Page 44 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

“Saying what, you don’t believe me.”

“No, I believe you.” his baritone laugh fills the room. … And it hits me like a ton of bricks – I feel something amazing for this man. I can’t explain it all because I don’t think I’m ready to admit it to myself. He lays out the food on the sprawling marble countertop and joins me for our late breakfast. Seeing that smile still on his face, I decide not to address it. I won’t risk ruining what we have right now.

“So, have you met my replacement? Is he half as good as me?”

At that moment, I wonder what it’ll be like to say what’s on my mind, to just blurt out the words in my heart and my feelings for him. Instead, I shake my head and opt to answer his questions about our new professor, Professor Martin. He listens like I’m telling him about the most important thing in the world.

While I talk, his gray eyes bore into me. I realize I won’t be able to run away from the truth for much longer.

I’m in love with Drake Armstrong.

Chapter twenty-six

Drake

The moment I stride into my office, the rich scent of leather and the lingering echoes of success embrace me. My assistant, Emily, approaches me with a warm smile. “Good morning, Mr. Armstrong. Everything’s all set for today’s schedule.”

It’s been years since I’ve been here full-time. “Thank you, Emily, any matters that need my immediate attention?”

She glances at her notes, efficient as always. “We have a meeting with the Thompsons scheduled for later this morning.”

I also happen to know the Thompsons are VIP clients because I recognize the name.

I nod, replying coolly. “What time is the meeting?”

“In two hours, sir.”

“Sounds good…Is there anything else?”

“No, Sir.”

“Thanks, Emily. That’ll be all.”

Pressing the digital blinds, I refamiliarize myself with the space as they hum to life, revealing the city’s landscape below. Trailing my hand, I dance

my fingers over the sleek, black table that runs along the center of the room.

Settling into my chair, I take in the opulence around me, a testament and a reminder that, despite the challenges I’ve incurred, I’m where I belong.

It’s good to be back.

The day unfolds in a whirlwind of legal consultations, negotiations, and drafting contracts. It feels good to be back, to immerse myself in the world I’ve loved for so long but never felt deserving of.

But as busy as the days have been, at every free moment, my mind drifts to Ava, and right now, I’m thinking of how it feels to have her in my life, to hold her in my arms. Knowing that if I had to make the choice right now, I’d let it all go if it meant I could hold her forever.

Emily pops in, pulling me out of my daze. Her eyes gleam with admiration as she says. “The Thompsons were able to settle the matter out of court.”

A sense of accomplishment washes over me, another reminder of why I chose this path, and despite the challenges, I’m back where I belong.”

“Thank you, Emily. Please convey my thanks to the team as well.”

She nods and exits.

The rest of the day passes in a blur, and soon, I’m in front of the low-fenced building of my daughter’s school.

Zoe bolts out with a radiant smile, her eyes light with enthusiasm as she spots me. She gives me a great big hug before she hops into the car. I can tell from her every step that she’s bubbling with excitement. Something good must have happened today, and I know I don’t have to ask before she tells me.

“Hi, Dad!” she exclaims as I start the car.

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