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."

here." Soon after, Hansen hurried over. "Young lady, why are you in the water again? You're even more lively than Henry." The little bundle of energy had finally fallen asleep, and now it was Anya's turn. "I wanted to

some. You don't need to catch them. People might think

towels for the two drenched adventurers to dry their feet and

stern gaze on Anya, who, feeling guilty, hung her head. "If Chad eats the

furrowed. "Who told you I'm taking

replied, biting

recalling the secret he'd been

had asked her what Chad had been up to lately, so she paid extra attention. Not only did Andre know about Leo's late-night study sessions, but Anya could also see the light in Chad's bedroom from her window. Plus, he often spent weekends at the library, and Anya, curious

noticed the books in the trunk of Chad's car,

major for graduate studies. But I didn't dare tell anyone at home. Chad didn't want me to know, so I pretended

was taken aback, all his earlier sternness dissolving into surprise, then settling into an intense

him

for you," Leo

not meet

they looked like a young man lecturing a girl who

on her. Leo

"Go ahead."

a towel. "Anya, dry your feet and put on your shoes. Your grandfather and I have already bought fish for you, so no more going into the water,

want to play in the

slightly intimidating figures to Anya, received a

on a cushion, his father gently