Page 24 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

“I’m sorry?” she replies with visible confusion on her face.

“Call me Drake. Since we are going to be working closely for the next few weeks, you can call me by my first name, especially when it’s just us.”

“OK, Drake.” She says, her lips stretching into a sly smile. I wonder what’s going on in that head of hers while my eyes take in her hair, perfect lips, and beautiful skin, longer than necessary. She clears her throat, pulls her hand from mine, and snaps my eyes back to hers. I take a step back and walk behind my desk. If we’re going to be working closely together, I’m going to need more than a truce to stay away.

Two weeks go by, and Ava and I are going through the event checklist. Everything’s almost set up, and she’s giving me a report from her notepad. She obviously likes to write. When I asked for this assignment a few weeks ago, she wrote it out by hand. Now, even though her laptop is open in front of her, she’s still using a small notepad. As she keeps me updated on all the necessary details, her soft voice fills my office. “So, about the guest list, everyone invited has RSVP’d,” she reports.

“Great. Food and location?”

“Yup. The program, order of events, and venue are all set.” I nod and glance at the report of guest speakers in front of me.

And Ava adds, “Wow… I’m impressed all those hot-shots lawyers in one place.”

“I’m glad you’re impressed,” I reply with a slightly bitter tone, and she picks up on it.

“Guessing you’re not? Do you have something against hot-shot lawyers?”

Clearing my throat, I answer, “No. I understand you’re aspiring to be a lawyer, so you’re still captivated by the glamour of the profession.”

By people like my father.

“Well, to be honest, I’m not a fan of them either,” she whispers, locking her gaze with mine, and I stare into her beautiful hazel eyes. A silent understanding passes between us. A bond over secrets we can’t discuss. Why is she even in this program if she doesn’t like high-profile lawyers?

“Why are you studying law?” Her gaze goes distant before returning, “My family,” she finally responds.

“What about you? Why are you a professor?” I think about my past and respond simply, “My family.” She smiles softly, and I do the same—neither of us has to say anything, and yet I feel like I know all I need to understand that there’s more to Ava Miller than meets the eye. I guess we both have demons in our closet. She clears her throat and goes to work, writing on her notepad.

“So, you like the old pen and paper, huh?”

“Yeah, I took up journaling two years ago.” her eyes glaze over. “I was in a bad place and needed something to do. So, journaling it was.”

“Hmm.” I nod. “I guess I can see the value in that.”

“Well, I think we’ve got everything ready for the program…Drake.”

“Sounds good. Aren’t you glad you’re not going to miss it after putting in all this work?”

“Well, Yeah, I guess, but what I’m most happy about is I can still make it to the Inn after I’m done.”

“What’s happening there that you can’t miss?” She smiles to herself. “It’s just a place that means a lot to me and a couple of other friends.” She looks at her wrist and sits up. “Wow, look at that! we’re the only adults who are willingly working past 7:00 pm on a Friday.“ I look at my watch and joke, “Time flies when you’re having fun—let’s call it a day. I don’t want to interfere with your plans,“ I tease.

“I don’t have plans,“ she replies in the same tone.

“You should. You’re young. You should go out dancing or something.”

She smiles, knowing that’s what she said the first night we met.

“I don’t need to dance— I need to eat. I haven’t had anything today aside from breakfast, and you know what they say—a hungry woman is an angry woman. And If I don’t eat soon, I’ll be a ‘hangry woman.”

“I could order something.”

“No, I think going out would do me some good. Plus, I’m craving something very specific from a particular restaurant.” She packs up her laptop, and I do the same.

“Well, I owe you…I did keep you here all day.” I stand and pick up my briefcase.

“No, you don’t have to. I’ll be fine.”

“No, come on, really. Allow me the honor.”

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