Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

As soon as those words left her mouth, the four elders in the room quickly made their way out.

"Kids these days, they're just too liberal!" one of them muttered.

Molly found herself in a bind; she'd rather face anything than do a sports drill.

Chad hadn't expected this turn of events and hesitated before saying, "No way, if we have to bargain, it's just for one." Molly pouted, "Nope, ten."

Chad, ever the negotiator, laid out his terms clearly, "A peck on the cheek counts as 0.5, a kiss on the lips is worth 2."

No sooner had he finished than all the elders retreated to their bedrooms.

Feeling outmatched, Molly fumed, "Chad, you sly fox. Back off, I'm done."

Chad, quick to leverage his position, threatened, "I'm calling Andre right now."

Molly, gritting her teeth, conceded, "Fine, let's just do this."

Chad released her, triumphant, and couldn't resist reminding, "Choose wisely which kiss is worth it."

Molly, kneeling on the yoga mat and wrapping her arms around Chad's neck, aimed for his cheek, but Chad turned, making their lips meet.

Molly recoiled instantly, her eyes flaring.

With no one else in the living room, Chad sat down on the yoga mat, pulling Molly close with a mischievous grin, teasing her with the math, "If it's a lip kiss, you owe me 20 more. But if it's the cheek, you're in debt for 90." "Can I pay in installments?"

Chad responded, "Interest usually applies to installments."

"What kind of interest?"

in again, this time acutely aware of

as if he wished to devour Molly completely. At the right moment, Chad released Molly. Observing her flushed face and bitten lip, he chuckled, "Better pay off the 'principal' soon. I'm all about compounding

still tingling with his presence, "That's illegal,

hint of their intimacy, adding to their flirtation. Molly's ears reddened

the yoga mat, "Molly, hold my knees. It's

Molly's embarrassment deepened!

Chad's feet, pressing down on his knees, watching him effortlessly complete the sit-ups, "1, 2, 3,... 19, 20, 21, ... 49.1, 49.2, 49.3, ... 49.99,

had Molly beside him on the yoga mat, mindful of their surroundings. His breath warm, he warned the girl beneath him, "Pray you survive the night." He got up, adding, "I'm off

dinner, the Byrne family enjoyed a harmonious meal. Coleen, curious about the outcome, asked, "How many sit-ups did Chad

glanced at the silent woman

of yours heard Mom call my

turned to Molly, "How many did

nibbling on her fork, sheepishly replied,

bounced between her children, resigning herself to the fact. Her daughter had married into a "good family," yet

Molly's room, pointing to his own next door, "I only have one request for you. It doesn't matter if

her hairline, "I'll move, of course, but um,

for a response,

joined them in the living room, finding Molly and Grandma Aubree cuddling, barely paying attention to the show. He didn't mind; he watched along. Grandma

without interruptions." Grandma Aubree was about to agree when Chad chimed

him. He's a cop, not a doctor. Why would anyone seek his help for health issues?

indignant, pressed Chad, "How pitiful, and

him the same