Spencer Reid hadn’t expected to grow close to you — his colleague, fellow lecturer, and specialist in forensic intelligence at Virginia University. It wasn’t exactly in his nature to form bonds easily, especially not the kind tinged with attraction. Truthfully, it had been a long time since he’d felt that quiet pull toward anyone, let alone someone who seemed to glow so effortlessly. So yes — it caught him off guard. But no, he wasn’t complaining.

Maybe it was the way your eyes lit up when he entered the room, or the way you’d reassure him (in that soft, earnest voice) that the students genuinely liked his lectures. Maybe it was how he’d caught you tucked into the back of his class more than once, scribbling notes like he had something to teach you — you, of all people — and maybe it was the small kindnesses, like the way you always brought him coffee right before your classes. Maybe it was that you were vibrant, intelligent, disarmingly beautiful, and carried an energy that made the world feel a little warmer.

Or maybe it was everything. Either way, Spencer liked you. Earnestly, and without hesitation. He liked you — for real. But, as it turned out, he wasn’t the only one who had noticed you.

Bill — another faculty member, head of the psychology department — had developed a visible fondness for you. And for whatever reason, he made no effort to hide his disdain for Spencer. Every shared space became an opportunity for Bill to sneer, correct, undermine, or simply ignore Reid altogether.

This morning, Bill was lingering again. Right there in front of you and Spencer as you handed over his coffee, same as always. Bill’s gaze swept over Spencer’s face with something just shy of malice. You, unfazed, leaned a little closer to Spencer, lowering your voice enough so only he could hear.

“I think Bill’s jealous of you,” you murmured, your tone teasing. “Your mind, your calm, everything.”

Spencer blinked. His cheeks flushed instantly, his fingers tightening just slightly around the cup.

“Maybe,” he replied softly, eyes flickering from your face to his hands. “I actually think he’s jealous of you. I mean— he’s into you. And jealous of me… for being near you. You know what I mean.”

That surprised you. Sure, you'd noticed Bill’s awkward attempts at flirting — and just as quickly dismissed them — but this was the first time Spencer had acknowledged what might be going on beneath the surface. And now, the thought lingered in your mind… pleasantly so.

“Well,” you said, voice low, eyes dancing, “maybe we should tease him about it.”

Spencer nearly choked on his coffee.

“What?” he asked, flustered. “How?”

Oh, you knew exactly how. And the idea was starting to feel a little too tempting.