September’s heat was relentless. Though the military training at Rithol University wasn’t particrly strict, standing at attention under the zing sun all morning had everyone groaning in misery.


    After a full day of military training that ended in the afternoon, Aubree was drenched in sweat. Like everyone else, her first instinct was to rush back to the dorm for a much–needed shower.


    Aubree juste out of the bathroom when she saw Bowen had texted her.


    He was waiting for her at the quieter back gate of campus.


    “Hey, Aubree, wanna grab some food?” Karlie asked with a grin.


    Toozy to move, Natalie had Sally fetch her a meal.


    “No, you go ahead. Got something to do,” Aubree waved, grabbing her phone and heading out.


    Karlie’s eyes flickered.


    Aubree jogged all the way to the back gate. Bowen had an extensive collection of cars, from shy to discreet, but his usual choice was an elegant and understated ck Maybach worth hundreds of thousands.


    Parked in a quiet corner with few people around, it wasn’t particrly conspicuous, unless one was looking for it, one’d hardly notice it <i>at </i>all.


    Aubree jogged over, and by the time she opened the car door, her forehead was already glistening with sweat.


    “What’s the rush?” Bowen chuckled, reaching out to gently wipe the <b>sweat </b>from her brow. Up front, Ethan and Samson had tactfully gotten out and were now crouched under a nearby tree, keeping watch on the surroundings.


    Bowen said, “I brought you some juice from home. Carol just made it. Have a taste.”


    The juice, kept in a thermos, was ice–cold to the touch. One sip, and it was pure bliss.


    Aubree’s eyes curved into a smile. “So good.”


    Aubree had just showered, but the walkover made her break out in another sweat, her sweat–damp clothes clinging to her now fuller figure. A far cry from the frail girl she once was.


    Her curves were faintly visible through the damp fabric.


    Still catching her breath, she didn’t notice Bowen avert his gaze. Being ufortable suddenly, his throat went dry and itchy.


    Bowen asked, “Was military training tough today?”


    Aubree replied, “Not too bad.”


    “How’s the juice?”


    The blend Carol had made was sweetly fragrant and perfectly bnced. After a long, exhausting day, Aubree didn’t have much of an appetite, but one ss of juice left herpletely satisfied.


    “Delicious. Carol’s perfected her craft,” Aubree replied, rxing as the cool air chased away the heat. It was sofortable that she didn’t even notice Bowen’s voice growing deeper and huskier.


    Bowen watched as Aubree finished her juice, then leaned in, drawing her into their own private world, trapping her in his arms.


    Aubree didn’t hesitate. She capped the cup, set it aside, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pressed close with a contented sigh.


    Amused by her yful vixen look, Bowen lifted her chin and lowered his head to kiss her.


    He lingered and savored her lips, then deepened the kiss, tasting the sweet fruitiness.


    “So sweet,” Bowen murmured.


    “It’s the juice,” Aubree replied, a little breathless.


    Bowen grinned teasingly. “I was talking about juice, Bree. What did you think I meant?”


    Aubree’s cheeks flushed as she shot him a yful re.


    12:48 PM d


    Bowen tried to hold himself back, but in the end, he couldn’t resist. He cupped her waist and kissed her again. The car’s AC was no match for the heat between them. Swept up by his intensity, Aubree found herself responding, her kisses growing bolder as she slowly took the lead.


    Their lingering, breathless kiss finally broke apart.


    Aubree suddenly remembered and asked, “What brings you to campus?”


    “Missed my girlfriend, so here I am,” Bowen replied.


    Aubree rolled her eyes at him. “Smooth talker.”


    Bowen let out a couple of muffledughs. “Just afraid someone might steal my girl away, so I came to check.”


    At that, Aubree gave a sheepish, slightly guiltyugh. “So you know?”


    Bowen arched an eyebrow. “Know what?”


    During today’s toon sing–off at military training, a guy from their toon serenaded Aubree with a love song. Normally, it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but since he actually used her name in the lyrics, it drew a lot of attention.