Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 460

The next morning, Allison woke up early, sunlight barely peeking through the hotel curtains. She grabbed a quick breakfast-fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a croissant dripping with strawberry jam-then got ready for the day. Today, she was heading out to a lake in the countryside, a much-needed escape from the city.

In the parking lot, Joshua glanced at Brooklyn, who stood by with his typical poker face. "You can head back. I've got things covered," Joshua said, hoping he'd take the hint.

Brooklyn barely blinked. "I only take orders from the boss."

Joshua almost groaned. Just his luck—he'd finally planned a trip with Allie, just the two of them, and Brooklyn was determined to play chaperone. Brooklyn was great at his job—loyal, sharp, always on guard—but subtlety wasn't his strong suit.

Allison caught Brooklyn's eye. She knew he spent all his time looking out for her, practically glued to her side, working tirelessly without a break. Honestly, if anyone deserved a little downtime, it was Brooklyn. Besides, being out in the wild, you never knew what could happen. An extra set of hands wouldn't hurt.

She knew what Joshua was hoping for: time alone. But she figured she could solve that once they got there.

"Brooklyn, you should come with us," Allison said with a smile.

Brooklyn nodded. "Okay."

Transportation was the least of their worries. Joshua made a quick call, and within minutes, a black SUV rolled up to the curb.

They drove out of the city, and after about twenty minutes, the car pulled up beside the lake. Normally, the place would be crowded with tourists snapping photos, but today it was almost eerily peaceful. Allison had a sneaking suspicion Joshua had pulled some strings to keep things private.

The driver stayed in the car while Allison, Joshua, and Brooklyn got out.

The view was unreal.

Allison stopped in her tracks, completely mesmerized. The sky stretched overhead, a deep, endless blue, with clouds drifting by like lazy brushstrokes. The lake mirrored the sky, sparkling in the sunlight like someone had scattered diamonds across the surface.

Surrounding the lake was a sea of wildflowers-yellow, purple, white-swaying gently in the breeze. Butterflies fluttered from blossom to blossom, bees buzzed in the air, and everything felt alive and untouched.

his camera, snapping photo after photo, trying to

"Allie, stand over there.

was wearing a light blue and white gingham dress with a big white bow at the neckline and tiny daisies embroidered across the skirt. She hadn't brought anything casual for this trip—just work clothes-so Joshua had insisted on a shopping trip the night before. The dress was perfect: fresh, bright, and just

like she belonged in a fairy tale. The wind played with the hem of her dress, making

Joshua snapped away, patient and focused. Even without makeup, she looked impossibly beautiful-porcelain skin, delicate features, eyes that

every angle-close up, far away, profile, candid. Every shot looked straight out

filled the memory card with pictures, Joshua called Brooklyn over. "Can you take a photo of

picture together. Joshua explained the camera controls, then stepped beside Allison. The last time they'd posed like this was in Harper's Grove, back when they were still crazy about each other, arms wrapped tight and smiles that said

camera flashed, Joshua only had eyes

and Brooklyn wandered off,

Joshua strolled

lakeshore. The

sound of cows, birds cutting across the sky, and the breeze carrying the scent of

they walked, they unconsciously drifted closer, something warm

foot on

reached out and caught her,

arms, surrounded by the clean, woodsy scent that always reminded

they were impossibly close. Joshua bent down, their noses almost touching, their breaths

Time seemed to stop.

Their eyes met.

pounded so

everything

just the two of them and the wild rhythm of

им