Page 9 of Pretty Relentless

“Miss Rutledge! They have that new one in the series!”

I spin in her direction and find her holding up the brand-new Zohra Nabi book we’ve all been anxiously awaiting. The kids loved the first book I grabbed by that author and knew there was a second book in the works. “I know.” Then I add a wink and the hint of a smirk.

Annabelle gasps. “Did you get it already?” she asks, holding the book to her chest.

“It might already be on my desk for when we return from Christmas break.”

She squeals in delight, returning the book to the shelf and moving on to browse more.

Gavin leans in close, and his intoxicating scent wraps around me. “I got her The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series for Christmas. It seems a little advanced for her, though.”

“She’s going to love it, and I don’t think it’s too advanced. She’s reading at a junior high level. In fact, some of the books I’ve recommended are ones I went and borrowed from the sixth-grade literature class,” I tell him as we stroll along behind Annabelle as she peruses. “And not just because she’s read everything I have in the classroom already.”

He chuckles. “She loves your class.”

Smiling, I can’t help but boast, “She’s a wonderful student.”

“Miss Rutledge, I have the best idea,” Annabelle announces as she returns to where Gavin and I stand. “You can come with us to my grandma and grandpa’s house tonight.”

I feel like my eyes bug out of my head as her words register. “Oh, thank you so much for offering, Annabelle. I’m actually going to church with my grandma later, but I appreciate the offer.”

“You can come after. You’re my favorite teacher, and that’s practically the same as being my family. She can come too,” she reasons, making me smile.

“Aww, well, thank you for inviting us. We’ll have to see,” I reply, even though it’s more so to appease her at this point.

“Why don’t you start heading up to the front counter so Jasmine can ring us up?” Gavin suggests.

“Okay,” she states before turning her attention to me. “I’m so glad we ran into you, Miss Rutledge, and I hope your Christmas is great.” Then, she steps forward and throws her arms around my waist, books and all, and squeezes.

I delicately return the gesture, lightly patting her back. I do my best not to touch my students, but sometimes, at this age, they just want or need hugs. “Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break, Annabelle. We’ll see you in class after the first of the year.”

She nods, steps back, and heads for the front counter, books in hand.

“She’s right, you know.”

My attention turns to Gavin. “About what?” I ask in confusion.

“Today. You’re more than welcome to come with us to my parents’ house, despite the fact it’s Christmas Eve. In fact, you’re also welcome because of it.”

My throat is thick as I try to swallow. “Thank you for the invite, but I’m sure my grandma will have me wrapping all of her gifts after church tonight,” I reply with a chuckle.

He nods. “Well, the offer stands. If you decide later you want to drop by for dessert and coffee, please do.”

I give him a small smile. “Thank you, Mr. Pierson.”

Stepping forward, he invades my personal space. His woodsy scent tickles my senses and causes my breath to hitchin my throat. “Just Gavin, remember?” The corner of his mouth curls up in the most delightful little smirk.

“Gavin.” I don’t know how I get that single word out. My throat is so dry at his nearness I can’t think straight.

He flashes me a smile that makes my thighs clench and heads off toward his daughter. “Merry Christmas, Ava. Maybe we’ll see you later.”

I nod, unable to form words, and watch him go. I can’t help but wonder if he can feel my eyes on his ass, because they are certainly glued there. Even though part of it is obstructed by his coat, I still get a decent view.

Forcing myself to look away, I scan the children’s books once more, mostly to give Gavin and Annabelle time to check out and exit the store. Even though it’s logical I’d follow them to check out, when I’m near him, suddenly, I feel all out of sorts. My heart races, my palms sweat, and my lady bits stand up and take notice. Even more so than when I met Peter in college, and we began our two-year relationship. Talk about the shy girl who got all tongue-tied around hot guys.

I’ve never been good around them. Male friends, sure. I don’t have any problem talking to TD, Logan, Gabe, Marcus, or any other former classmate. Not because they’re not good-looking in their own respect, but when I find myself attracted to someone, my brain just sort of forgets how to be cool.

Not that I was ever really cool to begin with.

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