Chapter Twenty-One

Ava

"Ava, special delivery."

I look up from my desk and smile at Rosa, the school office assistant, as she walks into my classroom with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. My heart rate spikes as I take in the gorgeous array of blooms. "Oh wow," I comment as I stand up and take the vase from her hands.

"Who are they from?" she asks, leaning in and whispering.

Words fail me. I'm pretty certain I know who they're from, but that doesn't mean I want to blurt it out to Rosa and everyone else at the school. Thinking on the fly, I reply, "Probably my parents." I pray I sounded casual and convincing.

"Well, my parents never send me flowers like this," she replies as she hands them over. "I'll be honest, we were hoping they were from a man."

"Oh." I let out an awkward chuckle and turn to place the vase on my desk, praying she can't see the inevitable blush. "Sorry to burst your bubble."

"Oh well, no harm in asking," she replies, followed by the clicking of her heels on the floor. "Enjoy them, Ava."

"I will. Thank you for bringing them to my classroom for me," I say with a wave.

The moment she's gone, I reach for the sealed envelope. I rip it open and scan the words he handwrote on the small card.

Ava,

I've spent all day thinking about you. Dinner was amazing. Let's do it again. Very soon. Bring your overnight bag. Or don't. You don't need clothes anyway.

-G

My face flames hot as I read and reread his words. It's been six weeks since our non-date date to see the aurora borealis, which has been followed up by date dates. We've been spending time together in private, most of the time at either his house or mine and stealing the occasional time away to Hudson or St. Paul when he doesn't have his daughter.

It hasn't been easy.

So many times I've wanted to just say forget this and go have dinner with him at the diner or the steakhouse. It would be so much easier than sneaking around, hiding our vehicles in each other's garages so no one knows what's going on. Though, I'm certain my neighbors have figured it out. They've not said anything, but I caught the older gentleman on my left watching out his window when Gavin was pulling his truck into my garage last week.

Then, I recall what it was like to have my personal life dragged through the mud. One old—seemingly innocent—photo appeared on social media and turned my whole life upside down. It's just a prime example of why I don't have any social media pages, nor do I allow myself to be put in situations where a photograph could be taken and misconstrued by the masses. So, while I'd love to be a bit more public with my relationship with Gavin, I just don't want my life scrutinized and publicized again.

I glance down at the flowers. They're the most gorgeous arrangement of red roses and white lilies.

The bell rings, letting me know my quiet time is over. In a matter of seconds, my fifth-grade class will return from lunch and recess, and we'll be diving back into our studies. Fortunately, this afternoon consists of a quick math test, followed by watching a movie for science, which is always a welcomed change from the textbook reading we usually have.

The kids are excited.

As they start to file into the classroom, I slip the card into my top desk drawer. Standing up, I watch as the students who brought their sack lunches return their lunch boxes and bags to their cubbies where their coats and bookbags hang. Annabelle is chatting away with her friend, Madelyn, but offers me a wide smile as soon as she crosses the threshold. I can't help but return the gesture, especially since it reminds me so much of her father's. While Annabelle resembles her mom in a few features, she definitely has her dad's smile.

"Flowers!" Annabelle coos, making a beeline straight for my desk. "They're so pretty."

"Thank you," I reply, my heart beating a little faster all of a sudden.

"Are they from someone special? My dad always says flowers are sent to show someone you care."

A smile breaks out across my lips. "Oh yeah?"

"Yep. He doesn't send flowers though, because he doesn't have someone to send them to. I wish he did."

I feel my face blush as words fail me.

"Maybe someday my dad will send flowers to a girl. I want a baby brother."

My eyes widen at her statement, and there's no missing the excitement she clearly feels.

"You would make an excellent big sister," I finally say, not really sure what to add.

Annabelle nods. "Do you want kids?" she asks, leaving me flabbergasted. "You would make a really good mom. I bet you'd read to your kids every night and buy them lots of books."

I can't help but grin. "I'm sure I would."

The second bell rings, prompting Annabelle to say, "I better go put my lunch bag away," and taking off to the back of the classroom.

I take a few seconds to look at my flowers, warmth washing over me. Hearing Annabelle say her dad doesn't send them to anyone, yet knowing he took the time to explain to her what they can represent, lets me know I've got a good one. He took a risk by sending me the bouquet, knowing my coworkers would undoubtedly ask questions. Yet, he still wanted me to have them and know he was thinking of me.

"Everyone get ready for your math test. Nothing on your desk but your pencil," I state, getting ready to pass out the single sheet of paper. It's a pretty straightforward test, but it'll tell me who needs a little more help before we move on.

While the kids take their test, I quietly pull my phone from my desk and fire off a text.

Me: I just received the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Thank you.

The little bubbles appear instantly.

Gavin: Not as gorgeous as you, but they were too pretty to pass up. They made me think of you the moment I saw them. And you're welcome, beautiful. See you tonight?

Me: I'll be there at five.

Gavin: If I'm not there, use the spare key.

Two weeks back, I arrived at his house before he got there. He didn't like that I was sitting, waiting in my vehicle, so he showed me where the spare key was hidden. I've never used it, mostly because I don't want to overstep, and I really don't mind waiting for him to arrive.

Me: Yes, sir.

Gavin: Hmmm. Sir. I like that. Maybe we can try that out later?

Again, my cheeks heat at his innuendo. This is definitely not something I've ever considered in the past, but the thought of trying something different with Gavin doesn't sound too scary.

Me: Possibly, but I can't talk about it now. My students are taking a math test, so I should get off here. Just wanted to say thank you.

Gavin: And again, you're welcome. Sorry if it causes you problems. I know people are probably asking questions, but my need to show you how much I've been thinking of you outweighed the rest.

Me: It was the best kind of surprise, and a first for me.

Gavin: Seriously?

Me: Yes. I've never had flowers sent to my place of employment from anyone other than my parents on my birthday.

Gavin: Mental note made. You deserve all the pretty flowers.

Before I can reply, he fires off another text.

Gavin: Have a great afternoon. See you in a few hours.

Me: See you soon.

I return my phone to my desk drawer and take a quick scan over the room. Everyone has their heads down, writing. My eyes land on Annabelle, who works diligently on her test. She's seated in the front row, at her request, and looks up, making eye contact. She gives me a smile, one that makes my heart sing. She's such a happy child. She can find joy in anything, especially books and crafts.

A girl after my own heart.

My mind flashes to her father. It's been six weeks since we started seeing each other. It started off very casual, but has transformed into something more. At least it has for me, and even though we've not discussed it, I'm certain it has for him too. I may not be ready to admit it out loud, but I've fallen in love with him. Our time together is always too short, and when one of us leaves, an overwhelming sense of sadness overcomes me.

And if the look in his eyes is any indication, I think he feels it too.

But we're not ready for more yet.

I have about three and a half months left of the school year, and then we can decide how we take the next step. I have a feeling we'll be taking that leap together.

His truck is already in his driveway when I pull in. I barely pause in front of the garage bay I've been using before the door starts to rise. I spot his sweatpants first, followed by his fitted long-sleeved T-shirt. His hair is a mess, and it's clear he just got out of the shower. He's also wearing a wolfish grin, one that conveys exactly how excited he is to have me here.

I park my vehicle as the garage door comes down, and as soon as I press the button to shut off the car, my door is open. After quickly releasing my seat belt, he extends his hand and helps me from the car, something he does each and every time I arrive.

The moment the door is closed behind me, I'm pressed against the car, his mouth claiming mine. There's an urgency, a fire in his kiss, as if I'm the very air he needs to breathe.

"Missed you today," he mutters, his hands roaming up my sides and beneath my sweater.

His erection is already standing tall, pressed firmly between us. My hips start to move entirely on their own, craving more of his touch, needing him where I ache. I push up his shirt, desperately seeking his hot flesh beneath my fingertips. Clothes start to fly immediately. His shirt is gone, followed quickly by my own. He pulls my bra down and sucks my nipple into his mouth, causing a moan of pleasure to fall from my lips.

I kick off my ankle boots, grateful to be wearing a slip-on pair. Gavin reaches for the button to my slacks and practically rips it off my pants, but I don't care. He can damage the zipper all he wants, as long as he helps alleviate this burn of desire settling between my thighs.

"Fuck," he groans, slipping his fingers beneath my pants and pressing them into me. "You're so fucking wet already."

A whimper falls from my mouth as I move. "Need you so bad," I confess, closing my eyes as the pleasure takes hold.

But as quickly as he's touching me, he's gone.

I open my eyes and find him pulling a condom from his sweatpants before thrusting them down his thighs. His erection is long, hard, and ready, and he makes fast work at covering it with the latex protection. I step out of my pants seconds before I'm lifted onto my car. The metal is cold from being outside, but my body is so hot, the temperature against my skin barely registers. The height of me sitting above the left front tire is perfect. My legs wrap around his waist as he pulls my panties aside and pushes inside me, filling me completely.

"Dammit," he mutters, trying to grasp at his control.

Reaching up, I shift the cups of my bra so both nipples are exposed. His eyes dilate farther, the hazel coloring now dark with his desire. "Don't stop," I tell him, desperate for more.

He pulls back and thrusts forward over and over, setting a fast, hard pace. I can feel my body starting to tighten like a coil, the release I'm desperately seeking just within reach. It's wild to me how I can go from work-mode to frantically needing him in such a quick amount of time. His touch, the desire he has for me does that.

Every time.

Gavin runs the pad of his finger over one of my hard nipples before pinching it between his thumb and index finger. I gasp, my internal muscles fluttering around him as he continues to drive inside me.

"I'm gonna come, baby. I need to get you there," he murmurs, slipping his hand between us and swiping it across my clit.

The friction is the gentle push I needed to send me flying over the edge. I come hard, crying out my release as the bliss crashes through me. He follows, thrusting hard and finding his own pleasure. His hips keep moving, which draws everything out until I'm left shuttering and exhausted.

"I'm sorry," he murmurs, taking my lips with his in a gentle kiss. "That wasn't what I was planning to do."

Throwing my arms around his neck, I pull him close, loving the way his chest feels pressed against mine. "No? If that's not what you planned to do, I think your original plan might need some work."

He pokes me in the side and chuckles. "No, I definitely meant to do that , but I was intending to get you inside my house first. Not take you against your car like a sex-crazed animal."

I kiss under his chin, right at the spot his facial scruff starts. I've learned over our time together; he really likes it when I kiss him there. "Hmm, I might prefer this sex-craved animal side of you."

"Yeah?" he asks, running his hands down my back. "You bring it out of me. I was planning to introduce you to my kitchen table the moment we got inside, but it appears I was unable to wait."

"Fine by me," I murmur softly, resting my face against his chest. I can hear the hard pounding of his heart and find so much comfort in the familiarity.

"Let's get you inside. It's not cold out here, but it's definitely not warm," he states, slowly pulling back and slipping from my body. He grabs the condom, gently and carefully pulling it off his cock before twisting it closed and tossing it into a nearby trash can.

"I'm comfortable," I insist. His garage is heated, since he does some woodworking in his free time, but mostly it's the fact I'm in his arms that causes me to be so content.

"Just think of how comfortable you'll be when I get you into my bed," he insists with a wicked smile.

"Hmm," I hum. "That does sound pretty darn comfortable."

"Let's get inside, beautiful. Do you have a bag?"

I shrug, hopping off the top of my car with his help. "I don't. I mean, you said I wouldn't need anything, since I'd be naked."

A Cheshire cat grin spreads across his devastatingly handsome face. "This is very true."

Slipping my pants back on, I add, "I know I have to leave early, since you'll have to go get Annabelle. I can shower at home."

The moment my pants are on, he pulls me into his arms. "Or you can just shower here and use my things. The thought of you smelling like my shampoo and soap brings out this caveman side of me."

Warmth begins to spread through my veins once more as desire pools between my legs. "I'm okay with that."

He presses a firm kiss to my lips, one that doesn't last nearly as long as I'd like, before reaching down and grabbing his shirt. He slips it over my head and carefully pulls it down, helping me slide my arms into the sleeves. He takes in my appearance in his shirt and grins. "I think seeing you in my shirt is the sexiest thing I've ever seen."

I bring the sleeve to my nose and inhale, loving the scent of his soap and detergent hanging on the material. "It's big and warm," I state, even though it's T-shirt material. "I might keep it."

"It's yours," he boasts, kissing my forehead. "Come on, beautiful. Let's get you inside," he says, reaching down and picking up my discarded sweater. He helps me step into my boots and shoves his feet into a pair of well-worn slip-on shoes.

I ignore the discomfort of my stretched-out panties and walk beside him to his house. He doesn't seem bothered by the fact he's not wearing a shirt, and thankfully, the walkway between his garage and house is concealed by trees and his fenced-in backyard. Otherwise, I'm sure the congregation at the Methodist Church next door would be scandalized by his shirtless chest.

Not that they're there on a Friday night. The lot was empty when I passed by.

The moment we're inside the house, he spins me around and presses me against the door. His erection is hard once more, as he rocks his hips against me. "I hope you're not planning on getting much sleep tonight. If I'm not going to be able to have you for the next week, I'm going to have to try to get my fill tonight."

I shrug, reaching between us and stroking his erection. "I can sleep tomorrow. Tonight, I'm all yours."