Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Carolyn was a total coffee snob. Everything had to be just right—from the beans

she chose to the way she brewed them. Anything less than perfect? She wouldn't touch it. Just a few days ago, she'd lugged a shiny new coffee maker and her favorite beans into Allison's office, all so she could make her own coffee whenever she dropped by.

When Allison walked in, the smell hit her right away-strong, bold, unmistakably Carolyn's. Carolyn was already at the counter, moving around like she owned the place, pouring hot water with practiced care.

"Want a cup?" Carolyn flashed her a bright smile.

Allison shook her head. "I'll stick with tea, thanks."

"Your loss." Carolyn grinned, cradling her mug as she sank into the couch. "You have no idea what you're missing-coffee brewed by me is basically art."

Allison rolled her eyes and set her folder down on the desk. "Tragic, really."

"So, what brings you here today?" Carolyn asked, watching as Allison filled the kettle, rinsed out her teacup, and started making her tea.

"Can't I just show up for no reason?" Carolyn said, a teasing lilt in her voice.

thought for a second of what Joshua had said downstairs-"just wanted to see her"-and couldn't help but

her a look. "Wow, what's with you

it up from

laugh. "You're something else. The guy you like says that to another woman, and here you are, making jokes about it to

it off. "Hey, you gotta find the humor, otherwise what am I supposed to do? Hold a knife to his throat

for that, so she just focused on

then looked up, her tone suddenly

replied

sounding both resigned and a little sad. "I figured as much.

I'vel

vefnet

to

even spoken to him

softening. "With him, I was always the one chasing. But with you, it's different. You're the one in control.