Page 3 of Pretty Relentless

He gives me a breathtaking grin. “Walking the lady to the door.”

“That’s not necessary,” I insist.

“My mama would tan my hide if I didn’t walk a lady to her front door at the end of the evening,” he replies in the cutest Southern drawl, reaching up and pretending to tip his nonexistent cowboy hat.

I find myself smiling, despite the fact this wasn’t a date. “It’s not necessary, really. I’m only walking fifteen feet,” I say, even though I know it’ll fall on deaf ears. He’s already opening his door and climbing out.

Gavin meets me at the passenger side and opens my door, extending his hand. My fingers glide against his as I take the offered hand and allow him to help me down. The black wrap dress I’m wearing molds to my skin, hitting just below my knees. With the help of Hallie, I paired it with a pair of mid-calf boots with little kitten heels that make me walk like I’m a newborn foal trying to stand for the first time. Flats are my normal shoes and the only thing I wear in the classroom, so why I let my friend talk me into something with heels is beyond me.

Walking up the sidewalk to my front door, I’m about to release his hand and thank him for the escort when my right foot slips on the freshly fallen snow. There’s just enough on the ground to wet the sidewalk, causing it to get a little slippery. Add in the fact I usually wear boots in this type of weather and I’m an accident waiting to happen.

My leg starts to slip out from under me, but I’m kept from falling to the ground thanks to a strong arm wrapping aroundmy waist. “Careful,” he murmurs, his warm breath tickling my ear.

“Thank you,” I reply, trying to right myself before shuffling the rest of the way to my front door. Of course, with every step I take, all I smell is him. Gavin. His clean, woodsy scent wraps around me like a warm blanket and comforts me.

When we’re both firmly stationed on the small concrete stoop, the old overhang shielding us from the falling snow, he lets go of my hand. I slip my key into the lock, releasing both the knob and deadbolt locks. Turning to face him, I’m torn between inviting him in as a show of appreciation for the ride home and slamming the door in his face after blurting out another thanks because I’m awkward as hell.

“If you need a ride anywhere tomorrow, you’re more than welcome to call me, Ava.”

“Oh,” I reply, my heart pounding in my chest. “Thank you for the offer. I’m sure you have better things to do than shuttle me around town.”

He gives me a smile that makes his hazel eyes look more green than brown. “Actually, I’m certain you’re wrong there. I’d be honored to take you wherever you need to go.”

Is he flirting with me?

“I have a vehicle I can borrow, but I appreciate the offer.”

“Well, it stands at any point this weekend.”

I nod, knowing I don’t have his number in my phone but not really sure if I should say that aloud. “Thank you. And thank you for stopping. I’m sure I would have been fine waiting for Marcus but do appreciate the fact I didn’t have to sit there in the cold any longer than necessary.”

He gives me a full-wattage smile. Even with his scruffy jaw, it makes his entire face light up. For the first time, I notice how incredibly sexy Gavin Pierson is. I feel bad I’ve never looked at him that way before, but he’s always been my student’s father.Yes, my student’s attractive father, but that’s it. Now, I can’t help but realize how gorgeous he is.

He reaches out and brushes a strand of my hair off my cheek. “I’m glad I stumbled upon you, Ava.”

My throat is thick as I swallow over the lump. “Me too, Mr. Pierson.”

Again, he flashes me a grin that could melt the glaciers in Antarctica. “It’s Gavin,” he says with a wink.

“Gavin. Thank you.” I turn toward the door, ready to end the weirdness that always seems to surround me. “Oh, I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important tonight.” I know he lives in town, over by the Methodist Church, which makes me wonder…

What was he doing out on Eldridge Road?

It’s not incredibly late, but it’s an odd time to be out and about, especially with the snow coming.

“You didn’t,” he assures me. “I, uh, like to go for drives. It helps me clear my mind to drive around, listening to music. It’s how I think and process whatever’s on my mind.”

“I’m sorry I disturbed that,” I state, feeling bad for messing up his quiet time.

He holds my gaze for several seconds before replying, “I’m not.”

I tear my eyes away from his and turn toward my front door. “Thank you, again.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Pushing open the door, I start to take a step inside my house when his voice makes me pause.

“You look beautiful tonight, Ava.”

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