Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 519

Back at Cloudscape Community, Juniper lounged in a rocking chair, playing a game on her phone and eating ice cream. Registration was done, and the mandatory orientation training would begin tomorrow.

Nearby, Shanley and Dana were packing a suitcase for her. She wouldn't be allowed to leave campus during the training, which meant she'd have to stay in the dorms.

"It's going to be so hot..." Dana said, looking at Juniper with a pained expression. "Ms. Payne is so delicate. How will she endure it?"

"Mr. Schwartz, maybe you could speak with the university? Get her excused from the training?" she pleaded.

Dana had heard that the instructors Eclara University hired this year were all retired veterans, some even from special forces. She could only imagine how strict they would be. Ms. Payne was used to the meals at home, and she needed Mr. Schwartz with her to sleep at night…

Oh, Dana was genuinely worried.

Instead of making a decision, Shanley looked over at Juniper, seeking her opinion.

"No need," Juniper said dismissively, her words slightly muffled by the food she was chewing. "The training sounds like fun."

It had been a while since she'd had a proper workout. This was a good opportunity.

"Let her be," Shanley said to Dana with a smile. "Just pack some more healthy snacks for her." With all that physical activity, she was bound to get hungry.

"Of course, Mr. Schwartz." Dana bit her lip, holding back any further arguments. It was a two-week training. She could only hope Ms. Payne would make it through.

...

The next day, Juniper woke up early and headed for Eclara City.

"Yes," Shanley admitted without hesitation, his finger gently tapping the tip of her nose. His voice was laced with a captivating charm. "I'm older. A little insecure."

Juniper stared at him for a few seconds before her lips moved. "Don't worry. It's not like just any man can catch my eye."

"Is that so?" Shanley's grip on her hand tightened, his throat bobbing as his voice grew even huskier. "That's a relief to hear, Juniper."

Their eyes locked. Being this close, it was hard not to feel a spark.

"I'm going," Juniper said abruptly, pulling away and pushing the car door open.

Before Shanley could react, she was gone, disappearing through the school gates. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a resigned laugh. She was a legal adult, a university student, and he had successfully confessed his feelings… so why did he still feel a pang of guilt whenever he was with her? Could this be... the age gap?