Page 13 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

“My name is Ava Miller.”

I don’t know how I keep my composure as the words slip off my tongue.

I look directly into his eyes. His towering, bulky frame shrinks everything under him. Dressed in all-black, he looks as hot as ever, his hair perfectly styled with hints of white at the temples. Embarrassed, my body heats up under his intense gaze, and a blush tints my cheeks.

I don’t know what I expected, maybe to see shock on his face, recognition, confusion, but his face is just as gorgeous as it was on the beach. He just nodded, and I swear he was telling a different story. He gazes at me with fire in his eyes. The same fire of desire that lit me up four years ago. The students continue with intros, unaware of the chaos running through my head. When class finally wraps up, I pack my books and hightail it out of the room—it’s like neither of us could escape the space quickly enough. I can’t tell you who packed up first, but I can tell you who got out of there first.

Me.

Thinking about the situation, I groan. The man I let it all go on all those years ago is my professor. Of all the damn jokes the universe could play on me.

I’m not the Ava Miller he met four years ago. I’m not anything like the carefree, wild, rebellious and maybe even slightly stupid woman who hopped on a plane to the Caribbean islands just because she could. I don’t trust as easily anymore—heck, I don’t think I trust anyone anymore. All I want is to make up for the mistake I made years ago by finishing this law degree and making my family proud.

“Honey, are you there?” My mother’s voice brings me back to reality, “she asks how’s school? Today was your first day of your last year, right?”

“Yes, mom. It is.”

My throat suddenly burns a bit because hearing my mother say it out loud makes me a bit emotional. I’ve come a long way from the young, naïve girl that ruined her family’s law firm to almost being a lawyer who’s going to make up for her mistakes. It should make me feel slightly accomplished that I’m getting closer to my goal, but all I feel is determination, a burning determination to finally make up for the mistake reckless Ava caused.

My mother continues over the phone. “I just want you to know that your father and I love you, and we’re proud of you.”

I nod. Of course, she’s speaking for my father, and I don’t blame him…If it were me, I’d probably do the same thing. I know it must be hard to say that to a daughter who ruined your thriving law practice by making stupid decisions.

“OK, Mom, thanks. It’s nice to hear from you. But I’ve gotta go now.”

“Take care of yourself, honey.”

“I will, mom.”

The call ends, leaving my chest tight. Though it’s never brought up, every time I speak to either of them, my chest feels like this—so much guilt hangs in the air.

Actions have consequences.

And I need to fix mine.

I grab my books and head to the library. I’m so close to my goal, and I’m not about to start slipping now. I won’t let anyone get in the way, not even Mr. Tall, dark and handsome, who I now know his real name.

Drake Armstrong.

Something flutters in my chest as I turn the name over and over in my mind while strolling through the university campus.

Although it’s been four years since I’ve seen that wild, reckless girl from that unforgettable night, I don’t understand why my body reacts that way at just the thought of him. As soon as he stepped into the class, my heart froze and fluttered wildly. Even now, my heartbeat increases with every step.

It’s obvious Mr. Armstrong has changed too, not just his hair or his beard, though that does work in his favor, making him look more like a Greek god. No, he’s different now, lighter, more polished, with an air of academia making his even, somber appearance more noticeable.

Now, in the library, I set a book in front of me and try to read, but the words don’t form. My brain relives the experience of that fateful night. The stars, his touch ...the memory is as vivid as if it happened yesterday. I can still taste the salt on my lips and feel the heat of his body.

My heartbeat quickens— this is stupid. I’m supposed to be reading, but all I can see is Drake Armstrong plunging deep inside me, calling me spectacular, licking my nipples, groaning into my ear.

My body grows hot, so hot. And now studying is a lost cause. I grab my stuff and head out of the library. When I arrive at my apartment, the silence of my room amplifies the beating of my heart, my thoughts spiraling back to him.

Needing an escape, I call Daphne.

“Wait, you fucked your professor?!”

“Keep your voice down, Daph.”

“Holy shit! That’s crazy. I’m leaving work now —I’ll pick you up. Let’s grab a drink, OK?”

---