looking for beautiful women like yourself to talk to."

After seeing her frown even more, he burst out into laughter as he crossed his arms. Leaning forward, he replied, "Of course I go here. We're in the same class. Keating."

"Really? I've never seen you," she answered. Her eyes wandered around, looking for others who were starting to enter the lecture hall. There was an air about her - very privileged.

Two can play that game.

"Well, that's because it's only the second class," he confidently replied. "I think I sit behind you or something like that."

"Ahh. Ok."

Her smile was so big and wide, it was fake.

"I've never gotten your first name. Miss -"

"Isabella."

The manner in which she rushed her introduction amused him. Very cold and plaintive. A bit secretive.

"Nice to meet you, Isabella."

Hearing the distinctive voice of the professor, the young lady raced towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

"To class. Professor is coming. I won't be counted as tardy. Thanks...for the coffee."

"Right."

He gave a knowing nod before getting closer to her once more.

"I hope to see you around. Sooner rather than later."

The look on her face - shock - as he gave off a sneaky smile, that was just as bright as hers. Her long eyelashes slowly fluttered. Then in a moment's notice, she straightened up and turned.

Rubbing his bearded jaw, he watched her leave. Still moving with an ultimate power, her hips shifting back and forth. She was incredibly sexy; black hair that passed her shoulders, smooth chocolate skin that glowed. She smelled like Heaven and dressed like the girl next door. On their first day of class, two days earlier, he knew he had to talk to her. With her lofty demeanor and tenacious attitude, she appeared to be out of reach.

Just like him.

He had to get to know her.