Relentless Pursuit

“Do you think Caroline is really reading?”

“I know she is. She started reading very simple books before her dad was killed. The beginner Dr. Seuss books, for example.”

“She was young to be reading like that.”

“Her dad doted on her and worked with her. She’s a sharp kid, so that makes her withdrawal painful. If it was a book she liked, she would talk at length about what she read. I give her books because that’s one thing that seems to please her.”

“I take her reading as a hopeful sign. If she likes to read, it will give her tutor a chance to reach her.”

He glanced at their plates. “We’re both finished. Would you like dessert? They have great ones.”

“No, thanks. We’ll head for the bookstore. There’s one close.”

He escorted her to a waiting limo. At the bookstore Will held the door for her, watching the slight sway of her hips as she entered, momentarily forgetting his mission while he thought about Ava. He wanted to ask her out for an evening where no business would be discussed.

She led him to the children’s section and began to pick out books. “How about this one?”

“Caroline has that book and likes it,” he said, looking at a familiar story. “I can’t remember everything she has. Get what you want and I’ll call Rosalyn and ask her.”

“I can bring it back if she already has it.” While Ava strolled along the row of books, Will watched her, catching up with her when she stopped to pull out a book.

“That you have no men in your life surprises me. And six years is a long time.”

“I’m not interested in going out with anyone. Actually, I’m too busy.”

“No one is that busy.”

She paused to smile at him. “And you’re offering to fill the void? Let’s stick to finding a tutor for your niece and then we’ll go our separate ways. Unfortunately, I don’t know many single, cute young tutors.”

“Under different circumstances, I would agree with you about going our separate ways, but there’s something going on here that prevents that,” he said, lowering his voice and stepping closer to her. Her eyes widened a fraction as she gazed at him.

“The electricity. You feel it the same as I do. Deny that,” he challenged softly, reminding himself in two days she’d be out of his life. This woman was too earnest for him. Ambitious, serious—not his type. But the next two days could be interesting.

She inhaled deeply and her cheeks flushed as she looked away. “Be that as it may, we’re sticking to books and reading and business,” she whispered. “There’s no place in my life for a brief affair. If I ever get involved with another man, it will have to be a deeply committed relationship. I doubt if that’s what you’re looking for.”

“Definitely not. I’m not into a strong commitment, a lasting relationship or marriage. No male in my family has done well in those situations.”

“Then we shouldn’t start even a casual relationship.” She moved along the row of books. “Does she have this?” she asked, withdrawing a first reader with bears on the cover.

His hand closed over Ava’s as she held the book. At the instant of contact she drew a deep breath, causing his pulse to speed a notch. She reacted to every personal remark or gesture, each touch.

“No. Not that I can recall,” he replied, looking at the cover.

“It’s a cute story. I’ll get this one.”

“You know your children’s books.”

“My doctorate is in early reading. I should know them.”

“If you’re getting more, I’ll hold the books you want while you look.” It occurred to him that she might be the perfect tutor for Caroline. A doctorate degree, dedicated to children—she was imminently qualified.

“Oh, yes,” she answered, moving away from him. He watched her, something easy to do. She would be at his house for two days. He made a mental note to clear his calendar and stay home with her the entire time. He would get past the barriers she had thrown up. If she hadn’t dated in six years, she was long overdue. He had not been fabricating the sizzling tension that existed since the first moment he saw her. She felt it as much as he did; she had not denied feeling it.

“What about this book?” she asked, holding out one with puppies on the cover.

He held one corner. “Let’s see the pictures,” he said, moving closer and catching the scent of her perfume. She turned the pages while he enjoyed standing close. As far as he knew, Caroline did not own the book, but he was savoring the moment. “I don’t think she has this one.”

“I love this story. Put this with the other one,” she said, handing the book to him and continuing her search. After she selected four books, they had a brief argument about who would pay, which he won.

“When do you want me to come pick you up?” he asked as they headed out and toward her home.

“Early evening. I’ll be ready,” she said.

He nodded. “Good enough. I’ll take the books because they’re going home anyway.”

“Fine. Thank you, and thanks for the lunch. I’ll see you soon,” she said at the door. He watched her step into the building before he returned to the limo.

She was flying home with him, and he would have the next couple of days to try to talk her into staying this summer and tutoring Caroline herself. He had already made a decision about who he wanted to tutor Caroline. None of the tutors on her list were as qualified or had the great references that Ava did. She was the best possible person, and he had long ago learned it was usually worth more to get the best. Whatever Ava decided, he intended to get to know her. The challenge she presented was irresistible when it involved a beautiful woman who had drive and intelligence.

Ava stood at the window and watched the limo disappear down the street. She wasn’t ready for the complication of a man in her life, and William Delaney would be a big-time complication. Sparks had flown from the first moment they saw each other in the restaurant lobby—something that hadn’t happened to her since Ethan. Something she hadn’t wanted to have happen now. She could vividly recall the moment: taller than others in the lobby, Will had stood out from the crowd as he walked through the door. She had seen pictures of him in Texas magazines, the newspaper, local news, but they hadn’t done him justice. He had to be six-four. His compelling chocolate eyes, fringed with thick, slightly curly lashes had taken her breath. His thick wavy black hair was as appealing as his other features and together—eyes, hair, firm jaw—all made a lethal combination that packaged seduction. A supremely confident man with good reason. Born into wealth, life had been on his terms—most of the time. She suspected the problems with his niece had really thrown him. Caroline was a lovable frustration he was totally unaccustomed to facing.

Ava pulled her list of tutors out of her purse. It started with the one she thought the most qualified and the best to work with a traumatized child. Becky Hofflinger was wonderful with children and a highly successful tutor. Becky could use the money, and Ava guessed Will would be extremely generous.

She thought about the two thousand she would get paid for each day in Dallas. She could have stayed a week and he would gladly have paid her. She shook her head. The man had more money than one human needed.

Fly to Dallas, meet his niece and assess the little girl. From the first moment her heart had gone out to the child. It was heart-wrenching to lose a loved one, and for a child to lose her only parent in a tragic accident had to be devastating. Ava empathized. Her heartbreak and grief had diminished somewhat, although there were moments it hit again.

She didn’t want another relationship; she couldn’t imagine having one. Her own reaction to Will had shocked her. For the past six years she had lived in memories and hurt, trying to overcome loss. No one had held the tiniest bit of interest for her. Until Will Delaney came into her life.

As she showered and then dressed in red slacks, a matching red silk blouse and high-heeled red sandals, she had to admit she admired Will’s concern for his niece even more so because she had never expected that of him. She’d jumped to hasty conclusions.

Only time would tell.

Two

The buzzer rang, and Ava pressed the intercom listen button.

“Ava, I’ll come get your things.” Will’s deep voice had a slightly husky note, definitely unique and unforgettable.

When she opened her door, the impact of seeing him again was as electric as it had been the first time. Maybe more, she decided, too aware her pulse raced. He was breathtaking, too handsome, and getting to know him had revealed a caring man, which was a devastating combination. Along with his navy suit jacket, he had shed his tie. With the top three buttons unfastened on his snowy dress shirt, he looked more casual. Warm approval in his brown eyes gave her a rush of pleasure.

“You look great,” he said.

“Thank you. For our purposes though, it wouldn’t matter if I wore a tent and sported floor-length hair.”

“On you the long hair and tent would look good,” he said, smiling at her. Her heart skipped at that irresistible smile. Trying to get her mind off him, she turned away to retrieve her small bag and a carry-on suitcase, which he picked up before she could.

Within an hour they were airborne. She looked below at Austin. Sunlight splashed on the red granite of the state capitol as the plane headed north.