Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Javier barely reacted-just a quiet "Mm," and left it at that.

Linda had no idea what that "Mm" was supposed to mean. Was Javier unimpressed with Watson? Or had he already accepted him?

Watson's visit to the Owens family was a rare occasion where both Linda and Javier were home. Watson, ever the gentleman, never showed up empty-handed. Every visit, he brought a gift. But until now, Linda and Javier had never both been there to receive him.

Watson greeted Javier with a polite nod and handed over his gifts: two bottles of vintage Maotai and a cake of premium tea. He'd done his research-Javier didn't smoke, but enjoyed good tea and the occasional drink.

The housekeeper took the gifts while Javier glanced at them, a hint of approval flickering in his eyes. Just a hint, though. He wasn't about to hand over his precious daughter to someone just because of a couple of thoughtful gifts.

"You're very considerate," Javier said, his tone polite but distant.

Linda was much warmer. She smiled, "Watson, you really shouldn't have just having you here is enough. No need for gifts!"

Watson smiled back, gentle as always. "It's the least I can do."

over, grabbing her hand. “Julia, let's

Julia grinned. "Sure, Lizzy!"

girls upstairs, Allison and Watson settled onto the living room sofa. The housekeeper brought out hot

"Thank you."

to the point. "You said you wanted to talk about a case. We can do

Watson nodded. "Alright."

the case discussion, completely focused. Javier didn't stick around-he glanced at them, then headed off to the tea room. Linda took the hint and left as well. As she walked out, she looked back at Watson and Allison, sighing to herself. They really did look good together. If only Allie could let go of Joshua, she

...

the law firm, Allison finally felt like herself again. After more than a month recovering in the hospital missing court and having other lawyers cover her cases she was itching to get back to work. She'd wanted to look over the files, but her friends wouldn't let her. No matter how much she argued, they told her to focus on getting better

firm survived just fine without you. Everyone's got cases-nobody's starving, and the place isn't about to go

discharged, Allison

new lease on life. Sitting back in her familiar office chair, she closed her eyes

stack of manila case files on