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-

snorted, effectively cutting me off. "Nonsense. I have another place in

hard and nodded, my hands fidgeting in my lap despite

out to be one of the most upscale

dress led us inside, I couldn't help but gape at

This

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 bank account barely had triple digits. How

silver dinnerware seemed intimidating. I was so focused on not making a fool out of myself that I

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

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

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

quickly busied myself by studying the menu like it was a final exam.

couple of sides, I figured, which were cheaper. I'd have to put

A moment Liter.

with our wine, I watched, a lump in my

his dark eyes flickering between Edwin and me.

leveleil Gavin with a cool stare over

like that," I quickly cut him off, feeling my cheeks flush a deeper shade

D

Chapter 21

this semester, so I wanted to take him out to dinner

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

imperceptibly for the span of a heartbeat. He said nothing as Gavin took

eternity. I carefully avoided Edwin's eyes, instead busying myself with my napkin and my glass of wine. But I could feel them

though, his own eyes

said, sipping his wine. "you should be proud

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