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-

off. "Nonsense. I have another place

my hands fidgeting in my lap despite myself. "Oh.

one of the most upscale restaurants

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 floors, high

This

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

dinnerware seemed intimidating. I was so focused on not making a fool out of myself that I barely heard Edwin order us a bottle of some fancy red wine "This is, uh... This is

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

arched an eyebrow at me over the top of his

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

studying the menu like it was a final exam. Of course, there was nothing

ordering a couple of sides, I

A moment Liter.

Gavin returned with our wine, I watched, a lump in my throat, as he popped the cork and poured

fine evening?" he asked, his dark eyes flickering between Edwin and me.

with a cool stare over the

flush a deeper shade of red than

D

Chapter 21

wanted to take him out to dinner as a

me," he said. "I thought you were on

date!" I insisted, stammering over the words. "Just a friendly meal between... between colleagues Even as I said it, something twisted in the pit of my stomach

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

I carefully avoided Edwin's eyes, instead busying myself with my napkin and my glass

his own eyes

sipping his wine. "you should be proud