Page 33 of Pretty Relentless

“Maybe some time we can watch it together. I have it on DVD,” Annabelle states, her eyes full of hope.

“Come on, Belle. Let’s leave Miss Rutledge to her day. We’ve monopolized enough of her time,” Gavin says, a welcome reprieve. It’s not I wouldn’t enjoy watching the movie or hanging out with her, but I just don’t do that with students.

Ever.

“All right,” she grumbles. “See you on Wednesday?”

I nod. “I’ll be there,” I reply, referring to the first day back to school following break.

“I’m sure I’ll have this book finished by then, so I’ll tell you about it in class.”

I can’t help but smile. “Sounds good. I look forward to hearing about it.” Lifting my gaze, I meet Gavin’s. “Thank you for lunch. You didn’t have to pay for my half.”

“I didn’t mind,” he says, his lips looking completely kissable. “See you in the morning?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come?” Annabelle asks eagerly, making her dad grunt.

“No, Annabelle. I have to work, and you’re at your mom’s for the week.”

“Fine, but if you ever need help watching Tabitha, I’m your girl, Miss Rutledge,” she insists.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, fighting the smile threatening to spread across my lips. “Enjoy the rest of your day, and Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year!” Annabelle hollers as she starts to head for her dad’s truck.

Gavin steps back, slowly retreating, but his eyes remain on me. The smile he offers practically brings me to my knees. It’s potent, sexy, and promises things I have no business picturing.

“See you tomorrow, Ava.”

I wave, the words seeming to freeze on my tongue, and make a beeline for my vehicle. How in the world am I going to survive having him in my house while he completes the repairs? The good news is he won’t actually be inside for a big portion of it, but still. He’ll be near.

And I have to somehow figure out how to get through the day like it’s no big deal, even when I find it hard to breathe and think straight around him.

Shouldn’t be too difficult.

Sure, Jan. Sure.

Chapter Ten

Gavin

Max and I carefully lower the mangled piece of porch roof to the ground. “I’ve got it,” he says, dragging the metal toward the driveway.

While he carries away the old material, I take a closer look at how the old structure was attached to the house. It definitely wasn’t the best option for adding coverage to the front door, but it got the job done. And considering it was probably built shortly after the house, I’m sure it was completed on a budget.

I spend a little time checking things over before climbing down from the ladder. “The good news is everything seems to be in decent shape up there,” I say to Max as he approaches.

“Good news for the client.”

“Yep,” I reply, covering the exposed roofing with some heavy plastic. It’ll keep the moisture from seeping down until Ava decides which route we’re taking to fix and replace.

We’re getting everything buttoned up when my phone rings. I pull the device from my pocket and head for the notebook in my truck cab. I’ve been waiting for Logan Johnson to put together the numbers I’d need to finish my quote for Ava. “Hello?”

“Hey, Gavin, it’s Logan. I got some pricing for you,” he says.

“Shoot.”

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