Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn)

Joshua hauled over three more boxes and stacked them on the table in front of Allison.

Allison gaped at the growing pile. "Seriously? There's still more? Aren't we only working on two cases? That's five boxes of stuff now."

Joshua's lips curled into a small, knowing smile, his eyes warm with amusement. His voice was gentle. "These aren't case files. Why don't you open them and see?"

She shot him a look, half suspicious, half curious, and leaned over to tear at thenoveldrama

tape.

The boxes were sealed tight, with shipping labels plastered on top-definitely deliveries.

Joshua offered her a box cutter, all smooth and casual.

"A delivery?" Allison echoed, brow furrowed. "What is this?"

"Just open it," he said, nodding at the box.

She sliced open the first one. Inside sat a sleek, designer box, the logo practically glowing. She got it instantly.

Lifting the lid, she found a flawless white handbag nestled in tissue paper.

She looked up at him. “What's this supposed to mean?"

"A gift," Joshua said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "Today's May 20th-back home, couples celebrate 520 like it's a second Valentine's. If everyone else gets gifts, my Allie deserves one too."

She rolled her eyes, a little at a loss. "We're not a couple, Joshua. You don't have to buy me things."

Joshua leaned against the edge of the table, hands in his pockets, a lazy grin on his face. "That's exactly why I should. If I want to win you back, I can't just show up empty-handed, can I?"

Allison hesitated, then let out a quiet sigh.

“Joshua,” she said softly, meeting his eyes, her voice serious, "we can't go back. Too much has happened. We're not the same people anymore. We can't just undo all of it."

The window was cracked open, letting in a warm breeze tinged with the scent of orchids. Dusk seeped into the room, the light overhead bright and unyielding.

Joshua stood there, blocking the light, casting a shadow over her. He looked down at her, voice rough around the edges. I haven't moved on. I've been right here waiting for you."

Allison dropped her gaze, falling silent.

Joshua watched her a moment longer, then stepped closer. He bent down, bracing his arms on either side of her, boxing her in, his eyes

locked on hers

refus

to let her

retreat.

There was something fierce and vulnerable in the way he looked at her, his voice

low and magnetic. "Allie, let's try again. Please?"

Allison's gaze darted away, her reply barely above a whisper. "Joshua, don't do this."

The curtains fluttered in the breeze, then settled softly. Orchid scent hung in the air like a secret.

The space between them felt electric.

"Don't do what?" His voice was a velvet caress.

Allison's breath caught, her heart ̧ tripping over itself. She turned her head sharply, words tumbling out, stiff and defensive Aren't you with Carolyn now? Why come here and ask me to take you back?"

"Carolyn?" Joshua's eyes darkened. "She doesn't matter. She's just... someone

on the outside."

He kept her close, his tone gentle, coaxing. "Allie, come back to me."

Allison's pulse raced, her thoughts spinning.

Then her phone rang, slicing through the tension.

"Sorry, I have to take this," she muttered, pushing him away and reaching for her phone.

Javier's name flashed on the screen.

She lifted a finger at Joshua, signaling him to be quiet.

After being pushed aside, he just stood there, eyes shadowed, watching her as

she sank onto the couch and answered the call.