One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 31

Audrey

I pushed the plate back with a satisfied sigh, my belly full of rich steak and the tang of gin and tonic. My gaze swept over to Edwin, who had finished eating as well and was now draining the last dregs of his whiskey.

A blush instantly crept across my face. I quickly grabbed my bag, rifling around for some cash.

"Here," I said, handing him the wad of bills. "For tonight."

Edwin eyed the cash, then eyed me, and pursed his lips. "It's fine. I'm not taking your money."

"But-"

"I said I'm not taking your money, Audrey."

My face turned an even deeper shade of crimson as I slipped the money back into my bag. "Oh. Well... Thank you," I managed, standing. Now that a little time had passed, I realized that I had commandeered what was clearly meant to be a solitary night for the stern professor. "I should head out."

"Right. It's getting late."

Before I could protest, Edwin was tossing a pile of his own cash onto the bar, standing, and grabbing his jacket.

"Wait-I'm just walking home," I said. "You don't have to-"

"Nonsense. I'm not letting a young lady walk home in the dark by herself."

Despite my urge to protest, Edwin's voice brooked no argument; and besides, he was already headed for the door. Blushing, I had to break into a jog just to catch up with his long strides.

By the time we stepped out into the chilly night air, it was nearly ten o'clock. The gin and tonic I had had gave me a bit of protection against the chill, although I still couldn't help but clutch my jacket a bit tighter around my shoulders as we walked.

We walked in silence for some time, passing by rows of closed stores and cafes. I always liked the downtown area near campus; there was always so much to do. Plenty of shopping options, places to grab good coffee, cheap restaurants, a movie theater, a few parks. And I especially liked it at night-when the cobblestone streets were quiet and the streetlamps cast a gentle amber hue over everything.

alongside Edwin, causing him to cast a glance down at my feet.

shrugged and glanced down at my boots; they had a chunky heel and a slight platform, and I wore them constantly to give myself a bit of height. I

don't mind,"

antique shop that I liked to frequent. In

in front of the shop window. I peered up at

not noticing that I had stopped right away, wheeled around a few paces

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7:40 PM

Chapter 31

asked, shoving his hands in

and adjusted my bag on my shoulder. "Nothing. I just

in the window's reflection. He leaned closer to get a better look and hummed to himself again.

was made by a French designer way back

"Way back in the nineties?" he echoed incredulously. "Was it really all that long ago to

shot him a curious glance. "Well, I

splash of redness across his cheeks. He quickly looked away, clearing his throat. "Do

"It's too expensive," I said, "and besides, I don't have anywhere to wear something that fancy." Edwin said nothing.

of the walk. Soon, the brick facades and stripped roofs of campus came into view. The dorms were still lively, orange and yellow lights spilling out of the windows and onto the pavement. Edwin stopped a little ways away

he said, peering warily up at

late, and we were both returning at the same time. People might get the wrong idea if they saw a student and his professor together like this. "Right," I said, adjusting my bag on my shoulder again-a nervous tick at

"Goodnight, Audrey?"

my heel and strode away, worrying my lower lip between my teeth. I was certain that Edwin watched

my room and pushed the door open, I was immediately met with the grinning faces of Avis and Tina. They were both waiting on my bed with a take-out pizza between them and dual looks

question is: what were

it might melt right off. I quickly turned around and

"Come on, Audrey. You don't have to hide

her mouth full of pizza. "You can be honest. We