Page 18 of Pretty Relentless

Me:Thank you. Love you.

Dad:Not a problem, Ava Grace. Love you too.

Smiling, I take my phone to my bedroom and slip it onto the bedside charger. He’s called me by my first and middle name for as long as I can remember, much like he calls my sister Analise Nicole, and with each grandchild born—my sister’s twins—he promptly continued the same tradition by calling them Molly Mae, middle named after my mom, and Riley Grace, afterme. I sometimes wonder if he’ll do the same to my children, if and when that day comes.

I’ve always loved kids. It’s why I became a teacher. Well, that and a passion for school. I was the kid who completed the summer reading list, usually within the first three to four weeks of summer break, as well as submitted any additional “practice” work they sent home. Math problems, small writing assignments about what I was doing during break, and even fun history or science projects. I was a teacher’s dream, and maybe that’s why I found myself steering toward the same profession I looked up to as a kid.

I can’t help but wonder what Annabelle will become when she’s older. She reminds me so much of myself, always wanting to learn something new.

Making my way to the bathroom in the hallway, I prep the shower and start to remove the extra layers of clothing I put on to go outside. My mind jumps to tomorrow, when I’ll call Gavin. Will he personally come over to check out my porch roof and window, or will he send his right-hand man over? I’ve met Max a few times around town, but don’t know much about him. Is it weird that I prefer Gavin to inspect the damage himself? Not just because he’s easy on the eyes, but simply because I do trust him as a professional.

All I can do is think about him, picturing him in my space. Even after I’ve finished my shower and have gotten myself ready for bed.

I’m still thinking about him.

Something tells me this is going to be a long, sleepless night.

Chapter Six

Gavin

My cell phone rings precisely at eight o’clock on Saturday morning, which is the moment I’m pulling into my ex-wife’s driveway to drop off Annabelle. The number isn’t familiar, but that doesn’t mean anything in my line of work. A big part of my business comes from word of mouth, and my cell number is passed around like candy. I don’t mind though. Business is business, and being readily accessible via cell phone is a huge piece of that puzzle.

“Hello?” I answer, putting my truck in park as the Bluetooth picks up the call.

“Hi, is this Gavin Pierson?”

A smile breaks out across my lips instantly, and I’d be a damn liar if I didn’t say my cock recognized the voice too, jumping in my pants at the mere sound of her voice.

However, before I can reply, Annabelle does, clearly realizing who’s on the other end of the line too. “Miss Rutledge?”

There’s a brief hesitation before she says, “Yes, it’s me. How are you, Annabelle?”

“I’m good. Dad’s dropping me off at my mom’s,” my daughter informs her teacher.

“Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt.”

“It’s okay,” I quickly add. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I mean, well, sort of. I had an issue with my porch last night, and it buckled. I was hoping you’d be available sometime to take a look at it.”

“Can I go too, Dad?” Annabelle asks, her eyes wide with excitement as she stares at me through the rearview mirror.

“Not this time, Belle. Your mom is expecting you, and this is a work call,” I tell the eleven-year-old in the back seat.

“Ahh,” she groans, drawing out the word and clearly not happy to hear it.

“Listen, let me run Annabelle inside and then I’ll head out to your place. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

A brief hesitation again, before she replies, “Okay, that’d be great. Thank you so much.”

“Of course. See you soon,” I state, ready to push the button on the steering wheel to end the call.

“Bye, Miss Rutledge!”

“Goodbye, Miss Annabelle. Have a great day with your mom.”

“I will, thank you,” my daughter practically sings back.

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