Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo gave Chunky's belly a playful slap. "Still hoping to drop ten pounds in your sleep?"

Firecrackers snapped and popped in the distance, thickening the air with smoke until everyone turned into hazy silhouettes.

Andre's car was parked far off, headlights dim. He sat quietly, watching the tall kid standing by the edge of the neighborhood.

In the rearview mirror, Noah caught Andre's expression calm but unreadable—- as they watched the fireworks get set up, lit, and burn out. Andre didn't say a word.

Leo had his arm around Chunky, laughing with a few of their buddies, all of them soaking in the fun at their little hangout.

Noah looked back again. Andre's eyes held pride, but seeing the place-old, rough around the edges-maybe there was a bit of sadness, too.

Beside Andre on the seat was Chunky's file. Noah knew these two-uncle and nephew—were stubborn as hell, both proud, both secretly looking out for each

other.

One of them left Cedillo Inc. but still kept a close eye on the company, sharp enough to spot trouble like Greg. The other, quick to say the harshest things and kick people out, but the moment Chunky got close to someone new, he ordered a background check-only relaxing when he knew there was no threat.

"Boss, want to go down?" Noah asked quietly.

gaze back. "Let's

party was winding down, and Andre

just as he turned, he caught a glimpse of

you still standing by

turned, forcing a

last time at the empty road, but the only thing left was a

about missing the celebration. "Chad, you didn't even let me be part of it! I'm not talking to

against the wall and called her. "Babe, I just

don't come running after me either! I'm tired of

a quiet corner, trying to win

piped up, "Hey Chunky, how come Leo's not back

the phone with his girlfriend. Let him be, we'll keep drinking." Chunky

said you're only allowed three beers tonight-this is

around, and

he'll hire you at our company for five years and teach you everything he knows. We're just making sure you get the

glanced out the door at Leo, still talking on the phone, and grumbled, "I have zero freedom. It's been so long since I've had fries or fried chicken, I can't even remember what