Brooklyn adjusted the strap of her bag nervously as she step through the gates of Crestwood University. The campus buzzed with life's—students laughing in clusters, others rushing to classes. It was her first official day, and her heart pounded with both excitement and fear.
"Don't get distracted," she muttered under her breath. You're here to study, not to make friends, and definitely not to fall for anyone.
The lecture hall was across the wide courtyard, and Brooklyn quickened her steps, clutching her notebook. In her rush, she didn't see the tall figure turning the corner until—
CRASH!
Her books tumbled to the ground, and a hot splash of coffee stained the sleeve of her white blouse.
"Oh no," Brooklyn gasped, bending quickly to gather her things.
"Wow, first I lost my coffee, now I lost my dignity," a deep voice said above her.
Brooklyn looked up— and froze. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with an easy grin that looked practiced, almost dangerous. His dark eyes held a spark of amusement as he crouched to help her.
"Sorry about that," he said smoothly, handling her a notebook. " I should've been watching where I was going."
Brooklyn snatched the book, avoiding his gaze. "No, it fine. My fault."
The stranger chuckled softly. "You're new here, right?"
"Yes," she muttered, brushing at the coffee stain . "And late."
"Well, welcome to Crestwood. I'm Bryant." He extended a hand.
Brooklyn hesitated. Something about his confidence screamed playboy. She managed a polite nod but ignored the handshake. "Brooklyn. Excuse me, I have a class."
She hurried off before he could say another word, leaving Bryant staring after her with a crooked smile.
So, Brooklyn isn't really impressed, he thought. Interesting.
And as she disappeared into the lecture hall, Brooklyn told herself she had just met the kind of boy she would never get involved with.