Page 96 of Pretty Relentless

“Don’t make it worse for anyone. Someone tried to drive a wedge between us, tried to ruin reputations. Let’s not let them win,” I insist. “Besides, I don’t want to cause more problems between you and Julia, especially where Annabelle is concerned. The best revenge is to not let their scheming bullshit take us down.”

He flashes me a quick grin and pulls me into his arms. “Did you just say bullshit?”

I feel my cheeks flush a bit. “This seemed like the right occasion.”

“Of course it did. What someone did was bullshit,” Grandma states bluntly.

“Mom, it’s getting cold out here. Why don’t I take you home?” my dad suggests, having picked my grandma up to bring her to the meeting to show me support.

“I’m fine, but I bet these two want to get going and get back to the nookie.”

My cheeks flame red, my entire body burning with embarrassment. “Grandma!” I groan at the same time my dad screeches, “Mom.”

She just chuckles and gives Gavin a kiss on the cheek. “Take care of my granddaughter.”

“I will, Miss Betty,” he replies. He glances over and extends a hand toward my dad. “I hope it’s okay I date your daughter, sir. I seem to have fallen in love with her over the last couple of months.”

My dad just smiles. “I think that’s wonderful.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here. Sis, I’m sure it’ll all work out for you,” Analise says, pulling me into a tight hug.

I can’t help but glance over at Gavin. “It already has.”

After making sure my family gets off without any issues, I take Gavin’s hand and let him walk me toward my car. “Well, which place is it going to be? Mine or yours?”

The corner of my mouth curls up as I glance his way under my eyelashes. “Yours is closer.”

Gavin barks out a laugh as he opens my driver’s door. “I like the way you think, Miss Rutledge.” Once I’m seated, he leans in and presses his mouth to mine. “See you in a few minutes.”

I nod, reaching for the door and pulling it closed. Starting the engine, I roll my window down and holler, “Gavin?”

He’s not far, only walking a few feet back before he goes to his own truck. “Yeah?”

A wicked smile full of intent spreads across my lips. “Race you.”

Even in the darkness, I can see his eyes dilate with desire. “You’re on, Miss Rutledge.”

Then, he takes off running toward the side street where his truck is parked, which of course, is closer to the way we need to travel to reach his house. But even if he beats me there, am I really losing?

Nope, definitely not.

Something tells me there’ll be no loser tonight.

As I drive toward his house, following behind him, I realize I’m okay. Even without knowing what the board will decide, I’ll be fine. I may or may not still be working in the school district come tomorrow, but I’ll figure it out, and I’ll get through it. Despite the blow to my reputation, I’ll be okay. Because I have the love of a man I hope to spend a lot more time with, publicly.

But for now, I’m going to focus on the alone part.

You know, the nookie.

I’m relentless like that.

Epilogue

Ava

Three months later

The bell rings, signaling not only the end of the shortened school day, but the end of the school year. I’ve been looking forward to it yet dreading it for the last month.

---