James only hit the books because there was no one to play with he wasn't exactly doing it for fun.

In the Calder family living room, Mrs. Calder was busy teaching her son poetry, while Mr. Calder was itching to take him outside for a swim.

“What's with you?” Mrs. Calder huffed. “You're holding back my educational progress.”

Mr. Calder just grinned. "Let the kid play. Why start studying so early? He'll have to learn this stuff eventually anyway—there's no escaping it. Might as well let him run wild while he can."

With that, Mr. Calder grabbed his son's hand and hauled him off for some real childhood fun.

Lately, James and his much-older dad had been getting along better than ever.

That evening, Leo was waiting at the Cedillo family's gate to pick up Anya.

He spotted her coming out in slippers, dangling her shoes and socks from one hand.

"What happened to you?” he asked.

cheeks. "Got soaked

knowing look. “Let me guess, you got wet chasing

all too well what kind

While she was in the bathroom, he stayed at the sink, scrubbing her muddy

I'll wash them in a minute! You don't have to


just called back, "What does it matter who washes

slid open the bathroom door a crack, steam curling around her as she peeked out, eyes soft and misty. "Chad,

her-the steamy air, Anya's flushed cheeks, dark hair stuck in damp strands to her face. He could just imagine what she looked like behind the glass. His breath quickened,

could sense trouble coming her

minutes later, Anya was backed up against the bathroom wall, arms bracing against

and leaned in closer. "Still embarrassed

shade of pink, her heart thumping

bathroom grew hotter with more than just

world outside faded away-though if you listened hard enough, you might have caught the

but Leo seemed to have endless energy. She felt like she was melting into

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