Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo trained until eight o'clock at night. Even with the air conditioning on in the gym, he collapsed on the floor, drenched in sweat, feeling as if someone had taken a hammer to his bones. Chad, for all his tough talk, took an hour off when evening rolled around, heading to the hospital to visit his girl.

The Cedillo's had come by in the afternoon. Naomi had wanted to stay but when Coleen appeared, she knew a mother's presence was preferred. And so, Naomi left.

Chad sat by the bed, holding Molly's hand with the IV drop in it. "How many bags of fluid have they given you today?"

"Four. Chad, can you stay tonight?"

"No." Chad knew what she was about to ask before she even said it. She wanted him to stay with her.

Molly withdrew her hand, angry that Chad wouldn't stay.

Chad looked down at his empty palm, and then back at her. "Don't get on my bad side, Molly. Andre had to punish Mia yesterday. Don't make me do the same to you."

He threatened her, but also left his hand open, waiting for her to return her hand to his. Molly was smart. She knew what he wanted. Frustrated, Molly returned her hand to Chad's. Chad gripped her soft hand, feeling as if he was holding his own heart.

Coleen felt a little unwell from recent stress and told Chad, "Stay with Molly for a while. I'll be back in half an hour."

She left, taking Grandma Aubree with her.

Now alone, Chad moved closer to Molly's bed. Molly looked up at him. Her heart was pounding. "Chad, I really like you."

Chad laughed. "So you don't love me anymore? You just like me?"

into Chad's eyes for too long. She was afraid she'd

commanded, "Remove the 'too',

avoid Chad's gaze. "You say

"It's you who loves

She mumbled, "I

pleased. "I love you

Chad still kept a distance from Molly, fearing he might make a mistake and

you need

"I feel safe when

saw through her. "Or do you just want to keep me tied to your side, ensuring I get some

his workload had increased. He

about him, which was why she wanted him

Molly leaning against Chad. "I should buy you some super glue, stick you right to

"Sure, mom. Just make sure it's good quality, strong enough

to go back to the

what you

Coleen asked Molly, "What did you

he'd get some

way back, Chad received