I had seen him around the halls a few times, but he had only smiled weakly at me and glanced at the ground. For the longest time I didn't even know his name. I assumed he must be an adjunct professor at my prestigious graduate school; he dressed professional, and his silver hair was a clue to his age bracket.
For the life of me, I do not understand why he was so intriguing. He stood about six feet tall, and his body-type was that of a wrestler or rugby player; he was stout and had muscular legs and arms. Colin, as his name turned out to be, had kind blues eyes but he wasn't dashingly handsome by any standard.
I was about a year into my studies before I realized he was not only an adjunct who actually taught courses, but he was also the head of a research center and was awarded more grants than any other adjunct professor at the school. Colin took his work seriously. It wasn't until the first day of class during my fourth semester that we were formally introduced; he was teaching my advanced biology course!
The third time Colin incorrectly called me Jane, I realized I would have to speak up more and perhaps see him outside of class so he would get to know me; afterall I didn't want to be just a number.
After the second class meeting, I approached Colin to ask him about a specimen in the museum, where it could be located, and if I may study it. He was cordial and professional, and an over-all pleasant man to be around. I was not afraid to approach him, but was in awe of his intelligence and abilities.
"Let's go take a look at the specimen; it's on my shelf space in the warehouse," he said calmly before leading me down the poorly-lit corridor to the warehouse. The warehouse is a large, dark, area where they store all kinds of things: sampling gear, experimental equipment, recently collected specimens not yet inducted into the museum, and much more. It's always a few degrees too cold the warehouse (hence my nipples began to harden).
I am usually fairly outgoing with a bubbly personality, but I found my demeanor reserved and shy in Colin's presence. I kept quiet while he continued to talk about the specimen, where it was collected, how I could recognize it, etc. as we entered the warehouse. The cool, stale air of the room hit us, but Colin continued to talk unwavering and even managed to steal a glance of my cleavage. My heart beat quickened as I realized he was not immune to my womanly charms.
The specimen was placed on a high shelf, so as Colin crawled up the ladder still chatting, his crotch was at my eye level. I blushed as I caught myself looking at his groin, and was distracted enough to loose the line of conversation.
"...Janie?"
"Um, yeah, Dr...."
"– Please call me Colin. I asked what courses you've taken in anatomy?
I answered him and lowered my lashes, still embarrassed that I was contemplating the proportions of a cock belonging to a man 16 years my senior. He didn't seem to notice my blush and asked where I did my undergraduate studies. We learned we had both attended the same university; unfortunately, when he graduated with a Bachelor's I was in elementary school!
I finally started to relax around Colin as we talked about old professors we'd had to deal with in the past, the ones that just wouldn't retire. Colin also began to loosen up; he joked with me and even let a four-letter word or two slip into the conversation, which I thought was hilarious. I found him to be quite humorous, but also patient and very sure of himself. Colin was sincerely interested in my graduate work, my hopes and dreams.
The following week I met with my graduate advisor, Stella, who is also an adjunct professor but one who is in the field so often, she didn't get much time to really advise me. In fact, we had been so out-of-phase, that at almost two years into my degree program, I hadn't yet started my project! The meeting was to remedy that.
"Janie, you're just going to have to pick a question that is going to keep you interested for a least two years: one year for data collection, and one year to write it up," she said to me.
I bit my lower lip and tried not to show my growing disinterest and distaste for my current thesis topic. She had helped me get into this school, and now she was counting on me to finish. During our conversation, I noticed Colin walk into the shared quarters and take a seat at his desk next to Stella's.
Stella turned back towards her computer and I took this as my hint to leave, and mull over my issues in solitude. I let out a deep sigh, not hiding my frustration, and stood to go. I could feel Colin's eyes on me as I exited through the heavy door, but didn't turn to look at him. Tears were welling up in the corners of my eyes. Why did this have to be so hard; I just want to graduate?!
As I walked down the hall, I heard the same door open and close behind me. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned, expecting Stella to be there to comfort me. However, my eyes set on the blue-grey pools of Colin's eyes. Consolation and comfort radiated from his eyes, with even a bit of sympathy. An audible gasp escaped my lips as I was not expecting him to pull me so close, nor that he would be staring at me so intently.
"Janie...are you okay; you seem a bit upset? Are you looking for a thesis project?" he asked in his husky voice, one eyebrow cocked.
"...um, well, I don't really have one at the moment." I looked up at him wide-eyed, batting my lashes quickly to keep the tears from spilling over.
"Follow me; I have an idea for you."
Colin led me into the warehouse where he showed me three new specimens in need of a researcher. The two of us talked for a good hour and by lunchtime, Colin was my new college advisor and mentor. This meant I had to completely switch my project. Luckily, Stella was understanding and let me go.
My crush on Colin continued to deepen over the following weeks. We got to know more about each other slowly, as both he and I were professional in our conversations. I tried to put my silly fantasies to rest since I doubted he would ever take the bait; I figured he could probably get into trouble with the dean if he was caught fornicating with a grad student. I told myself he was too much of a nice guy to ever hit on me.
Towards the end of the semester, I was required to speak at a National Conference, and it was my first big talk. Colin was incredibly supportive.
The day before my talk, Colin and I met in the library to go through my slides together. I was dressed nicely, like I always do for him. It was past lunchtime, and we were putting away the laptop when I snagged my nylons on a table leg.
"Oh shit!" I exclaimed in annoyance.
"What happened?" Colin asked with concern.
"Just my nylons." I reached down to rub the little blemish on my tan leggings. The run cascaded down over my supple calf. Colin stared blankly at my leg but said nothing. The air felt heavy and I blushed deeply. Silence ensued for a few minutes while I thought of something to say. "Are you going to lunch now?"
"Yeah, I'm gonna go get a sandwich," he said.
"Can I come?"
Colin stared at me for a second as if he didn't hear me correctly. "Oh sure, but I was gonna walk to the deli," Colin said, eying my high heels.
"Um, can I meet you down there? I don't wanna walk in these," I said referring to my sexy shoes.
"Sure."
