One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

hapter 60

Edwin & Audrey Edwin's POV

It was a warm, sunny afternoon; the courtyard below my open window was bustling with students who were out enjoying the balmy spring weather, their laughter and conversations floating up into the air.

With spring break just a couple of weeks away, everyone-even the faculty and staff-was excited for a much-needed vacation. Normally, the noise would have bothered me while I was trying to grade. But today, it was surprisingly... pleasant. Although, I supposed that a lot of things had felt more pleasant than usual lately. Especially since...

I grit my teeth, shaking my head as I tried to refocus my attention on the stack of student papers in front of me. "Focus, Edwin," I growled to myself, gently smacking the side of my cheek. I needed to stop thinking about... her. Audrey.

But that was easier said than done. Ever since that night at the bar two weeks ago, I couldn't get the taste of her lips off of my tongue. It was like her essence permeated my skin, like it sank straight into my atoms and made a new home there. There was no getting that human girl out of my mind, no matter how hard I tried.

Suddenly, however, my thoughts were cut short when the door burst open unannounced. I jumped, dropping my pen onto my desk, to see Ms. Morrie-the vice dean-storming in. Her usual jovial demeanor had been replaced by a mask of fury, her leopard-print cardigan billowing in the wind behind her.

"Ms. Morrie." I said, abruptly rising from my chair and bowing my head respectfully. "To what do I owe the-

"Edwin, what is the meaning of this?" she demanded, shoving her phone in my face before I could finish.

I blinked, trying to focus on the screen. My stomach dropped as I recognized the grainy image-it was me, backstage at the fashion show, taking off my mask. Someone had managed to snap a photo at the exact wrong moment.

But how...? I had been so careful. I had only removed it once to blow my nose, and I had checked everywhere first to make sure the coast was clear. After that, I had only taken it off in private, and Audrey was the only one who had seen me. "L. I can explain," I started, but Ms. Morrie cut me off

"It had better be a d**n good explanation, Edwin," she snapped, forcefully shoving her phone into her trouser pocket. "People are accusing you of rigging the competition. Some are even suggesting that you and Ms. Thatcher may have some sort of... romantic entanglement."

I felt the blood drain from my face. "That's absurd," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I was merely helping out when their model dropped out at the last minute. There's nothing untoward going on between Ms. Thatcher and myself, I can assure you," Ms. Morrie studied me for a long moment, her eyes narrowed. believe you, Edwin," she finally said. "But this looks bad. Very bad. You'll need to make a statement."

"What about Audrey?" I blurted out despite myself. She had won the competition fair and square; I didn't want her to lose out on her internship.

down from behind her cat-eye glasses, her red lips pursing so hard that the little

1/3

21:10 Mon, Sep 16

Chapter 60

0013%

replied, "Miss Thatcher will be dealt with accordingly. For now, I expect

jaw tensing instinctively. "Of course. I'll draft something

you do," she said. "And Edwin? You're on my radar now Don't give

left, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I glanced over at Audrey's scarf, which was still draped over the back of my chair.

one.

had been lucky. So lucky. If anyone

afford to dwell on what-ifs and maybes, not when my job-and more importantly,

sat down at my computer, I couldn't help but wonder how Audrey

Audrey's POV

had yet to receive my official internship application, but I was sure it would come any

up into a whirlwind of assignments and exams. It felt good to finally have a moment to just relax and enjoy a meal, even if I

react, my tray went flying. Food splattered across the floor as the tray clattered away, and my eyes widened

to see who had run into

my throat as I met the glares of several students at a nearby table. The hostility in their eyes was palpable, and it gave me a

breath as I stooped to pick up the mess. "But

scoffed. "Oh, I'm sure you're used to things just happening' for you,

L

I was cleaning up my food, thoroughly confused by the

hair, held up his phone. "We know about your