Page 2 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

“Girrrl…you totally can.“ I hiccup, and Daphne shoots a brow.

“Ava Miller. Are you, like, drunk in the middle of the day on a remote island?”

“Hic-cup.”

“Maybe a bit buzzed. But I wasn’t when I got here—just a teensy tipsy… Daphne leers. “I couldn’t say no to free champagne.”

“Really?” her brows crash.”

“But I’m definitely not drunk.” A traitorous hiccup escapes. Daphne shakes her head, “Listen, that’s enough, this is dangerous. You’re young, gorgeous and traveling alone in the middle of nowhere—You shouldn’t be getting butt-ass drunk in the middle of the day.”

“Pffft…really, who says, but ass, drunk? Is that even a thing? “Daphne cuts in, “It’s not funny.” A peal of giggles bubbles in my throat. She rolls her eyes, “Please, go to your room and sleep it off—Don’t forget the top lock, and put a chair under the handle.”

“Yes, mom.” I gulp the contents of my glass. Who rejects complimentary champagne? The room swerves, and I place a hand on my head to stop everything from spinning and groan.

“What was that you said about not being drunk?” The voice sounds like it’s coming from a distance.

“Hun?”

I glance at my phone to see Daphne’s smug look. “Sorry. I didn’t notice I was still on the call.”

“OK, I’m going. But first, I’ve got to pay for this scarf.”

“Ava, Please, just get out of there and head back to your hotel.”

“Even after drinking their free champagne? I think that’s rude.”

“Oh my God. OK, just call me when you make it to your room, got it?”

“Yup… got it!”

“Ava, I better not hear your name on the 5 o’clock news.”

“Byeee,” I smirk. I make it to checkout in one piece, pay for the scarf, and turn toward the exit. The room swims, and I take a deep breath.

OK, I’ll just place one foot in front of the other and walk out of the store. How hard can that be?

Left foot, right foot.

You got this.

When I make it to the door, I fist-pump my arm in the air.

It’s either the alcohol giving me super strength, or I got too confident because just as I reach out to push, it swings open, and I lose my balance.

Oh shit, oh my god, no.

Flailing haphazardly, I squeal, trying hard to break my fall or at least prevent myself from busting my head. Everything’s swirling so badly, and I can’t make out where the floor starts or where it ends.

I mouth, “Oh my God, I’m gonna die.”

or get a concussion, or worse.

I close my eyes, bracing for impact.

Holy shit.

When I don’t crash, I open one eye to see a man looking at me.

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