Page 15 of Pretty Relentless

We eat our dessert, casually talking and engaging with those around the table. It’s comfortable and easy, like most of my family gatherings. Only this time, there’s the added bonus of having Ava here too.

“Where are you working at, Gavin?” Ava’s grandma, Betty, asks.

“Well, I just wrapped up a kitchen remodel for the Gustafsons over on Parkway. I’m taking the next week off, since I’ll have Annabelle for part of holiday break. We’re going to Minneapolis for a few days to an indoor waterpark.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun,” Betty replies before she starts talking to my sister about work.

“Annabelle mentioned the trip in class. She’s looking forward to it,” Ava tells me between bites of her pie.

“I always try to pick somewhere within driving distance to go for a few days over winter break. I know her mom takes her on a big trip during the summer, so this is an opportunity for us to go together and she doesn’t have to miss school. Plus, it’s easier for me to take the time off from work between Christmas and New Year’s. My employee, Max, is appreciative of the time off too and spends it with his own kids.”

She nods, pushing her plate away and setting a hand on her stomach. “That was amazing, but I’m stuffed.”

After finishing off my own final bite of dessert, I ask, “What did you think?”

“Of the pie?”

“Yes.”

“It was delicious. Best peach pie I’ve ever had.”

“See? I was right,” I quip, leaning toward her so no one can overhear our conversation.

“You were right.”

“Which means you should go out with me.”

That seems to catch her off guard. Her beautiful brown eyes widen and the light dusting of freckles on her cheeks only seem to grow brighter as she blushes. “I, uh…I can’t.”

“Can’t?” I ask, and even though I fully expected this answer, it still stings a bit.

“Yes, I have a rule.”

“A rule? Do tell,” I encourage, getting even closer.

“I don’t date parents of my students.”

I give her a nod in understanding. “Makes sense, but I think you should reconsider.”

Her mouth ticks as she tries not to smile. “Oh, you do, do you?”

“I do, and I’ll prove it to you.”

Her eyes flash with something that looks like excitement. “Tonight?”

“No, not tonight, but soon. Gradually, over time. I’ll wear you down.” Leaning even closer so I catch the hitch in her breath and the scent of her perfume. “I’m relentless like that,” I add, throwing in a wink.

She clears her throat and glances to her right, probably checking to see if anyone is paying us any attention. “I may not change my mind.”

Giving her a wide, panty-melting grin, I inform her, “Rules were made to be broken, Miss Rutledge.”

I’m not afraid of a little cat and mouse chase, and something tells me this woman will be one-hundred-percent worth it when caught.

Chapter Five

Ava

I reach for my mug of hot cocoa and stretch my legs out on the couch. Usually, I’d spend my Friday nights reading, but I opted to watch the newest real-life crime drama on my streaming service. I don’t usually do anything scary or suspenseful on account of I live alone and I’m a bit of a chicken, but I remember hearing about this particular case a couple years ago on the news, and it gripped my heart. Two children went missing, and the parents were responsible. The parents have since had their day in court and were both found guilty, leaving a small community in Tennessee reeling from what happened to these young children at the hands of their parents.

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