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.

second of what Joshua had said downstairs-"just wanted to see her"-and couldn't help but mimic him, smirking, "I just wanted to

a look. "Wow, what's with you today? That's so

sigh. "Picked it up from Joshua. That's literally

but laugh. "You're something else. The guy you like says that to

trying to play it off. "Hey, you gotta find the humor, otherwise what am I supposed

answer for that,

looked up, her tone suddenly a lot more serious. "Are you and Joshua

Allison replied without

out a sigh, sounding both resigned and a little sad.

I'vel

vefnet

he's impossible to see. Other than

even spoken

I was always the one chasing. But with