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 murmured

a bit puzzled-what was that

taste was spot-on with the diner

you pick

he replied,

surprised. "How'd you even know

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

keep it under wraps, Joshua admitted, "I've been to Oak Lake to

Allison was floored.

to Oak Lake just

she missed

surprise got the better of her, and she choked a

handed her a napkin. "Easy

come? How

after, and this year too,"

wave. Joshua

signs of someone regularly

unspoken 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 is really