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!"

across from her, didn't even glance up. He just murmured a

was

took another sip, confirming the taste was

"Did you pick this

replied, his

was surprised. "How'd you

at least a ten-mile drive. Why would Joshua

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

Allison was floored.

to Oak Lake

she

cough—" Her surprise got the better of

promptly handed her a napkin. "Easy

you come? How did I

and this year too," Joshua said,

wave. Joshua had been visiting Havenbrook, year after year, without

wonder the room had signs of someone

She didn't want to delve into it just yet, and quickly shifted the topic. "Thanks, Joshua.