writer for an exclusive Austin clothing store chain. My youngest sister is home for the summer. She’ll be a sophomore in college and wants to teach.”
“Parents? And where’s home?”
“My dad has a feed store in Lubbock and my mom is a dental hygienist. So what about your family other than Caroline?”
“Besides my late brother, Adam, I have two other brothers. Zach, who is rarely home because of his job, and the youngest, Ryan, works in Houston. My parents divorced years ago, and my mother is twice remarried and lives in Atlanta now. My dad recently passed away and his estate isn’t settled yet. That’s it.”
“Your brother who is rarely home—does he have any responsibility in Caroline’s care?”
“No. I’m her guardian and I’ve always been closer to her and to Adam. He was born three years before I was. Zach is thirty-two, four years younger than I am. He’s in demolition and travels because he works in Europe and Japan—all over the world, actually. He’s good at what he does, but rarely home. Ryan is twenty-nine. He’s the one who lives in Houston and has taken over a drilling company we own. None of us are really daddy material.”
“So tell me about Caroline, as well as her nanny. What does she like to do? All kids have something they like.”
“Swimming. If you like to swim, bring your swimsuit. It’s a way to interact with her. Also, she likes to read.”
“She’s five and can read—that’s early, and it’s good news.”
“She won’t participate at school, so they don’t know how well she reads. I tell her teacher that she reads at home, but since she won’t read at school or say what she’s read, her teacher is skeptical.”
“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