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-

effectively cutting me off. "Nonsense. I have

my hands fidgeting in

be one of the most upscale restaurants in the city-a

a pristine black dress led us inside, I couldn't help

This

quickly pulled up my banking app to check my bank account with a wince. Goddess, I thought to myself as

the window overlooking the river below. For a while, I just stared Everything from the crystal wine flutes to the heavy silver dinnerware seemed intimidating. I was so focused on not making a fool out of myself that I barely heard Edwin order us a bottle

cloth napkin in my lap. "Although 1

me over the top of his menu. "You shouldn't be nervous," he

"You deserve to experience the finer things every now and

it was a final exam. Of course, there was

could get away with just ordering a couple of sides, I figured, which were cheaper. I'd have to put it

A moment Liter.

my throat, as he

he asked, his dark eyes flickering between Edwin

over the rim of his wine glass.

ingriber like that," I quickly cut him off, feeling my cheeks flush

D

Chapter 21

semester, so I wanted to take him out to dinner as a thank-you for

an eyebrow at us. "Oh. Forgive me," he said. "I thought you were on a

date!" I insisted, stammering over the words. "Just a friendly meal between... between colleagues Even as I said

when I noticed Edwin's expression darken imperceptibly for the span of a heartbeat. He said nothing as Gavin took our orders and left us alone

a long silence that seemed to last for an eternity. I carefully avoided Edwin's eyes, instead busying myself

I lifted my gaze, though, his own eyes immediately flicked away toward the

wine. "you should