Page 38 of Pretty Relentless

That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

At precisely nine o’clock, I hear Gavin’s truck pull into my driveway. I lock the back door of my house and move through the slight breezeway to the garage, ensuring everything is secured there too. Then, I exit the side door into the night air.

Gavin is climbing from his truck and makes his way toward me. “Can I carry that for you?” he asks once he reaches my side, hand extended.

“All right,” I agree, handing over my bag. It’s packed with my older digital camera, extra batteries and memory card, and a blanket. “Thank you.”

When we reach his truck, he places my bag in the seat behind me and opens the passenger door. “Great minds think alike,” he says, pointing to the large, fluffy blanket on the seat.

“It’s not terrible out, but it could get chilly the longer we have to wait for the lights,” I reason, climbing into the cab.

“Ready?” he asks, holding the door while I get situated and belted in.

“Yes.”

He flashes me a grin and says, “You look great, by the way.”

Even though I blush at the compliment, I shake my head. “You can’t even see me.” The fact I’m wearing my thickest winter coat, snow boots, gloves, a scarf, and my warmest beanie makes it a little difficult to see past the layers.

A slow smile spreads across his face. One that makes my breath catch and my thighs clench. “I think you’re adorable just like this,” he says, tapping me on the nose.

Unable to formulate a response, I offer a small grin and wait while he closes my door. Glancing around the truck, I note the items that seem work-related, but what catches my attention is the beaded flower hanging from the rearview mirror.

Gavin climbs in and catches my line of sight. “I know, it’s not very manly, but Annabelle made that for me a few years ago and told me it was for my work truck. She said I needed some color.”

“I agree. It’s perfect,” I reply.

“It is.” He clicks his seat belt into place. “So, are you ready?”

To see the lights? To spend time with him? The answer is a surprising yes to both.

“I am.”

“Good,” he replies, throwing the truck into reverse and slowly backing out of my driveway. “How did the kids like the science lessons this week?”

“They all seemed to enjoy it,” I tell him honestly. “I found a lot of great material on it, and I’ve given them all a chance to grab a few extra credit points if they email me a photo of the lights. I know everyone doesn’t have a cell phone, but I figuredmost would have access to a parents’ phone for something like this. But I did send home an information sheet with each student, so parents know what’s going on.”

“Smart. Annabelle doesn’t have a cell phone yet, but I’m sure she can use her mom’s,” he says, heading farther out of town, away from the Bluff Preserves and city streetlights.

“That’s what she said, and it’s perfectly acceptable. I want as many kids as possible to take advantage of a few extra credit points. They get to see something beautiful and learn a little too.”

He gives me a quick grin before returning his eyes to the road. “Like I’ve said before, you’re an amazing teacher. Annabelle won’t want to move on to sixth grade next year.”

“Are you kidding? Of course she will. Most of my students are excited about the lockers and switching classes throughout the day. It’s a big deal, like coming of age.”

Gavin starts to slow down, flipping on his blinker. I realize we’re nearing the private lane for Hanson Tree Farm. As he starts to turn left onto the gravel roadway, he says, “She’s always loved school, but one of the main reasons she’s having such a great year is because of you. You have been able to pinpoint her interests and strengths, while helping her work on the weaknesses. She’s growing as a studentanda person, and a big part of that is you. She’s going to be incredibly sad to leave your classroom, Ava.” He glances my way for a few seconds before returning his gaze to driving.

“She’s a remarkable child,” I find myself mumbling, a little overwhelmed with his compliment. Each student is unique and learns differently. They have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s my goal—my job—to help them realize both and work through it.

Clearing my throat, I turn my attention to our location. “This is the back side of the tree farm.”

He nods, slowly moving around the large barn at the back of the property and parking near the back door. “It is. I worked here when I was in high school for two seasons. I helped cut down trees at Christmastime and loaded them for customers. It was cold, but a pretty neat gig. Old man Hanson is great. I still visit with him every chance I get.”

“And I’m assuming he gave you permission to be on his property,” I state, looking around at this part of the farm I’ve never seen.

“Well, I’ve learned over the years it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, Miss Rutledge.”

My eyes widen as I gape over at him.

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