Page 29 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

“What… what’re you doing here?” I ask.

A second passes. Then two. Three, and Daphne finally takes the cue. “I’m going to leave you two. Nice to meet you.”

“Drake, by the way.”

He nods to Daphne and turns to me. “You kept mentioning how the Inn was important to you, and when I googled it, this place came up. I figured contributing was the least I could do.”

I don’t know how to reply to that, so I just nod. We spent the day painting, drawing funny faces and singing, and at one point, we were even dancing with the kids. Watching Drake come to life with them, giving them piggyback rides and donkey rides, and even playing hide and seek was so surprising. It seems so out of character, but it’s very sweet.

At the end of the day, Drake, Daphne and I leave the Inn.

With how ‘grumpy’ he is at work, it’s like seeing a completely different person, giving me a glimpse of another side of him.

“It’s been a long day. You ladies want to go out for drinks?” Drake says. When my eyes meet him, I get the feeling that we won’t just be getting drinks. I hear Daphne clear her throat beside me, and I know that she may have correctly interpreted the whole situation. Biting the side of my lips, I turn to her, about to ask for permission to go, but as usual, my best friend is way ahead of me.

“Um, I have a previous engagement I can’t get out of. But you guys go and have fun!”

She takes the paintings from my hand and smiles at Drake. “Don’t go too hard.” She says, and I choke with widened eyes.

“On the drinks,” she finishes with a smirk.

Drake casually shoves his hands in his pocket, nods, and chuckles. “Nothing she can’t handle. Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe.”

I don’t know the kind of friendship these two formed in just a few hours, but it can’t be good for me if they team up.

“OK, Daphne, I’ll call you, have a good night.”

Blushing on my behalf, Daphne smiles and wiggles her brows. “She’s all yours.” And with that, she zooms off, leaving Drake and me alone in the parking lot.

Holy crap, this car.

This isn’t the first time I’ve driven in it, but the last time it was late, the top wasn’t down, and I couldn’t really make out the details. I settle into the seats, embraced in a cocoon of comfort. My gaze dances over the meticulous stitching, and the scent of expensive leather fills the air. Honestly, It feels more like I’m climbing into a luxury spaceship than a car. Trailing my hand along the creamy, soft interior reminds me of clouds. We cruise through the streets of Miami in his sleek black Bugatti convertible.

It’s hot.

The salty sea air tousles my hair, making me laugh as I try to tame it.

“Enjoying the ride, Ava?”

“Um yeah,” I smile, wide-eyed. “I’m Impressed… It’s not every day I get chauffeured around in a car this Amazing.”

“It’s even more amazing with you in it.” Drake grins. “Get used to it. I want you to feel special,” he says, his gaze sincere.

“I’m happy you came, Ava— I really like spending time with you.” The rumble of his tone reverberates through me.

“Of course,” I offer, unable to think of what else to say, “I’m happy I did too.” Honestly, I can’t put my emotions into words right now. It’s truly a surreal experience.

“So, where are we going?” I ask, trying to keep my composure.

“Well, I was thinking I’d take you to either The Koi Lux, that new Japanese fusion bar downtown or the Avisa Yacht Club overlooking the Marina—it’s a nice spot, I know the owner.”

“Ooh, sounds swanky…” I interject, “Take me, I’m all yours.” I gasp… My face flushes with heat, totally embarrassed at the way that came out. The truth is I’ve been working so hard with school that my carefree nature is begging to break free.

“But since it’s just the two of us,” he says, “I’m thinking I’d like to bring you somewhere a bit more quaint…just us.” He winks, placing his hand on my knee, and my lower belly flips with flutters.

“That sounds nice, Professor,“ I tease.

Here I am, sitting in one of the most expensive cars, being swooned by the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on, and he wants me.

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