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!"

glance up. He just murmured

was

taste was spot-on with the diner she

"Did you pick this up from the diner behind

replied, his

you even know about that

trek from the hotel, at least a ten-mile drive. Why would Joshua go out

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

Allison was floored.

come to Oak Lake

she missed

cough—" Her surprise got the better of her, and she choked

her a

did you come? How did

and this year too," Joshua said, calm and

a wave. Joshua had

wonder the room had signs of someone

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