Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 32

"I need to wake up at ten," Allison said, lounging on the couch and glancing up at him with a relaxed smile. She had a little milk mustache going on, and it was oddly charming.

Joshua's gaze darkened just a bit, and he swallowed hard, awkwardly looking away. "Get some sleep early, goodnight," he mumbled.

Without waiting for a response, he headed straight for the stairs.

Allison, blissfully unaware of his internal struggle, went back to leisurely sipping her milk.

The following morning, Joshua knocked on Allison's door just before her alarm could buzz.

"Allie, rise and shine."

Allison blinked her eyes open, retrieved her phone from under her pillow, and checked the time. 9:59. Right on the dot.

After freshening up, she found breakfast already waiting on the table—a simple bowl of oatmeal.

She sat down, unwrapped a packet of utensils, and took a sip. Her eyes lit up. "This tastes exactly like the oatmeal from that diner near our office!"

her, didn't even glance up. He just

bit puzzled-what was

sip, confirming the taste was spot-on with the diner

suspiciously. "Did you pick this up from

replied, his

"How'd you even know about that

quite a trek from the hotel, at least a ten-mile

couldn't keep it under wraps, Joshua admitted, "I've

Allison was floored.

had come to Oak Lake just

she

Her surprise got the better

her a napkin.

did you come? How did I not

the year after, and

beat, the realization hitting her like a wave. Joshua had been visiting Havenbrook, year after year,

the room had signs of someone regularly staying there he

hanging between them, and her heart raced. She didn't want to delve into it just yet, and quickly shifted the topic. "Thanks, Joshua. This oatmeal