The plaza in front of the criminology department was nearly deserted, save for Elle pacing in circles, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
She breathed out, watching her breath fog in the chilly night air, then shoved her hands into the pockets of her fur coat to keep warm.
The campus was quiet, the windows of the department building dim, save for a few faint lights where the late-working students and professors still lingered.
Elle looked up at the building, tapping her foot. The crisp evening wind bit through her coat and she sighed.
Just as she was considering calling him, the department doors flew open, and Spencer appeared, hustling down the steps, his coat half-on as he tried to tug his sleeves into place. His hair was a bit messier than usual, and he was clearly rushing.
"Elle!" he called, jogging the last few steps to her. "I'm so sorry I'm late. Got held up by a student, and then I realized I didn't have my coat—"
She held up her hand, shivering slightly but with a smirk on her face. "You owe me big time. I've been freezing out here."
Spencer winced, then moved closer, his hands reaching for her waist as he looked into her eyes, a hint of mischief replacing his apology. "How can I make it up to you? Why don't you come over to my place and warm up?"
She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Your place, huh?" she teased, tapping his chest playfully. "How about you buy me dinner first, player?"
He chuckled, slipping his arm around her as they started to walk. 'Anything you want. But be warned—I'm bringing my students' essays to grade,' he whispered in her ear.
Elle shot him a sly smile. "Just don't get so distracted with those essays that you forget to… evaluate me properly." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'd hate for you to miss anything important, Professor Reid."
He looked at her with intensity, his soft eyes searching hers.
"What?" She laughed, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
"I can't believe it took us this long," he said, shaking his head in wonder.
"Better late than never, right?" she replied, her heart swelling. "I love you."
"I love you, too,"