Page 8 of Pretty Relentless

“Miss Rutledge!”

I spin around, a smile already spreading across my face the moment I recognize the voice. “Hi, Miss Annabelle,” I say, trying to keep my eyes focused on one of my students.

Unfortunately, my eyes betray me, seeking out her father like a castaway searching for ships on the horizon. He’s directly behind her, a warm, friendly grin on his own face that makes my heart rate kick up a few extra beats.

“Good morning, Miss Rutledge,” he greets, his voice low and gravelly.

Shock waves course through my veins, striking my clit with a force that causes me to gasp.

His hazel eyes fill with worry. “Are you all right?”

I clear my throat, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole. “Oh, yes,” I reply with an awkward chuckle. Returning my attention to Annabelle, I ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?”

She nods eagerly. “We’re going to my grandma and grandpa’s this afternoon. My cousins and aunts and uncles will be there.”

“That sounds like fun,” I tell her, offering an easy, friendly smile.

“Are you going to see your mom and dad?” she asks.

Nodding, I state, “I am, but not until tomorrow. My sister and her family will be there. That’s why I stopped in here. Iwanted to get my nieces another gift.” I hold up the two books I found and let her inspect them. I wasn’t joking when I told Gavin his daughter was incredibly smart and inquisitive. She’s a book lover through and through, just like me.

“I love to make stuff,” Annabelle says as she flips open the book I found for Molly. “Dad, look! You can make all sorts of jewelry and bows.”

“Very cool,” he says, offering her a grin.

I can’t help but notice how amazing he looks this morning. Gavin Pierson has always been a good-looking man, but for some reason, he suddenly appears…hot. He’s been in my classroom a few times since the beginning of the school year, but once he left the room, I didn’t spend half the night replaying our every contact. Last night—and this morning—his memory kept infiltrating my brain, refusing to let up.

Maybe it’s some sort of hero worship syndrome. Being the one to pull over and offer to help. Though, I’ve never felt any sort of attraction to Marcus, despite being a decent-looking guy. He’s always been someone I consider a friend. Nothing more.

Gavin, on the other hand, isn’t someone I’d consider a friend. Yes, I’ve known him most of my life, but only because Pine Village is a small town. He was younger than me, and we didn’t hang out in the same circles. Sure, I’d consider him attractive—hot, even—but that’s it. Suddenly, after last night, I want to spread him on a cracker and eat him alive.

Hallie might be rubbing off on me.

“I’m here to pick out a book for my cousin, Bethany. I was thinking the Star Friends series. She’s eight and talked about her library having them at school. Do you think that’s a good choice?” Annabelle asks, pulling my thoughts away from her father.

“I think that’s a great choice.Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Magic Tree House, and Babysitter’s Club are all great for that age too,” I offer.

“Oh, yes!” she proclaims, and suddenly, we’re both walking toward the children’s book section.

“This is very popular right now,” I state, pulling one of the newer books off the shelf.

“I’ve read this one. I love the fairies who share words of wisdom to the main character throughout,” she says, that familiar twinkle in her brown eyes. Every time she gets excited about a book in class, her eyes take on this bright light, an exhilaration like no other.

“It’s a wonderful story, full of intrigue. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Dad, what do you think about getting Bethany this book and the first two in the Star Friends series?”

I glance over to see Gavin smile fondly at his daughter. “Sounds good.”

“She’s going to be so excited for these,” Annabelle announces, moving down the shelf to find the Star Friends books she’s after.

“Thank you for making suggestions,” Gavin says as he steps forward, taking the space at my side his daughter just vacated.

Shrugging, I reply with an awkward chuckle, “I love books. I could talk about them with anyone.”

He holds my gaze with his rich hazel eyes. “Nothing wrong with having passion.”

My skin starts to tingle, and my nipples grow hard. Thank goodness I’m wearing a coat and thick sweater. Otherwise, I’m certain he’d see what type of reaction his words have on me. I open my mouth in hope some sort of intelligent reply can be said, when Annabelle interrupts.

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