Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 272

“The physics and math teachers got into a fight over my ten-minute break between classes,” Juniper said, her tone animated and full of enthusiasm.

Shanley’s brow furrowed. “And what did you do?” he asked, his voice strained.

“I watched them fight,” Juniper shrugged nonchalantly. “By the time they were done, it was time for the next class. Problem solved, no one got the break.”

Of course, it wasn’t a real fight—just a lot of arm-waving and posturing, with neither one brave enough to throw the first punch. It was all very dramatic.

“Anything else?” Shanley asked, his lips twitching, not having heard what he was expecting.

“Nope.” Juniper shook her head and went back to her snacks, ignoring him completely.

Shanley sat beside her in brooding silence, a storm cloud gathering over his head. The suspicion that she was playing the field grew stronger. If that was the case… could he at least be her first choice? That way, she would have to like him more.

...

Half an hour later, they arrived home.

“Mr. Schwartz, Ms. Payne,” Dana said, setting out their slippers. “The door has been repaired. Ms. Payne, you’ll be able to move back into your room tonight.”

“Good,” Shanley nodded. He felt that until their relationship was defined, a little distance was necessary. He then turned to Juniper. “Still hungry? Want a late-night snack?”

“No.” The news that she had to move back to her own room had soured Juniper’s mood, and her appetite vanished.

As he turned to leave, she grabbed his hand. “I can only sleep if your arm is around me.”

With a gentle tug, she pulled him onto the bed and snuggled into his embrace.

Shanley froze, his breath catching in his throat. This girl was bold. He was, after all, a perfectly normal man. He stayed still, gently patting her back.

“Go to sleep,” he murmured.

Within five minutes, her breathing evened out, and she was sound asleep in his arms. He watched her, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of her cheek, his brow furrowed in thought. Did she like him or not? If she did, how could she tolerate another man’s advances?

Shanley sighed. He was nearly thirty and had never felt so utterly clueless. It was driving him mad. What could he do to make her care for him and him alone? Maybe… maybe he should just get rid of Melvin.