One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 277

Audrey

The morning of the show was a frenzy. No, more than a frenzy. It was complete and utter chaos.

I spent the entire morning from sunup to noon running endlessly from one end of the venue to the other, desperately trying to make sure every last detail was perfect. The racks were lined with clothes, models and stylists bustling about, and all I could think about was how one tiny thing going wrong would ruin everything.

A misplaced hem. The wrong lighting. A dress out of line. Every possibility spun through my head, tangling up in knots. And the fact that I’d hardly slept last night didn’t help any.

I was somewhere between the back dressing room and the main area when my mother appeared out of nowhere in a rush of blonde hair and sweet perfume. She stepped in my way, physically blocking me from rushing past her.

“Audrey.” She put a gentle hand on my arm and stopped me in my tracks. “You need to breathe.”

“I am breathing,” I said, but it came out shaky, and I could tell that she knew I was lying.

She just shook her head and wrapped her arms around me, tugging me close. The smell of her perfume and the soft silk of her blouse enveloped me, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“You’ve done everything you can, sweetheart,” she murmured, stroking my hair. “It’s all going to be wonderful. Just like we planned.”

I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into her embrace for just a moment. “It just feels like… if one thing goes wrong…”

“It will be perfect, Audrey. Don’t worry.” She pulled back, giving me a reassuring smile. “I panicked before my first show, too. Every designer does. But you’re not doing this just for yourself, honey. This show is about something much bigger. It’s about making a difference. And that’s what people will remember.”

inside of me, even if only a little. She was right–this was about helping others, not about making a name for myself. It wasn’t like the Paris fashion show all over again, back

on and take a moment to catch your breath. You’ve earned it. And I

nothing else that could be done now. The models were getting dressed, the staff was handling the lighting, and the audience was steadily flowing into their seats. Now, all I could do was wait until

backstage, looking around for Edwin. I ducked into

the corner, Edwin was there as if he knew I would go to that spot. He was leaning against the wall, looking ridiculously handsome in his fitted suit. He had that familiar

is,” he said, pushing away from the wall and striding up to me.

from unraveling,” I replied with a shaky laugh as I walked into his open

my first rodeo, you know.” He held me for a moment, kissing the top of my head, before he pulled away. “Come with

him down the hall and into a small room tucked away from the main bustle

little something to keep you grounded.” He pulled a small, crinkled package from his pocket, handing it to me with a sheepish smile.

+5

into the wrapping paper, revealing a soft red scarf. I could tell immediately that it was handmade–there were more than a few uneven stitches, and the outline was lumpy.

running my fingers over the

the back of his neck, looking almost embarrassed. “Yeah. Thought it could match the one you made for me back when

perfect,” I whispered, lifting it and inhaling the

to reply before I was in his arms, holding him tightly, feeling his heartbeat steady and solid against mine. He

you like

his chest. “I love it.

collarbone as he adjusted it around my neck. “You know,” he murmured, his voice low, “this scarf reminds me of

breath hitch as the memory of that night came back in a rush. How could I forget? “When I pulled you closer with it and

around the scarf, his grip possessive and steady. He gave a gentle tug, drawing me toward him until there was nothing between us but our clothes. That’s one of my favorite memories, you