Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Anya was still dozing in her bedroom while, out in the kitchen, Leo called over to Chunky, "I'm knocking on your door again tomorrow morning-don't even think about skipping our run. If you don't keep up, nothing else matters."

After they finished eating, Leo cleared the dishes, rolled up his sleeves, and started washing up. "No need to walk you out, Chunky. Go home and get some rest."

"Thanks for the free midnight snack. I'm heading out."

With the door clicking shut behind Chunky, Leo finished up in the kitchen and headed back to his room.

Outside, every tree had quietly turned gold, leaves piling up on the ground. Walkers crunched through them, each step echoing with a crisp snap.

On Havenbrook University's long, tree-lined path, a few students wandered along. The groundskeeper swept busily, but no broom could keep up with the endless fall of leaves.

Autumn was in full swing and everyone was bundled up in thick jackets.

Then, weaving through campus, came Henry-tiny sunglasses on, cruising in his little toy car. A sharply dressed man followed behind, sometimes having to jog to keep up.

rang, and the

and Jamie walked side by side, Denny and Katie just behind. "So it's a date- dinner

the curb and couldn't help but gush, "Look at him!

tapped his little hand on the steering wheel, and called out in

face lighting up. "I'm heading

at the back of Henry's car, reaching for Mia's bag and tucking it

the door for his mom, and helped her into the passenger seat before scrambling back

slipping on the sunglasses her son had left for her, grinning as she

a smile tugging at his

felt like the world held

face, while Henry's chubby cheeks glowed with

Mom's your navigator-turn right here, sweetie. This way—right,

overshot, but reversed with careful determination, then

economics professor, who had just finished his

got the better