Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

"It's really you." Allison's eyelashes fluttered down, her tone giving nothing away.

"You figured it out?" Joshua chuckled softly. "Watson treated me to coffee, so I thought I'd return the favor with afternoon tea. I'm just not the kind of guy who likes to owe people."

When he visited the law firm earlier, he noticed a lot of young faces. The receptionists, assistants, and even many of the lawyers seemed to be under thirty. Curious, he asked his assistant, John, what the trendy snacks and drinks were for this crowd. John enthusiastically listed off the must-haves.

Joshua had instructed, "Order some afternoon tea for Allie's firm, and make sure it's top-notch." If Watson thought coffee would win hearts, Joshua was ready to up the ante with something a little more extravagant.

John, ever thorough, knew exactly how Joshua felt about Allison. Treating the firm of the CEO's special someone called for nothing but the best. The milk tea was crafted with fresh milk and free from artificial creamers, the fruit was all imported and top-tier, and the cakes were from a luxury patisserie.

...

Allison listened to Joshua's reasoning, her lips quirking slightly. Was it really just about not owing anyone? She couldn't exactly call him out on it. Earlier, in front of her team, he'd practically claimed the law firm as part of his territory, and now he was playing this game with Watson. Since her team had been working hard and the food was already there, it seemed a waste to send it back. Allison sighed and asked, "How much did all this set you back? I'll pay you."

She could cover the cost herself; there was no need to owe Joshua.

Joshua's voice had a teasing edge to it. "Allison, it's not like I got it for you. Why pay me back? You're going to assign my company's cases to your team, right? A little goodwill can make a world of difference when they're working on our stuff."

Allison felt momentarily at a loss. "What are you implying?" she asked, frowning. "Are you suggesting my team works with a chip on their shoulder?"

"You've got to understand the grind," Joshua laughed. "Nobody loves their job all the time. Everyone's got a bit of resentment about work."

on her own past jobs, she recalled feeling some resentment, especially in those

think about paying me back," Joshua insisted. "I got it for

we'd handle your cases well without these

Allison," Joshua replied, sounding

to herself

Little perks like these did make the workday

had

her team this

and instructed

food, courtesy of our client, Mr.

receptionist

long, the table in the

Black Swan

must have cost

fortune.

Ar Fisher is amazing!

tasted cake this fancy

life!"