Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Mia stuck close to her mom's side. "So, just out of curiosity, would you rather have a gentle daughter-in-law, or someone a bit more of a handful, like me?"

Madison shot her daughter a look, tired of always having her in tow. "You're not a little kid anymore—why are you still glued to me like my shadow?"

Mia hugged her mother's arm. "Henry still follows his mom around every day. If he can do it, so can I!"

Madison couldn't help but smile. "And why are you asking all these questions?"

Mia's eyes twinkled as she tried to play it cool. "Just curious, that's all."

Madison replied, "Whether it's a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law, what matters most is that our kids are happy. We can give advice, but the choice is theirs."

Mia grinned, pushing a little further. "But what if your daughter-in-law is a total princess?"

Madison was momentarily speechless.

***

Riverbend Residences.

at the clock-it was already eight, and Leo still wasn't

closed her book and called her boyfriend. "Chad, what time are you coming

"Chunky and I are still at the office. If you're sleepy, go to bed early and lock up. I've got

sighed, disappointment in her voice. "You're not going to get home until one or two in the morning

Leo was working at the university incubator, Anya didn't mind his busy schedule-he'd still pick her up after class and walk her home. But ever since he started his own company over the summer, he was coming home later and later. Some nights, Anya would already be asleep by the

to him in the bathroom. Every time, she'd glance at the clock on

"I'll come back earlier tonight, just for

ended up

to come home early so we can spend time

you to get some real sleep She'd looked it up-startups were tough. Sometimes founders even crashed at the

Anya was torn.

early, he pulled her into his arms, breathing in her scent. His lips traced from her ear

and Leo's husky whispers in her ear sent shivers through her, her heart thudding wildly. "Hey, do you love

and

wanted to let go, as if he could just melt into

to come home early to rest-but even

couldn't help but feel a