Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 10

Back at her villa, Allison carried her gift inside, juggling it with her suitcase as she continued packing. As she tucked away the present meant for Joshua, her thoughts wandered back to his composed and striking face.

They went way back.

Their families lived just a couple of blocks away in the same neighborhood, so they often crossed paths as kids. Joshua was four years her senior. The first time she laid eyes on him was at the Fisher family's place. Her parents had taken her along for a visit. She was just ten then, still a kid, while Joshua already looked like he had stepped right out of a teen drama as the leading heartthrob.

Allison could still recall her first glance at Joshua, thinking he was unbelievably cute. His face had an almost intimidating allure, but his eyes were as chilly as a winter's day. Her mom nudged her to say hello, and she obediently called out, "Joshua."

In her memory, Joshua was always a bit distant. He replied with a simple "Hello." She figured he must be tough to get along with, and this assumption stuck with her for years.

Rose caught wind of it and suggested to her father Javier,

Allison's mother had passed, and her carefree nature had shifted drastically over five years. She'd grown from

need your help," was her greeting when

a plain white tee and dark gray

voice carrying a playful yet nonchalant

to be strict and demanding, but she was wrong. After going through her math papers, Joshua simply furrowed his brow

touch that made math seem less intimidating to her. He even showed her two or three different ways to solve

you're amazing! It's been ages since

admitted with a grin. "I did

tutored her for two whole months. He was a junior at Lakeside College then and devoted almost his entire summer

and when her classes resumed, Joshua was still on break. Every afternoon, Allison