"Emily, I would like you to meet Aaron Hotchner. He teaches the other behavioral analysis class." Dean Strauss addressed Emily. Aaron and Emily each stuck out their hands and shook.
"Nice to meet you Aaron. How are your classes going, this semester?" Emily asked politely, not really sure where this conversation was going. Aaron was about to answer and had his mouth open and everything, when Dean Strauss interrupted.
"Professor Hotchner's classes don't seem to be as popular as yours. I've made an executive decision, you two will be teaching joined classes. Since Professor Hotchner only had fifteen students, his class will be combined with yours. Please get to know each other. Classes begin on Monday." With that, she turned on her heel and left the lecture hall.
An awkward silence filled the room, echoing off the walls. Emily bit her lip and Aaron looked at her.
"So, um, I guess we should talk." Aaron said and Emily nodded.
"I know a really good coffee place just up the block. Would you like to grab some?" Emily asked and when Aaron nodded she pulled on her black peacoat. Five minutes later, sitting in a corner booth, both Emily and Aaron were drinking black coffees.
"So how did you decide you wanted to teach?" Emily asked, in between blowing on her hot coffee.
"Well, I had wanted to profile for the FBI but, I busted my knee playing football in college and now I can't run as well as I could. Let's just say, the FBI likes to keep their agents in top physical condition and an old injury that acts up when it is cold out, is not what they're looking for." He gave her a small smirk and Emily nodded sympathetically.
"I get that completely. My mother works for the CIA as a translator. She wanted me to follow in her footsteps but, ah… languages and I don't exactly get along. I can speak key phrases in several languages but that's about it." She laughed lightly. "Teaching seemed to be a good fit for me. My students seem to like my methods, anyway."
Several hours later, the coffee shop was closing up and Emily and Aaron were laughing like old friends.
"Are you busy this weekend?" Aaron asked, as they were walking out into the cold January air.
"Why Professor are you asking me out?" Emily teased.
"As a matter of fact, I am. We should get together for a date to get our lessons in order." Two dimples made their appearances at each corner of his mouth. Emily smiled,
"I'd love to. My apartment is seven blocks north from campus. See you at 12?"
"It's a date."