Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Chad turned with a playful threat in his voice, "Molly, you're not wearing anything under that blanket, are you?"

Molly clutched the blanket tighter, "You're going to be late for work. Even if I wasn't wearing pajamas, you wouldn't have time to notice."

Officer Chad grabbed his badge, ready to leave, but not before casting a glance at Molly. Despite her feigned bravery, he could see the fear in her eyes. "I can call in sick. It's just a phone call away." Molly watched Chad warily, thankful when he finally left for work.

On his way, Chad stopped by a department store to pick up a high-neck shirt and a tie, hoping they'd cover the love bites Molly had left on his neck. Throughout the day at the station, he dared not loosen his tie.

Molly planned to visit Mia in Maplewood Estates. They chatted on video call, both still in bed, faces unwashed, teeth unbrushed.

Surprised, they both wondered why the other was awake so early.

Through the screen, Molly spotted her nephew's round head and beamed with affection, "Look at that, my nephew slept in. What a sweetheart."

Mia glanced at her son, cradled in her arms, "Sweetheart? Andre stayed up till 3 a.m. playing video games. Still think he's a sweetheart?"

a special affection for Mia's son, Henry, and would spend hours playing with him without

"No word from her

more 'cosmic energy' then," Molly joked, rolling over in

sound asleep and smelling sweetly of baby lotion. The group chat buzzed with speculation on why Anya hadn't visited Maplewood Estates

on her backpack at the library, having promised to study with Chad but clearly too exhausted to

had dropped several levels, a likely culprit

imprinted on her face, was none the wiser until she saw herself in the car

who shrugged off her

was greeted with Henry's giggles as she showered him with

echoed with Henry's laughter, bringing joy

a video of Henry's laughter with his partners,

of Henry, prompting Andre to share more about

and joking about self-defense