Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn) novel Chapter 10

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Back at her villa, Allison carried her gift inside, juggling it with her suitcase as she continued packing. As she tucked away the present meant for Joshua, her thoughts wandered back to his composed and striking face.

They went way back.

Their families lived just a couple of blocks away in the same neighborhood, so they often crossed paths as kids. Joshua was four years her senior. The first time she laid eyes on him was at the Fisher family's place. Her parents had taken her along for a visit. She was just ten then, still a kid, while Joshua already looked like he had stepped right out of a teen drama as the leading heartthrob.

Allison could still recall her first glance at Joshua, thinking he was unbelievably cute. His face had an almost intimidating allure, but his eyes were as chilly as a winter's day. Her mom nudged her to say hello, and she obediently called out, "Joshua."

In her memory, Joshua was always a bit distant. He replied with a simple "Hello." She figured he must be tough to get along with, and this assumption stuck with her for years.

Then came high school and, with it, her struggles in math. Somehow, Joshua’s mother Rose caught wind of it and suggested to her father Javier, "Why not have Joshua tutor Allie? He aced his math exams with top marks!"

By then, Allison’s mother had passed, and her carefree nature had shifted drastically over five years. She'd grown from a carefree kid into a quiet, rebellious teen.

"I don't need your help," was her greeting when Joshua walked into her home.

Joshua was twenty-one then, tall and lean, easily over six feet. He wore a plain white tee and dark gray jeans. His hair was slightly tousled, lending him a rogue vibe.

"But I insist," he replied, his voice carrying a playful yet nonchalant tone.