hapter 11 : Layla POV Saxonsea University's campus is a mix of lush green lawns , face - brick buildings that house the lecture halls , strategically placed maple trees that provide sufficient shade should students want to take a breather underneath them , and stone benches along the cobbled pathways . I'm standing in front of the administrative building , turning in a 360 - degree circle , taking in all the colors and sounds . My artist's eye can't help but pick up on the different shades of the maple tree leaves , and how each cobblestone is a different shade of rust , but they all blend to create the perfect mixture of light and dark . Seeing as classes only start tomorrow , only a few students are loitering around . So , the sound of birds . chirping can be heard from the tree branches , I can hear someone's phone ringing in the distance , and even the campus security car's rumble is noticeable . Finding my way into the building , I notice the signage that directs me to the admin office . Behind the desk sits an older lady with a helpful smile . I introduce myself and she immediately knows who I am , pulling my file up on her computer . She helps me select my courses for the semester with patience and kindheartedness . I'm not choosing a major just yet , but I'm looking forward to Art 101 and English Lit 101 the most . Class schedule and student ID in hand , I thank Velma and head off to explore the campus before tomorrow's chaos ensues . I seek out all my relevant buildings , the library , and the student center . Here I find various food vendors , two coffee carts , a stationary shop , a small salon , a stationary / book / technology shop , and a vast amount of seating right in the middle of it all . I order a takeaway latte at the closest coffee cart and make small talk with the redheaded barista behind the counter . As I'm paying , my phone chimes from my backpack's mesh side panel . I saunter over to one of the smaller tables and fish my phone out . Sipping on the warm liquid gold , I unlock it , and a smile lights up my face when I recognize the name . * Hunter : Hello Beautiful smiley face emoji * Layla : Well , hello there ! * Hunter : How are you today ? I hope your legs are not too sore after your hike the other day . * * Layla : Nothing an Epsom salt bath couldn't fix . My day is going great so far . How about yours ? Are you working today ? " * Hunter : Not today , I am busy moving into my accommodation before the semester starts tomorrow . * 1/4 Chapter 11 : Layla POV Layla : That sounds exciting . How many roommates will you have ? * * Hunter : It is me and two of my best friends and then there is a new transfer student that is only arriving tomorrow . " * Layla : Hopefully he isn't a total slob or a serial killer in disguise winky face * Hunter : LOL - please don't jinx it . We already are nervous . Hopefully , the guy is not a complete tool fingers crossed emoji * * Hunter : What are you up to right now ? * Layla : I am sitting in the student center , enjoying some coffee . I just finished exploring my campus . * Hunter : Which University are you enrolled at ? * I don't find it weird that he asked - we only re - connected two days ago . And that wasn't the most ideal time to ask each other the dreaded 20 questions . Layla : I officially start at Saxonsea University tomorrow . Not to sound like a complete dork , but I'm very excited ! He doesn't reply immediately but it doesn't bother me I assume he is in the middle of lugging around boxes or maybe unpacking . I have some spare time , so I pull out my notebook , pen , and syllabi . I start jotting down key elements that will be discussed in some of the classes and make a list of supplementary textbooks I might need but are not mandatory . I'll check out their prices online a little bit later - I have no intention of shooting myself in the financial foot just to read a couple of extra chapters that we may or may not be tested on . I am startled when someone suddenly plops down in the seat across from me . Mischievous forest - green eyes stare back at me . " Hello Beautiful , " Hunter greets me enthusiastically . I'm dumbfounded for a second , my jaw falling slack and I must gulp twice before my voice decides to reappear . " What ? How are you here ? " As soon as the question is out of my mouth , I realize how dumb I sound . Hunter doesn't call me out on it , only leans closer over the table and says , " I've been attending Saxonsea U for the last two years . " I'm still a bit stunned but excitement starts creeping up on me and a smile plays at the corners of my mouth . " That's awesome . What are you majoring in ? " 2/4 Chapter 11 : Layla POV " Finance . I plan on joining my dad's investment firm after I graduate . " " Handsome and clever , that's a lethal combination , " the compliment is out before I can overthink it , and by Hunter's reaction , I didn't make a complete fool of myself . " Flattery will get you everywhere , " he gives me a sultry smile and I blush instantly . This man is a fiend . But I'm here for it . " Aren't you supposed to be unpacking ? Won't your roommates complain about you not doing your share ? I wouldn't want you to get in trouble because of me . " " For you , I would get in trouble any day of the week , " he smirks at me . Charmer . " And besides , I started early this morning , before the others were even out of bed , so I am basically done . The last few touches can wait till later . " There is a beat of silence between us where we just look at each other . And just like the day in the meadow , I feel strangely at ease with him . Even if the air around us crackles with intimacy . " Would you consider having lunch with me ? " he asks , and I don't have to think twice about my answer . " I'd like that . What did you have in mind ? " " Want to get off campus , I know a quaint little sushi place on the other side of town . " He looks at me expectantly , and even if I didn't like sushi - which would be a sin and of itself - I would gladly sit across from him and watch him eat . In a non - psycho way of course . " Sounds like a plan . My car is parked in the north parking lot . Let me just get it , and then I can meet you at the main entrance so I can follow you there ? " " Or you can drive with me and afterward I'll just drop you off at your car ? " " Sure , thank you . " He stands and holds out his hand to help me up from my seat . Just like the first time , I feel a tingling sensation as I slip my hand into his . He doesn't step back when I rise , causing us to be mere inches from each other . We just stare at each other for the next few moments , neither of us in a rush to sever this palpable connection . Someone on the other side of the student center laughs abruptly and we come to our senses . " Let's get out of here , " he says softly . As he leads me away , he does not drop my hand , and I can't help the small smile that blooms on my face .