Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo turned, spotting the girl in the middle of the river, and jogged toward the riverbank, his heart racing.

Anya rolled up her sleeves, joining the other kids playing by the water. Some had stripped down to their swimsuits, floating with the help of swim rings. But Anya didn't head for the shallows; she ventured to where the water reached her knees. "Anya!" Leo called out, his voice unusually stern.

Startled, Anya turned to see Chad rushing to the bank, standing next to his shoes. "Ah, Chad."

"Where are you off to?" Leo extended his hand. "Come here!"

Anya stood her ground, reluctant to move. "Chad, I want to play."

"If you want to play, stay in the shallow end. What are you doing out there?" Leo scolded.

Her dress hem was already wet, one hand clutching the fabric. "I don't want to come out-" she said softly.

Leo started to take off his shoes, preparing to wade in after her. Just then, Mia shielded her eyes from the blazing sun and ran over. "Anya, come to the shallow part; it's too deep there."

"I want to catch fish."

"If you want fish, Aunt Mia will buy some for you. Come out now. What if you get swept away by an undercurrent?" Mia beckoned from the shore.

Anya eyed the current swirling around her legs, hesitating.

Then, Leo, having removed his sneakers and socks, rolled up his pant legs and followed her in. "Do I really need to come and get you?"

Seeing Leo approach, Anya quickly made for the shore. "Chad, no need to come down; I'm coming out."

of Anya. "You still owe me a scolding! What were you thinking, going out there? This place is full of students and kids splashing around. There are no fish here." Soon after, Hansen hurried over. "Young lady, why are you in the water again? You're even more lively than Henry."

need to catch them. People might think we can't afford

Mia bought paper towels for the two drenched adventurers to dry their feet and put on their shoes. Hansen immediately went to

stern gaze on Anya, who, feeling guilty, hung her head. "If Chad eats the fish, he'll pass his exams," she

"Who told you

guessed," Anya replied, biting her

been trying

study sessions, but Anya could also see the light in Chad's bedroom from her window. Plus, he

trunk of Chad's car,

library, he was reading professional books. So I guessed Chad wants to change his major for graduate studies. But I didn't dare tell anyone at home. Chad didn't want me to know, so I pretended I didn't. But they say eating the fish from here makes it easier to pass exams. What if Chad eats the fish and passes next year's

his earlier sternness dissolving into surprise, then settling

him

about Chad is dangerous for you," Leo said huskily, his

not meet Leo's

looked like a young man

let me go check on her. Leo can't hold his tongue,

"Go ahead."

and Mia ran over with a towel. "Anya, dry your feet and put on your shoes. Your grandfather and I have already bought fish

took the remorseful Anya by the hand. "It's okay, Anya. We won't listen to Leo. If you want to play in the water, after Aunt Molly eats, she'll join you. Just don't go in

Andre and Chad, both slightly intimidating figures to Anya, received a

on a cushion, his father gently fanning