Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Patty never imagined she'd get played by a newbie-let alone more than once. She shot Anya a glare, already hatching a plan to elbow her rival out of the company for good.

Milka was used to whispers about her at work. Usually, the hot topic was her and Director Grant. But today, she was surprised to find herself starring in a whole new rumor.

“Milka, what does your boyfriend do? I heard he's on the team or something?”

“My boyfriend?” Milka raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Yeah, the guy who picked you up after work the other day."

The rumor mill kept spinning, just changed direction.

Director Grant caught wind of it too. Using work as an excuse, he called her into his office. "Milka, is that guy your boyfriend?”

little smile. "Why does that matter

just want to know if I

answer was swift.

with it. "Well, if I don't try, how will I know I'm out

about it—no dodging, no returning the question. The fact that she wasn't direct? That had

maybe he still had

finally cooled off-only for the heatwave to return with a vengeance two days later. By afternoon, the cicadas were back in full chorus, their constant buzz making it impossible to catch a good

all napping in their rooms, and only a few housekeepers drifted by, steps feather-light so as not to wake

his grandpa for comfort. Wayne snoozed

even deeper. Every now and then, Wayne would roll over, open his eyes just long enough to make sure his brother and grandpa were still there, then flop back down and drift off again. In Wayne's little-kid world, these brief check- ins didn't

guessed his daughter-in-law had gone to the library, Henry figured Mom was out with

had gone out