Page 23 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

First, I commend your effort and the overall structure of your project. It is evident that you have put thought into your work, and your ideas are well-presented. However, the topic could use a bit of work. I encourage you to take into consideration the following recommendations:

While your current project topic is a great one, it could be better. Also, I propose exploring additional reading materials related to your project, as this will not only deepen your understanding but also provide you with valuable insights and references to support your arguments.

I believe that by revisiting your project topic with these suggestions in mind, you will be able to enhance its overall quality and academic rigor. Remember, learning is a continuous process, and this feedback is meant to guide and support your growth as a student.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions or require further clarification. I am here to assist you in any way I can.

Best regards,

Armstrong Drake

Professor in the Faculty of Law, University of Miami

[email protected]

I read between the lines of the email. I know the real reason he won’t approve my topic. It’s because it’s on free will, and he didn’t like the way I presented in class. I shake my head as I reread the mail, and my body heats up with rage. Can he do this? How this man manages to get under my skin every time is beyond me. My laptop dings with another email from the same sender. And I open it as soon as it comes in.

Subject: Planning of Annual Colloquium.

A quick glance at the mail, and I know that the mail is appointing me as a planner for the annual colloquium event.

For a second, I rub my temples. It feels like we’re back to having back-and-forth. This man makes me dizzy. First, he doesn’t want to be my superior, and when he does, he rejects my project topic. Then, minutes after doing that, he says we should work together.

I crack my fingers and get ready to type a lengthy mail of my own. If he thinks he can do and undo, he has another thing coming. “Dear Professor Armstrong….”

Chapter twelve

Drake

“You said no?”

I ask as soon as I step into my office. I turn around to look at Ava behind me. When I saw her email, I didn’t respond. I just asked her to see me after class. Now we’re here.

“Yes, sir, I said no to your email.” I sigh and pinch my nose, shaking my head. What the hell is it with this girl? One minute, Ava is on my desk writhing and making the most delicious sounds in my ear— the next, she’s acting and saying things that make it seem all she wants is to get on my nerves.

“Ava, it’s not just a casual request for help. As your supervisor, I’m recommending you lead the planning for this. You’ll learn a lot.”

“Well, what if I don’t want to? With all due respect, sir, can’t you just assign someone else to be your happy to volunteer.”

“I don’t think you can just say no like that, Ava.”

“The same way supervisors can’t exactly throw out your project topic because they feel like it. But it just happened, so there’s that.”

So that’s what this is about.

I step closer so she can see the sincerity in my eyes. “Ava, it’s my job as project supervisor to review topics, and that’s what I did. Look, I didn’t say no to your topic just because I could or felt like it. I said no because I know you have excellent potential.”

I think I’m getting through to her.

“And I can’t help but notice that you chose that topic to spite me. At least that’s what it looks like.“ With every word, I see her relax her defensive stance. She folds her hands, “Well, regardless, I have an event that day, and I can’t miss it. So, it’s still a no, sorry sir.“ At this point, I can’t help but roll my eyes because it’s like she’s still trying to get under my skin.

“You have an event on Friday the 28th? at 10:00 am?”

“It’s actually at 4:00 pm,” she mumbles.

“Well, there you have it. You can attend that event, finish around noon, and then make it to yours.” Exhausted from all the back-and-forth, I sigh. “You know what? At this point, we need a truce. I promise that nothing I do as your professor or supervisor is malicious or related to whatever’s happened between us. And you’ve got to promise not to spite me, which is how it feels lately. OK?“ Her defensive look fades—I know the constant bickering must be wearing her out, too.

“Come on, let’s shake on it.” Clearing her throat, she takes a small step closer but doesn’t take my hand yet. “OK, I agree to the truce. But I have a condition.” I nod, and she continues. “While working, we both need to keep our hands to ourselves.” It makes sense to me that if we keep giving in to our urges, we’re risking everything. We shake on it. Her hand is soft and warm in mine, just like I know the rest of her is. To stop my runaway thoughts, “Drake,” I say out loud.

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