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-

cutting me off. "Nonsense. I

nodded, my hands fidgeting in my lap

of course, turned out to be one of the most upscale restaurants

the riverfront As the valet took Edwin's car and a hostess in a pristine black dress led us inside, I couldn't help but gape at the lavish decor surrounding us: polished marble

This

I 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

stared Everything from the crystal wine flutes to the heavy silver dinnerware seemed intimidating. I was so focused

I gnawed my lip, my fingers fiddling with the cloth napkin in my lap. "Although 1 have to admit, I'm a little

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

now and then, after all your

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

just ordering a couple of sides, I figured, which were cheaper. I'd have to put it on my credit card,

A moment Liter.

wine, I watched, a lump in my throat, as he popped the cork and

asked, his dark eyes flickering between Edwin and me. "An-anniversary,

a cool stare over the rim of his

feeling my cheeks flush a deeper shade of red

D

Chapter 21

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

an eyebrow at us. "Oh. Forgive me," he said. "I

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

a heartbeat. He said nothing as

carefully avoided Edwin's eyes, instead busying myself with

gaze, though, his own eyes

he said, sipping his wine.