Tiger (Brian&Leah, 2)

31. A win-win

LEAH 

It's been a couple of weeks since classes started. Unlike my first year in college, the second is easier—many subjects and professors are already familiar.

For once, the biggest challenge I face has nothing to do with my studies. Both Brian's and mine schedules are packed. Other than the few sleepovers we managed to squeeze into our timetable, we didn't get lots of chances to be together.

After parking my Harley, I wrap my arms around myself and drag my feet to the Humanities building. Late-night studying made a dent in my energy levels.

"Baby."

My stomach flutters at the familiar deep voice. With a slow turn of my head, my gaze meets Brian's.

He walks up to me, clutching the styrofoam cups in his hands. A paper bag is tucked under his arm, and his grin widens when he sees the awed look on my face.

"Hey." He kisses my lips. "Since we couldn't see each other last night, I thought breakfast would be a good idea."

"It's perfect. We have twenty minutes, so we'd better hurry."

"Come on."

Brian nods toward a stone bench under the trees, and I follow him there.

He hands me my coffee and tugs at my arm, making me sit on his lap.

As soon as the hot drink makes contact with my taste buds, I hum, leaning against Brian's hard body.

He rubs my back and forearms. "You need a warmer jacket, Kitten. The mornings are chilly."

"I know." I sigh. "I thought it wouldn't be this cold."

"Did you stay up last night?"

I nod. "You?"

Brian takes a sip from his cup and hands me a muffin from the bag. "Eat well. You need energy. And yeah, I did. It's a relatively easy day today, but I have a paper due, and some electives start later this week."

"How's the paper going?"

"Done." Brian grins. "I finished it last night since you were busy. I also thought we could go on a date. What do you say?"

"I'd love to."

The joy on Brian's face is impossible to disguise, not that he tries to. "I'd say let's do it tonight, but I know it's your girls' night, so how about on Saturday?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'm sorry I can't tonight. I haven't seen Annie in weeks, and—"

"Baby, it's okay." Brian tightens his hold on me and plants a kiss below my ear. "Knowing you had plans, I agreed to help Dakota."

My eyebrows scrunch up. "Really?"

"She's swamped in the garage. I obviously can't work there full-time, but she said she'd tell me when she needs help. It's good money, too. Being able to save would be great."

"I'm glad you talked. I told her we were back together."

Brian smiles. "And she called me as soon as you did. Do you have hard classes today?"

I chew for a moment. "Not really. I'm just tired. I guess we'll have to keep the girls' night alcohol-free if I don't want to start snoring mid-conversation."

Brian's laughter echoes in the air around us. "Good luck with that, Kitten. I'm positive you'll be tipsy. If you want me to be your booty call, the boy is up for that. Hell, the dude is up for anything. He would be happy with just cuddling. See the level of desperation here?"