Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"It's so hot out."

Anya shrugged. "I don't mind a bit of sunburn."

Milka looked her over, half-amused, half-envious. "Ah, to be young and fearless."

It was midday and the heat was relentless. Not a soul on the street, barely even a car rolling by. The sun baked the road signs until they shimmered, making the world waver like a mirage.

Anya walked along with a sun umbrella and a bag of fruit. After a few minutes, she needed a break, but the first bench she tried nearly burned through her jeans. She hopped up, dusted herself off, and found another seat in the shade. There, she dug into her fruit, savoring the cool sweetness.

By the time she made it home, only one orange remained from the four she'd bought. Half a box of lychees, too. She hit the supermarket downstairs for more and lugged her bounty upstairs.

Back home, the sheets and covers she'd washed that morning were fluffed up and sun-dried on the balcony. She made the bed, took a shower, and stretched out on the sofa for a blissful nap.

Later, Leo called. "Hey, still looking for the boys? They're both at the Cedillo place."

nap, Anya headed over to the Cedillos'

at the studio, running the weekly meeting. He moved through the agenda, all

by his uncle. Now, sitting in Cedillo

meeting finished an hour later, Leo gave out next week's priorities, still ignoring Alyna. He

I'm heading out early. She's coming to my place. Just grab

waved it off. "I

He jingled his keys.

in his tone and looked at Chunky

middleman, shrugged. "He's picking up

hers. And even if she'd asked, it's what he

looked different than he remembered, but really, it hadn't changed-only his

came out, trailed by the two Henry boys, both

Sis!" The twins tumbled out of the car and tackled

with kisses. "Did