One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 21 Audrey

I stood nervously in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom, tugging at the hem of my deep burgundy dress. It hugged my curves

in all the right places, the sleeveless cut accentuating my arms and shoulders. I had made it myself just last semester, and hadn't had a chance to wear it out yet.

But as flattering as it was, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious.

This was,

after all, a date with Edwin.

Well, not technically a 'date' date. Just dinner between a student and her professor. A friendly outing to thank him for all his help and support over the past few months. Or at least, that was what I had told mysel

And yet, as I smoothed my hands over the soft fabric bunching at my waist, I couldn't quite deny the nervous energy bubbling up beneath my skin,

"Get a grip. Audrey," I muttered to my reflection, raking my fingers through my curls. We were just two colleagues having a nice meal together. That was i

Still, those thoughts did little to quell the butterflies in my stomach.

An hour later, Edwin and 1 had arrived at the Italian restaurant downtown that I had originally suggested. From the outside, with its warm lighting and trendy patio seating, it had seemed like the perfect place for That notion was shattered the moment we pulled up to find a 'Closed for Renovations sign on the door.

"Oh no," I groaned, my forehead falling against the window. "I'm so sorry, Edwin. I should have double checked before suggesting this place."

He merely shrugged, already putting the car in rever

reverse. "No need to apologize."

"We can have dinner another time," I suggested. "I'm free next-

me off. "Nonsense.

and nodded, my hands fidgeting

of the most upscale restaurants in the city-a

pristine black dress led us inside, I couldn't help but gape at the lavish decor

This

quickly pulled up my banking app to check my bank account with a wince. Goddess, I thought to myself as I carefully angled my phone so Edwin couldn't see the fact that my

wine flutes to the heavy silver dinnerware seemed intimidating. I was so focused on not making a fool out of

cloth napkin in my lap. "Although 1 have to admit, I'm a little out

over the top of his menu. "You

deserve to experience the finer things every now and then, after all

by studying the menu like it was a final exam. Of course, there was nothing on the menu for less than

ordering a couple of sides, I figured, which were cheaper.

A moment Liter.

in my

we celebrating this fine evening?" he asked, his dark eyes flickering between

over the rim of his wine

I quickly cut him off, feeling my cheeks flush

D

Chapter 21

to me this semester, so I wanted to take him out to dinner as a

quirked an eyebrow at us. "Oh. Forgive me,"

"It's not a date!" I insisted, stammering over the words. "Just a friendly meal between...

Edwin's expression darken imperceptibly for the span of a heartbeat. He said nothing as Gavin took our

busying myself with my napkin and my glass of wine. But

my gaze, though, his own

wine.